Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen Dosages
Use this information as a guideline for caring for your child. We 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. Do not use longer than 48 hours without contacting the office. This is a guide and not a substitute for medical advice.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) reduces fever and relieves pain. Typical uses include fevers, immunizations, teething, earaches, bruises, headaches, etc. Do not use Tylenol for babies under 2 months of age.
Note: As of July 2011, infant concentrated drops are being phased out in the United States and replaced with a less-concentrated form. The concentrated drops are still safe to use as long as the dose is correct. The old form is three times as concentrated as the new infant medicine, so use caution: know your child’s weight and follow the dosage chart.
Available Forms
- Old infant drops: 80 mg / 0.8 ml per dropper
- New infant liquid: 160 mg / 5 ml (included syringe)
- 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: 120 mg
Acetaminophen Dosing Chart
Dosing: May give acetaminophen dose every 4–6 hours.
| Weight | Milligram Dose | Old Infant Drops 80 mg/0.8 ml |
Infant/Children’s Liquid 160 mg/5 ml |
Chewables 80 mg |
Junior 160 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 lbs | 40 mg | ½ dropper (0.4 ml) | ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) | — | — |
| 9–11 lbs | 60 mg | ¾ dropper (0.6 ml) | ⅜ tsp (1.875 ml) | — | — |
| 12–17 lbs | 80 mg | 1 dropper (0.8 ml) | ½ tsp (2.5 ml) | — | — |
| 18–23 lbs | 120 mg | 1½ droppers (1.2 ml) | ¾ tsp (3.75 ml) | — | — |
| 24–35 lbs | 160 mg | 2 droppers (1.6 ml) | 1 tsp (5 ml) | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 36–47 lbs | 240 mg | 3 droppers (2.4 ml) | 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) | 3 tablets | 1½ tablets |
| 48–59 lbs | 320 mg | — | 2 tsp (10 ml) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 60–71 lbs | 400 mg | — | 2½ tsp (12.5 ml) | 5 tablets | 2½ tablets |
| 72–95 lbs | 500 mg | — | 3 tsp (15 ml) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets |
Six Safety Tips for Acetaminophen
- Don’t give to a baby under 3 months without a doctor’s approval.
- Don’t confuse infant drops with the new infant liquid (drops are three times more concentrated).
- Always use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
- The proper dosage is based on weight, not age.
- Never give acetaminophen with other medicines unless directed by a doctor (many products also contain acetaminophen).
- Keep all medications out of your child’s reach at all times.
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) reduces fever, relieves pain, and fights inflammation. Typical uses include fevers, immunizations, teething, earaches, bruises, headaches, sunburns, and sore muscles. Do not use in babies under 6 months of age.
Available Forms
- Infant drops: 50 mg / 1.25 ml (1 dropper = 1.25 ml)
- Children’s liquid: 100 mg / 5 ml (1 tsp = 5 ml)
- Chewable tablets: 50 mg
- Junior strength tablets: 100 mg
Ibuprofen Dosing Chart
Dosing: May give ibuprofen dose every 6–8 hours.
| Weight | Milligram Dose | Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 ml |
Children’s Liquid 100 mg/5 ml |
Chewables 50 mg |
Junior Strength 100 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12–17 lbs | 50 mg | 1 dropper (1.25 ml) | ½ tsp (2.5 ml) | — | — |
| 18–23 lbs | 75 mg | 1½ droppers (1.875 ml) | ¾ tsp (3.75 ml) | — | — |
| 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) | 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) | 3 tablets | 1½ tablets |
| 48–59 lbs | 200 mg | — | 2 tsp (10 ml) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 60–71 lbs | 250 mg | — | 2½ tsp (12.5 ml) | 5 tablets | 2½ tablets |
| 72–95 lbs | 300 mg | — | 3 tsp (15 ml) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets |
Questions about dosing?
Please call our office for personalized guidance.