Dosing of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
It is best to use a patient’s weight to dose them for medications. This is
meant to be a resource for how much medication can be given based on a child’s
weight. If you are not sure if you should give a medication, please call our
office.
Ibuprofen should not be given for a child who is less than 6 months old, no
matter what their weight is. Acetaminophen should not be given in a child
under 2 months of age without consulting with a doctor first.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Dose can be repeated every 4 hours as needed
- Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours
- Use only the dosing device (syringe or dosing cup) that came with the product
| WEIGHT in pounds |
Infants’ Oral Suspension (160 mg Acetaminophen in each 5 mL) |
Children’s Oral Suspension (160 mg Acetaminophen in each 5 mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 6-11 pounds | 1.25 mL | 1.25 mL |
| 12-17 pounds | 2.5 mL | 2.5 mL |
| 18-23 pounds | 3.75 mL | 3.75 mL |
| 24-35 pounds | 5 mL | 5 mL |
| 36-47 pounds |
|
7.5 mL |
| 48-59 pounds |
|
10 mL |
| 60-71 pounds |
|
12.5 mL |
| 72-95 pounds |
|
15 mL |
| Above 95 pounds |
|
Follow direction on packaging |
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Dose can be repeated every 6-8 hours as needed
- Do not give more than 4 times in 24 hours
- Use only the dosing device (syringe or dosing cup) that came with the product
- Do not give to children under age of 6 months no matter what their weight is
| WEIGHT in pounds |
Concentrated Infants’ Drops (50 mg in each 1.25 mL) |
Children’s Oral Suspension (100 mg in each 5 mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 12-17 pounds | 1.25 mL = 50 mg | 2.5 mL = 50 mg |
| 18-23 pounds | 1.875 mL = 75 mg | 3.75 mL = 75 mg |
| 24-35 pounds |
|
5 mL = 100 mg |
| 36-47 pounds |
|
7.5 mL = 150 mg |
| 48-59 pounds |
|
10 mL = 200 mg |
| 60-71 pounds |
|
12.5 mL = 250 mg |
| 72-95 pounds |
|
15 mL = 300 mg |
Additional Resources
For handouts containing anticipatory guidance for every age see Well Child and Adolescent Visits
The AAP has a website with answers to many common parenting questions. Here
is a link to it:
Healthychildren.org
For up to date information about COVID please visit the CDC website at cdc.gov