Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Dosing
Note “Infant Drops 80mg/08 ml” are no longer being sold.
Check the concentration (mg/mL). Doses below are based on weight in pounds and dosing in milliliters (mL).
| Child’s Weight (pounds) | 6-11 | 12-17 | 18-23 | 24-35 | 36-47 | 48-59 | 60-71 | 72-95 | 96+ | lbs |
| Infant Drops 80 mg/0.8 mL | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 2.4 | – | – | – | – | mL |
| Syrup: 160 mg/5 mL (1 tsp) | 1.25 | 2.5 | 3.75 | 5 | 7.5 | 10 | 12.5 | 15 | 20 | mL |
| Syrup: 160 mg/1 teaspoon | – | ½ | ¾ | 1 | 1½ | 2 | 2½ | 3 | 4 | tsp |
| Chewable 80 mg tablets | – | – | 1½ | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | tabs |
| Chewable 160 mg tablets | – | – | – | 1 | 1½ | 2 | 2½ | 3 | 4 | tabs |
| Adult 325 mg tablets | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | 1½ | 2 | tabs |
| Adult 500 mg tablets | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | tabs |
Indications: Treatment of fever and pain.
Table Notes:
- CAUTION: In May, 2011, a move to one standard concentration (160 mg/5 ml) of liquid acetaminophen medicine for infants and children was announced. Up until this point, there have been mainly 2 concentrations: 80 mg/0.8 ml (Infant Concentrated Drops) and 160 mg/5 ml (Children’s Liquid Suspension or Syrup). During this transition period, both old and new concentrations of infant acetaminophen may be available on store shelves and in homes. Before selecting a dose, please double check the infant package carefully to find the correct concentration. Then, select the dosage according to the concentration and child’s weight.
- AGE LIMIT:
- Don’t use under 12 weeks of age (Reason: fever during the first 12 weeks of life needs to be documented in a medical setting and if present, your infant needs a complete evaluation.) Exception: Fever from immunization if child is 8 weeks of age or older.
- Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age. (Reason: FDA recommendations 10/2008).
- DOSAGE: Determine by finding child’s weight in the top row of the dosage table
- MEASURING the DOSAGE: Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Regular spoons are not reliable. Also, remember that 1 level teaspoon equals 5 ml and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 ml.
- BRAND NAMES: Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic acetaminophen
- FREQUENCY: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don’t give more than 5 times a day.
- ADULT DOSAGE: 650 mg
- MELTAWAYS: Dissolvable tabs that come in 80 mg and 160 mg (jr. strength)
- SUPPOSITORIES: Acetaminophen also comes in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg suppositories (the rectal dose is the same as the dosage given by mouth).
- EXTENDED-RELEASE: Avoid 650 mg oral products in children (Reason: they are every 8 hour extended-release)
Copyright © 2000-2012. Barton D. Schmitt, MD for Symptom Checker
Last Revised: 8/2011 Last Reviewed: 8/2011