Dosing Chart
We understand that at times it can be confusing to determine the right dosage of medicine for your child. Our experienced pediatric providers have provided a general overview of the recommended dosages for children using the chart below. This can be especially useful after a common children’s immunization, as it is not unusual for children to develop a slight fever during this time. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can be very useful in treating fever as a result of an immunization.
Acetaminophen Dosing
(Tylenol, Feverall suppositories, generic acetaminophen)
| Weight | Syrup (160mg/5mL) | Chewable 80mg | Chewable 160mg | Adult tab 325mg | Adult tab 500mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-11 lbs | ¼ tsp (1.25mL) | —— | —— | —— | —— |
| 12-17 lbs | ½ tsp (2.5mL) | —— | —— | —— | —— |
| 18-23 lbs | ¾ tsp (3.75 mL) | —— | —— | —— | —— |
| 24-35 lbs | 1 tsp (5 mL) | 2 tablets | 1 tablet | —— | —— |
| 36-47 lbs | 1½ tsp (7.5mL) | 3 tablets | 1½ tablets | —— | —— |
| 48-59 lbs | 2 tsp (10 mL) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets | 1 tablet | —— |
| 60-71 lbs | 2½ tsp (12.5mL) | 5 tablets | 2½ tablets | 1 tablet | —— |
| 72-95 lbs | 3 tsp (15mL) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets | 1½ tablet | 1 tablet |
| 96+ lbs | 4 tsp (20mL) | 8 tablets | 4 tablets | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
***Any Tylenol syrups made prior to 5/2011 need to have their concentration verified as there were two different strengths made at one time.
- Dosages may be repeated every 4-6 hours, however, do not give more than 5 times in a 24 hour period.
- Fevers under 3 months of age need to be evaluated by a physician.
- Please be sure to use syringes/droppers/measuring spoons as regular spoons are not reliable. If you need one, ask at your pharmacy.
- Suppositories come in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg strengths. These are to be given rectally in the same dosages by weight as described above.
- Avoid 650 mg products as these are intended to be used by adults only at 8 hour intervals.
Ibuprofen Dosing
(Motrin, Advil, generic ibuprofen) ***NOT recommended under 6 months of age
| Weight | Infant Drops (40 mg/1 mL or 50mg/1.25mL) | Syrup (100mg / 5mL) | Chewable 50mg | Chewable 100mg | Adult tablets 200mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-17 lbs | 1.25 ml | ½ tsp (2.5ml) | —— | —— | —— |
| 18-23 lbs | 1.875 ml | ¾ tsp (4 ml) | —— | —— | —— |
| 24-35 lbs | 2.5 ml | 1 tsp (5 ml) | 2 tablets | 1 tablet | —— |
| 36-47 lbs | —— | 1½ tsp (7.5ml) | 3 tablets | 1½ tablets | —— |
| 48-59 lbs | —— | 2 tsp (10 ml) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 60-71 lbs | —— | 2½ tsp (12.5 ml) | 5 tablets | 2½ tablets | 1 tablet |
| 72-95 lbs | —— | 3 tsp (15ml) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 96+ lbs | —— | 4 tsp (20 ml) | 8 tablets | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
- Dosages may be repeated every 6-8 hours as needed.
- Please be sure to use a medicine syringe/dropper or measuring spoon to accurately measure the dosages above. Regular teaspoons are not reliable.
If at any point you have a question or concern about medical treatment for your child, or want to know more about caring for your child after an immunization, we encourage you to reach out to our pediatricians who are eager to help provide the best care possible.
