Pediatric Pain Relief
When your child is feeling unwell, it’s important to administer medication safely and effectively. We've built our recommendations on years of trusted care and a commitment to your child's well-being.
- Dose by Weight, Not Age: The most accurate and safe way to dose medication like acetaminophen is based on your child's current weight, not their age.
- Wait for Symptoms: It is best to give acetaminophen only if your child shows symptoms of discomfort, such as significant fussiness or a fever of 101°F or higher.
- Post-Vaccination Fever: It is not uncommon for a baby to develop a low-grade fever after receiving vaccinations. We do not recommend giving acetaminophen before a vaccination as a preventative measure.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Please remember that ibuprofen should not be given to infants under six months of age.
- Follow Dosing Intervals: If symptoms persist, you can repeat a dose of acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours. Do not exceed five doses within a 24-hour period. Avoid giving doses automatically around the clock.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosing Chart
To ensure you are giving the correct amount of medication, please refer to the following weight-based dosing chart. Using the right dose is essential for your child's safety and for the medicine to work effectively. Always use the measuring device that comes with the specific product you are using.
<td">47-58 lbs<td">70-81 lbs<td">6 tablets3 tablets
| Child's Weight | Milligram (mg) Dosage | Children's Liquid (160mg/5ml) | Children's Soft Chews (80mg each) | Junior Strength (160mg each) |
| 6-8 lbs | 40mg | ¼ tsp (1.25ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 9-11 lbs | 60mg | ⅓ tsp (1.8ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 12-17 lbs | 80mg | ½ tsp (2.5ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 18-23 lbs | 120mg | ¾ tsp (3.75ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 24-29 lbs | 160mg | 1 tsp (5ml) | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 30-35 lbs | 200mg | 1 ¼ tsp (6.25ml) | 2 ½ tablets | N/A |
| 36-40 lbs | 240mg | 1 ½ tsp (7.5ml) | 3 tablets | 1 ½ tablets |
| 41-46 lbs | 280mg | 1 ¾ tsp (8.75ml) | 3 ½ tablets | N/A |
| 320mg | 2 tsp (10ml) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets | |
| 59-69 lbs | 400mg | 2 ½ tsp (12.5ml) | 5 tablets | 2 ½ tablets |
| 480mg | 3 tsp (15ml) | |||
| 82-94 lbs | 560mg | 3 ½ tsp (17.5ml) | 7 tablets | 3 ½ tablets |
| 95-110 lbs | 640mg | 4 tsp (20ml) | 8 tablets | 4 tablets |
| >110 lbs | N/A | Refer to Adult Dosage | Refer to Adult Dosage | Refer to Adult Dosage |
Your Partner in Your Child's Health in Greater Dayton, OH
Managing your child's health can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Building a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider is key. We are here to support you with compassionate care and reliable information every step of the way.
For personalized advice regarding your child's specific health needs or if you have any questions about pediatric pain relief or fever management, please call our PriMED office nearest you or reach out to your physician directly via your patient portal.