| Child's weight (pounds) |
6-11 |
12-17 |
18-23 |
24-35 |
36-55 |
56-83 |
84-111 |
112+ |
lbs |
| Infant Drops 80 mg/0.8 ml |
0.4 |
0.8 |
1.2 |
1.6 |
2.4 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
ml |
| Syrup: 160 mg/5 ml |
1.25 |
2.5 |
3.75 |
5 |
7.5 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
ml |
| Syrup: 160 mg/1 teaspoon |
-- |
½ |
¾ |
1 |
1½ |
2 |
2½ |
4 |
tsp |
| Chewable 80 mg. tablets |
-- |
-- |
1½ |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5-6 |
8 |
tabs |
| Chewable 160 mg. tablets |
-- |
-- |
-- |
1 |
1½ |
2 |
3 |
4 |
tabs |
| Adult 325 mg. tablets |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
1 |
1½ |
2 |
tabs |
| Adult 500 mg. tablets |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
1 |
1 |
tab |
Indications:
Treatment of fever and pain.
Table Notes:
- CAUTION: In May 2011, a move to one standard concentration of liquid acetaminophen
medicine for infants and children was announced. Up until this point, there have been
mainly 2 concentrations: 80mg/0.8ml (Infant Concentrated Drops) and 160mg/5ml
(Children's Liquid Suspension or Syrup). During this transition period, both old and new
concentrations of infant acetaminophen may be available on store shelves and in your
home. Before selecting a dose, please check your infant package carefully to find
the concentration. Then select the dosage according to the correct concentration and
child's weight.
- AGE LIMIT: Don't use under 12 weeks of age unless directed by child's doctor. (Reason: Fever during the first 12 weeks of life needs to be documented in a medical setting and if present, your infant needs a complete evaluation). EXCEPTION: Fever starting within 24 hours of immunization if child is 8 weeks of age or older. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age (Reason: FDA recommendations 10/2008).
- DOSAGE: Determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table
- BRAND NAMES: Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic acetaminophen
- FREQUENCY: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don't give more than 5 times a day.
- ADULT DOSAGE: 650 mg
- MELTAWAYS: Dissolvable tabs that come in 80 mg and 160 mg (jr. strength)
- SUPPOSITORIES: Acetaminophen also comes in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg suppositories (the rectal dose is the same as the dosage given by mouth).
- EXTENDED-RELEASE: Avoid 650 mg oral products in children (Reason: they are every 8-hour extended-release)
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker