ACETAMINOPHEN DOSAGE (FOR FEVER AND PAIN)

Child's weight more than (pounds)

7

14

   21

  28

   42

  56

84

112

     lbs

Total Amount (mg.)

40

80

  120

160

  240

325

480

650

     mg

Infant Drops 80 mg/0.8 ml

0.4

0.8

  1.2

  1.6

  2.4

  --

--

--

ml

Syrup 160mg/5 ml (1 tsp)

--

  ½

   ¾

   1

  1½

   2

2½

4

     tsp

Chewable 80 mg. tablets

--

  --

  1½

   2

    3

   4

5-6

8

    tabs

Chewable 160 mg. tablets

--

  --

   --

   1

  1½

   2

3

4

    tabs

Adult 325 mg. tablets

--

  --

   --

   --

   --

   1

1½

2

    tabs

Adult 500 mg. tablets

--

  --

   --

   --

   --

  --

1

1

    tab

 

·        AGE LIMIT:

o   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.)

o   Exception: fever from immunization if child is 8 weeks of age or older.

o   Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age. (Reason: FDA recommendations 1/2008).

·        DOSAGE: Determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table

·        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)

CALCULATING DOSAGE: 5-7 mg/lb/dose (10-15mg/kg/dose)