WCC RESOURCE CENTER

OTC Dosage Information

ACETAMINOPHEN DOSAGE

Child's weight
(in pounds)		 6-11# 12-16# 17-22# 23-34# 35-46# 47-59# 60-69# 70-93# >93
Milligrams (mg) 40mg 80mg 120mg 160mg 240mg 320-325mg 400mg 480mg 650mg
Infant drops (80mg/0.8ml) 0.4ml 0.8ml 1.2ml=1½ droppers 1.6ml=2 dropper 2.4ml=3 droppers        
Children's syrup (160mg/tsp)   ½ tsp ¾ tsp 1 tsp 1½ tsp 2 tsp 2½ tsp 3 tsp  
80mg chewable tablets     1½ 2 3 4 5 6  
160mg chewable tablets (juniors)       1 1½ 2 2½ 3 4
325mg tablets (adult strength)           1 1 1½ 2

  • Acetaminophen is the generic name for medications such as Tylenol®, Tempra®, Panadol®, etc.
  • General acetaminophen dosage is 5-7mg per pound per dose every 4-6 hours as needed.
  • Acetaminophen comes in suppository form, also, (brand name Feverall®) which is good to have on hand in case of vomiting. Dosing is the same as oral.
  • It is not recommended to use acetaminophen if a child is under three months of age (unless specifically recommended by a health care provider). "Treating" a fever or fussiness in this age group without knowing the cause of the symptoms can mask the illness and prolong a diagnosis.

IBUPROFEN DOSAGE

Child's weight (in pounds) 12-21# 22-32# 33-43# 44-54# 55-65# 66-76# 77-87# >87#
Milligrams (mg) 50mg 100mg 150mg 200mg 250mg 300mg 350mg 400mg
Pediatric drops (50mg/1.25ml or 100mg/2.5ml) 1.25ml 2.5ml 3.75ml 5ml        
Children's liquid (100mg/tsp) ½ tsp 1 tsp 1½ tsp 2 tsp 2½ tsp 3 tsp      
50mg chewable tablets   2 3 4 5 6    
100mg chewable tablets   1 1½ 2 2½ 3 3½ 4
100mg caplets (swallow)       2 2½ 3 3½ 4
200mg tablets (adult strength)       1 1 1½ 1½ 2

  • Ibuprofen is the generic name for medications such as Motrin® and Advil®.
  • General ibuprofen dosage is 3-5mg per pound per dose every 6-8 hours as needed.
  • Always give Ibuprofen with food.
  • Ibuprofen is not recommended for infants under 6 months of age (the safety has not yet been established and it is not FDA approved for this age group).

***IF YOU ARE USING ACETAMINOPHEN OR IBUPROFEN FOR MORE THAN 5 DAYS
(FOR FEVER, PAIN, ETC.) PLEASE CONTACT THE CLINIC***