| Child’s Weight (lbs) | 6-11 | 12-17 | 18-23 | 24-35 | 36-47 | 48-59 | 60-71 | 72-95 | 96+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syrup: 160mg/5ml | 1.25 | 2.5 | 3.75 | 5 | 7.5 | 10 | 12.5 | 15 | 20 | ml |
| Chewable 80mg tablets | — | — | 1 1/2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | tabs |
| Chewable 160mg tablets | — | — | — | 1 | 1 1/2 | 2 | 2 1/2 | 3 | 4 | tabs |
| Adult 325mg | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 1/2 | 2 | tabs |
| Adult 500mg | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | tabs |
Table Notes:
- Caution: In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended liquid, chewable, and tablet forms of acetaminophen be made in just one strength. Since that time, manufacturers and retailers of pediatric acetaminophen have voluntarily worked to change the amount of acetaminophen in these medicines to one standard amount (160 milligrams [mg]). Some manufacturers have recently made chewable tablets into a single strength of 160 mg. Infant drops are no longer available. Liquid syrup acetaminophen is available as 160mg/5mL. Pediatric acetaminophen products on store shelves can continue to be used as labeled.
- Age limit: Do not use acetaminophen under 12 weeks of age unless directed by your pediatrician because fever during the first 12 weeks of life should be documented in a medical setting. If a fever is present, your baby needs a complete evaluation. (Exception: Fever from an immunization in a child 8 weeks of age or older. If present, please consult with your pediatrician.)
- Combination products: Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age.
- Dosage: Determine by finding child’s weight (in pounds) in the top row of the dosage table.
- Measuring the dosage (in metric units): Dosing syringes are more accurate than household utensils. Use the syringe or device that comes with the medication. If one does not come with the medication, ask the pharmacist for a medicine syringe. Household spoons are not reliable.
- Frequency: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don’t give more than 5 times a day.
- Oral disintegrating tablets: These are dissolvable tablets that come in 80 mg and 160 mg (junior 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 extended-release products in children.
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. Please call the office if you have further questions regarding the above information or concerns for your child.