Tylenol and Motrin Doses
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Feverall) and Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are medications used for
treating pain and fever in infants, children and adults. The dosing of these medications is based
on WEIGHT, not age. Make sure that you know your child’s weight before consulting this
document. Fever is not dangerous, as long as the condition causing it (such as a virus) is not
dangerous. We recommend only treating a fever if it is greater than 100.5 and the child is
uncomfortable, or if you are putting a child to bed knowing their low-grade fever is likely to rise.
Temperature in infants under 12 weeks of age is most accurately measured by a rectal
thermometer. Temporal thermometers (used over the forehead)can be used after 12 weeks, and
ear thermometers after 6 months. Axillary (under the arm) temperatures are acceptable for
children 2 months of age and older. Oral thermometers are useful only when a child can hold the
instrument under her tongue for several minutes without biting (usually after age 5.)
We recommend starting with the appropriate dose of acetaminophen. If the fever is greater than
102.5, and has not decreased an hour after treatment, you may supplement with a dose of
ibuprofen. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are different types of medications, thus may be used
together without adverse effect. However, we only recommend using them in tandem for
persistently high fevers or discomfort. In these situations, you can alternate the medications
using each type every 6 hours, but alternating every 3 hours. For example, Acetaminophen at 12
noon, Ibuprofen at 3 pm, Acetaminophen at 6 pm, Ibuprofen at 9 pm. This helps avoid spikes in
the child’s fever as the medication wears off. Neither medication should be used more than 4
times a day, nor should you continue this pattern for more than 24 hours without consulting you
physician.
Acetaminophen suppositories are available as Feverall without a prescription at your pharmacy.
These are useful for children who are vomiting, or refuse to take oral medications. Lubricate the
suppository with a little Vaseline or diaper cream, and insert in your child’s rectum with them
lying on their side, knees to the chest. Hold the buttocks closed for a few minutes to assure
absorption.
Important Considerations
Never give these medications to an infant less than 8 weeks of age without first consulting your
pediatrician.
Always use the measuring device included with your medication. Tylenol Infant Drops include a
dropper or syringe inside the package. Children’s Tylenol Suspension or Liquid comes with a
special dosage cup in the package. If you misplace the cup or dropper, please call the office or
your pharmacist for advice. Do not use kitchen spoons or attempt to “eyeball” the correct
amount. The dosage is very specific and too much can cause problems.
Always consult our office or your pharmacist before giving these medicines if you are giving any
other medications, especially over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as cold medicine. Most
OTC cold medicines already contain Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, which could lead to overdose
if given along with other Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen containing products.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosing Information
Weight of
Child
Children's liquid
Infant Drops
or suspension
Children's
0.8mL=80mg
1
tablets
USE THE
tsp(5mL)=160mg 1 tablet=80mg
DROPPER
USE THE CUP
Age of
Child
Junior
Strength
1
tablet=160mg
6-11 lbs
0-3 months 0.4 mL
X
X
X
(2.7-5 kg)
12-17 lbs
0.5 teaspoon
4-11 mos 0.8 mL
X
X
(5.5-7.7 kg)
(80mg)
18-23 lbs
0.75 teaspoon
12-23 mos 1.2 mL
X
X
(8.2-10.5 kg)
(120mg)
24-35 lbs
1 teaspoon
2-3 years 1.6 mL
2 tablets
X
(10.9-15.9 kg)
(160mg)
36-47 lbs
1.5 teaspoon
4-5 years X
3 tablets
X
(16.4-21.4 kg)
(240mg)
48-59 lbs
2 teaspoon
6-8 years X
4 tablets
2 tablets
(21.8-26.8 kg)
(320mg)
60-71 lbs
2.5 teaspoon
9-10 years X
5 tablets
2.5 tablets
(27.3-32.3 kg)
(400mg)
72-95 lbs
3 teaspoon
11 years
X
6 tablets
3 tablets
(32.7-43.2 kg)
(480mg)
Give every 4-6 hours, as needed, no more than 5 times in 24 hours (unless directed to do
otherwise by your health care provider.)
Ibuprofen(Motrin) Dosing Information
Weight of
Child
Under 11
lbs
(5kg)
12-17 lbs
Age of
Child
Under 6
months
Infant Drops
1.25mL=50mg
USE THE
DROPPER
X
6-11 mos 1.25mL
Children's
Liquid
or Suspension Junior Strength
1
Caplets
teaspoon(5mL) 1 tablet=100mg
= 100mg
USE THE CUP
Junior
Strength
Chewable
Tablets
1
tablet=100mg
X
X
X
X
X
X
Weight of
Child
Age of
Child
Infant Drops
1.25mL=50mg
USE THE
DROPPER
Children's
Liquid
or Suspension Junior Strength
1
Caplets
teaspoon(5mL) 1 tablet=100mg
= 100mg
USE THE CUP
Junior
Strength
Chewable
Tablets
1
tablet=100mg
(5.5-7.7kg)
18-23 lbs
(8.212-23 mos 1.875mL
X
X
X
10.5kg)
24-35 lbs
1 teaspoon
(10.92-3 years X
X
1 tablet
(100mg)
15.9kg)
36-47 lbs
1.5 teaspoons
(16.44-5 years X
X
1.5 tablets
(150mg)
21.4kg)
48-59 lbs
2 teaspoons
(21.86-8 years X
2 caplets
2 tablets
(200mg)
26.8kg)
60-71 lbs
2.5 teaspoons
(27.39-10 years X
2.5 caplets
2.5 tablets
(250mg)
32.3kg)
72-95 lbs
3 teaspoons
(32.711 years X
3 caplets
3 tablets
(300mg)
43.2kg)
Give every 6-8 hours, as needed, no more than 4 times in 24 hours (unless directed to do
otherwise by your health care provider)