Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is a widely used over-the-counter medication to reduce fever and relieve pain in infants and children. While it’s readily available without a prescription, giving the correct dose to your infant is crucial for their safety and the medicine’s effectiveness. Administering the wrong amount is a common concern for parents, making a clear and reliable dosing guide essential.
This guide provides you with easy-to-understand acetaminophen dosage charts, primarily based on your child’s weight, and secondarily on age if weight is unknown. It is always recommended to confirm the appropriate dosage with your pediatrician to ensure the well-being of your child.
Understanding Infant Tylenol Dosage: Charts for Babies and Children
The following tables provide clear guidelines for administering the correct dose of acetaminophen to infants and children for fever and pain relief. Always prioritize using your child’s weight to determine the dosage. If you are unsure of your child’s weight, use their age as a secondary guide.
Acetaminophen Dosage Table for Fever & Pain: Birth to 3 Years of Age
Acetaminophen Dosage Table for Fever & Pain: Age 4 Years and Older
Important Notes on Infant Tylenol Dosage and Safety
- Concentration Standardization: It’s important to be aware that in 2011, the FDA standardized the concentration of liquid, chewable, and tablet acetaminophen to a single strength (160 milligrams per dose). Infant drops are no longer available. Liquid acetaminophen syrup is available as 160mg/5mL. Always check the product label to confirm the concentration.
- Age Restrictions: Do not give acetaminophen to infants under 12 weeks of age unless specifically instructed by your pediatrician. Fever in babies under 12 weeks requires medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. (Note: Fever after vaccination in infants 8 weeks and older may occur; consult your doctor in such cases).
- Combination Medications: For children under 6 years old, it’s best to avoid giving medicines with multiple ingredients. Stick to single-ingredient acetaminophen products unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
- Accurate Measurement: Using a syringe or dosing tool that comes with the medication is crucial for accurate liquid dosage. Kitchen teaspoons and tablespoons are not precise and should be avoided. If a dosing tool is not included, ask your pharmacist for one. Liquid medicine dosages should always be measured in milliliters (mL).
- Frequency of Dosage: Acetaminophen can be given every 4 to 6 hours as needed for fever or pain. Do not exceed 4 doses in a 24-hour period.
- Oral Disintegrating Tablets: These dissolvable tablets are available in 80 mg and 160 mg (junior strength) for children who can manage them.
- Suppositories: Acetaminophen suppositories (inserted rectally) are available in various strengths (80, 120, 325, and 650 mg). The rectal dosage is the same as the oral dosage.
- Extended-Release Products: Do not use 650 mg extended-release acetaminophen products in children. These are not appropriate for pediatric dosing.
Disclaimer: This Infant Tylenol Dosing Guide is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider for personalized dosage recommendations and address any health concerns.
