Acetaminophen Dosage Chart

Acetaminophen can help soothe your child's fever and relieve pain. Use our age-by-age guide to find out how much medicine is safe for your baby or kid.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Feverall, and Tempra) is an over-the-counter fever-reducer and pain-reliever. This chart, based on your child's weight, can help determine the right dosage amount, but is no substitute for your doctor's advice, and you should always call the pediatrician with any questions. Use the following tips to keep your child safe and avoid overdosing:

Give every four to six hours as needed. Don't exceed five doses in 24 hours.
Don't give acetaminophen to babies under 3 months without calling your doctor first.
Always read the label first, since different medicines have different concentrations.
Always use the measuring device (dropper or measuring cup) that comes with the medication or you could risk overdosing. Never use droppers from different medications or spoons from the kitchen.
When to call the doctor for a fever? For babies under 3 months, call for a temperature of 100.4 F. or higher; for babies 3 to 6 months, call for 101 F. or higher; for babies older than 6 months, call for 103 F. or higher, or if your child seems fussy, lethargic, or dehydrated, or has any other symptoms that concern you.

Child's Weight	Infant Drops (80 mg/ 0.8 ml)	Children's Suspension (160 mg/ 5ml)
6/11 lbs	0.4 ml (1/2 dropper)	N/A
12-17 lbs	0.8 ml (1 dropper)	1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
18-23 lbs	1.5 droppers	3/4 teaspoon (3.75)
24-35 lbs	2 droppers	1 teaspoon (5 ml)
36-47 lbs	N/A	1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml)
48-59 lbs	N/A	2 teaspoons (10 ml)
60-71 lbs	N/A	2 1/2 teaspoons (12.5 ml)
72-95 lbs	N/A	3 teaspoons (15 ml)
Over 96 lbs	N/A	N/A

Use caution when first introducing your kid to chewables, which can be a choking hazard. Make sure they take their meds sitting up and chew them completely before getting up or running around. When introducing your kid to swallowable tablets, it's a good idea to practice first with small pieces of candy, like Tic Tacs or Nerds.

Child's Weight	Chewable Tablets (80 mg)	Junior Strength Tablets (160 mg)
24-35 lbs	2 chewables	N/A
36-47 lbs	3 chewables	1.5 tablets
48-59 lbs	4 chewables	2 tablets
60-71 lbs	5 chewables	2.5 tablets
72-95 lbs	6 chewables	3 tablets
Over 96 lbs	8 chewables	4 tablets

Sources: Children's Medical Group, P.C. in Atlanta, Georgia; Bayshore Pediatrics of Children's Medical Group in Glendale, Wisconsin; Baby 411 and Toddler 411 by Denise Fields and Ari Brown, MD

All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

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