Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Dosages
Use this information as a guideline for caring for your child. Your doctor may decide to adjust the dosage as appropriate for your child. Please remember to keep all medications out of your child’s reach at all times.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen reduces fever and relieves pain. Typical uses include fevers, immunizations, teething, earaches, bruises, headaches, etc. Please notify us prior to using Tylenol for babies under 2 months of age.
Acetaminophen is available in the following forms:
- Infant/Children’s liquid: 160 mg/5 ml
- Children’s chews or meltaways: 80 mg each
- Junior-strength chews or meltaways: 160 mg each
- Adult regular-strength tablets: 325 mg each
- Rectal Suppository:120mg
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosing Chart
May give acetaminophen dose every 4 – 6 hours:
| Weight | Tylenol Milligram Dosage | Tylenol Infant/Children’s liquid 160mg/5ml | Tylenol Chewables 80mg each | Tylenol Junior 160mg each |
| 6 – 8 lbs Ask your doctor before giving any medication to an infant under 3 months. | 40 mg | ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 9 – 11 lbs | 60 mg | ⅓ tsp (1.875 ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 12 – 17 lbs | 80 mg | ½ tsp (2.5 ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 18 – 23 lbs | 120 mg | 3/4 tsp (3.75 ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 24 – 35 lbs | 160 mg | 1 tsp (5 ml) | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 36 – 47 lbs | 240 mg | 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) | 3 tablets | 1 ½ tablet |
| 48 – 59 lbs | 320 mg | 2 tsp (10 ml) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 60 – 71 lbs | 400 mg | 2 ½ tsp (12.5 ml) | 5 tablets | 2 ½ tablets |
| 72 – 95 lbs | 500 mg | 3 tsp (15 ml) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets |
Five Safety Tips for Acetaminophen
- Don’t give to a baby under 3 months without a doctor’s approval.
- Always use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
- The proper dosage is based on weight, not age.
- Never give acetaminophen to a child who’s taking other medicines unless directed by a doctor. Other medicines may also contain acetaminophen, creating a dangerous overdose.
- Please remember to keep all medications out of your child’s reach at all times.
Ibuprofen Dosages
Use this information as a guideline for caring for your child. Your doctor may decide to adjust the dosage as appropriate for your child. Please remember to keep all medications out of your child’s reach at all times.
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Ibuprofen reduces fever, relieves pain, and fights inflammation. Typical uses include fevers, immunizations, teething, earaches, headache, sunburns, sore muscles, etc.
We recommend that ibuprofen not be used in babies under 6 months of age.
Ibuprofen is available in the following forms:
– Infant drops (50mg/1.25ml) Note: 1.25 ml = 1 dropper
– Children’s liquid (100mg/5ml) Note: 5 ml = 1 tsp
– Chewable tablets (50mg)
– Junior strength tablets (100mg)
Ibuprofen (Motrin / Advil) Dosing Chart
May give ibuprofen dose every 6 – 8 hours:
| Weight | Motrin Milligram Dosage | Motrin Infant drops 50mg/1.25ml | Motrin Children’s liquid 100mg/5ml | Motrin Chewables 50mg each | Motrin Junior 100mg each |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 – 17 lbs | 50 mg | 1 dropper (1.25 ml) | ½ tsp (2.5 ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 18 – 23 lbs | 75 mg | 1 ½ dropper (1.875 ml) | 3/4 tsp (3.75 ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 24 – 35 lbs | 100 mg | 2 droppers (2.5 ml) | 1 tsp (5 ml) | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 36 – 47 lbs | 150 mg | 3 droppers (3.75 ml) | 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) | 3 tablets | 1 ½ tablet |
| 48 – 59 lbs | 200 mg | N/A | 2 tsp (10 ml) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 60 – 71 lbs | 250 mg | N/A | 2 ½ tsp (12.5 ml) | 5 tablets | 2 ½ tablets |
| 72 – 95 lbs | 300 mg | N/A | 3 tsp (15 ml) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets |
