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:

• Always read the label to determine which concentration you have, and dose accordingly. Infants' and children's acetaminophen are now the same concentration (160 mg/5 ml), but it's possible to find a product with the older, stronger concentration (80 mg/0.8 ml). If you have any questions, please contact your doctor.
• 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 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)

Old Concentration

Infant Oral Suspension

(160 mg/ 5ml) 
New Concentration

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

1.2 ml (1.5 droppers)

3/4 teaspoon (3.75 ml)

24-35 lbs

1.6 ml (2 droppers)

1 teaspoon (5 ml)

Child's Weight

 

Children's Liquid Suspension

(160 mg/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

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