PreviousNext

Medication

"Dr. Van Vleck thinks ahead to help my daughters prepare for summer, for social dynamics, athletics, and other things that go along with their ages. She provides 360 degrees of care in a kind and respectful manner." -M.C.

"We have been patients for 7 years and would not think about switching practices. The level of detail and advocacy that Dr. Sexter gives is most impressive. She is the best! We sleep better knowing that our son is in Dr. Sexter’s care. I’m so happy we found her." -D.Z.

"The kids both love seeing Dr. Long and she is always so thorough. It’s always a wonderful experience." -L.G.

"We love Spring Valley Pediatrics overall. We have always had great experiences and they are so willing to take the extra time with us every time we are sick. Our pediatrician, Dr. Caroline Van Vleck is the best pediatrician we have ever had. She cares for my children as if they were her own." -C.S.

"Dr. Sexter has always been pleasant, attentive and patient with my daughters as patients, and very patient with me when I have questions. She is thorough and always takes the necessary time to accurately diagnose my child. Her nurse Jennifer is exceptionally responsive, helpful, and the office is very well organized." -J.F.

"We are so grateful for the wonderful and dedicated care that Dr. Sexter has given to our daughter over the years — we could come to her with any problem, and she always helped her in such a compassionate and brilliant way. And we have always found the Spring Valley practice so lovely and accommodating, from the great nurses, to the lab, weekend hours, and morning call in times." –M.G.

"Dr. Long was very likable and easy to talk to. She immediately made my 5-year old feel comfortable. She explained things clearly and was a pleasure in general." -L.B.

"Dr. Long is always great with my daughter and very thorough. She is never rushed and always takes the time necessary to treat my daughter." -J.W.

"The doctors at Spring Valley Pediatrics are fantastic, caring, responsible, and responsive. Overall we have a great experience every time we come." -Z.Y.

"The practice will always let us schedule same day appointments and they are always able to fit us in. All the doctors are very kind and willing to spend extra time answering my questions." -N.C.

"I love that I can call in the morning and speak to my doctor directly during their call-in time. I never have a problem getting an appointment." -T.W.

"The doctors at Spring Valley Pediatrics have been wonderful in guiding both of my children - and us, as parents -- through complex chronic illnesses. We have two children in their 20’s now and we will greatly miss the care we have received." –M.G.

"We LOVE Dr. Sexter!! This is one of the best practices in the entire metropolitan area. We saw Dr. Palumbo for years before switching to Dr. Sexter several years ago when my daughter (entering adolescence) requested a female doctor. They are both superb." –P.G.

Pediatric Medication Guidance & Safety Tips — Washington DC

At Spring Valley Pediatrics in Washington, DC, we know that giving medications to children can raise questions and concerns. This guide offers trusted advice on pediatric medication safety, proper dosing, and when to consult your pediatrician to keep your child healthy and safe.

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 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

  1. Don’t give to a baby under 3 months without a doctor’s approval.
  2. Always use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
  3. The proper dosage is based on weight, not age.
  4. 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.
  5. Please remember to keep all medications out of your child’s reach at all times.

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.

Ibuprofen should not be used in babies under six 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

We’re Here to Help

If you have questions about your child’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call Spring Valley Pediatrics at 202-966-5000 or click here to request an appointment — we’re available every day, including weekends and holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Medication

Both are effective for reducing fever and relieving pain in children. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used in babies as young as 2 months (with physician approval for under 3 months). Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) should not be used in children under 6 months. For older children, ibuprofen tends to last longer (6–8 hours versus 4–6 hours for acetaminophen) and also reduces inflammation, which makes it better for pain from injuries, sunburns, or sore muscles. If you are unsure which is right for your child, call Spring Valley Pediatrics at 202-966-5000.

Yes — alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen is a common and effective strategy for managing persistent or high fevers in children over 6 months. Because the two medications work differently and are processed through different pathways, alternating them allows more continuous fever control without exceeding the safe dosing interval for either drug. A typical approach is to give one medication, then give the other 3–4 hours later, then return to the first. Always use weight-based dosing (see the charts above) and call Spring Valley Pediatrics if your child’s fever is not responding or if you have questions about timing.

Always dose by weight, not age. The dosing charts on this page show the correct amount for your child’s current weight. Use the measuring device that comes with the medication — never a kitchen spoon. If your child is between weight ranges, use the dose for the lower weight. If your child has recently gained weight, recalculate the dose — what was correct six months ago may now be too low.

Acetaminophen may be given every 4–6 hours as needed. Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours. Always wait the full interval between doses — giving it too frequently, even at the correct per-dose amount, can cause liver damage.

Ibuprofen may be given every 6–8 hours as needed. Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours. Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months, and use with caution in children who are dehydrated or vomiting significantly — contact our office in those cases.

Be very careful. Many over-the-counter cold and cough medicines already contain acetaminophen. Giving Tylenol on top of a cold medicine that includes acetaminophen can cause an accidental overdose. Always read the full ingredient list on any multi-symptom cold medicine before combining it with Tylenol. If you are unsure, call us before giving both.

Call Spring Valley Pediatrics at 202-966-5000. A fever that does not respond to appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or a fever above 104°F, or a fever in a child under 3 months of age warrants a call regardless of what medications have been given. Do not increase the dose beyond the weight-based chart in an attempt to bring the fever down faster.

Call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Do not wait for symptoms. Acetaminophen overdose is particularly serious because liver damage may not be apparent for 24–72 hours. If your child is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, or having a seizure, call 911.

No. Ibuprofen is not recommended for infants under 6 months. For fever or pain in babies under 6 months, use acetaminophen at the appropriate weight-based dose. For babies under 3 months with any fever above 100.4°F, call Spring Valley Pediatrics or go to the emergency room immediately — do not treat with medication and wait.

Not necessarily. Fever is the immune system’s response to infection and is not dangerous in most healthy children. The goal of medication is comfort — helping your child feel well enough to drink fluids and rest — not achieving a normal temperature number. If your child has a fever but is drinking fluids and is reasonably comfortable, it is acceptable to monitor without immediately giving medication. Call us if the fever is above 104°F, lasts more than 3 days, or your child seems very ill.

Link to: Contact Spring Valley Pediatrics

Contact Spring Valley Pediatrics

202-966-5000