Tylenol Dosage for Infants and Children

Tylenol Dosage Calculator for Infants and Children

Updated on November 02, 2021

Medically reviewed by

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) medicine that is frequently given to kids of all ages when they have pain or fever. However, just because it is over-the-counter doesn't mean that it doesn't have potential risks, including liver damage or allergic reaction.

Every parent should get educated about Tylenol so that you don't misuse this common medicine.

This article will explain how to give Tylenol to children safely. It will help you to be more confident about giving Tylenol to your child, and to reduce any anxiety you may feel about getting it right.

How to Administer Tylenol to Children — Verywell / JR Bee

Precautions for Giving a Child Tylenol

Important precautions include:

You usually shouldn't give Tylenol to infants under 12 weeks of age without consulting your healthcare provider or pediatrician. The cause of any pain or fever at this age should be found out quickly.
Do not give children doses more often than every four to six hours, and do not give more than five doses a day.
When giving liquid acetaminophen products, always use the measuring tool that was included. Keep in mind that kitchen teaspoons are not an accurate dosing tool.
Be sure to shake the bottle well before preparing your child's dose.
Always double-check the medication, the dose, and that you have measured correctly. This is important before giving Tylenol or any other medication to your child.
Do not use Tylenol with any other product that also contains acetaminophen. You run the risk of doubling up on the same ingredient and will likely overdose your child. Closely check the labels of all OTC products you give your child.
Read the label and follow the manufacturer's warnings. They include calling your healthcare provider if your child's "pain gets worse or lasts more than five days" or the "fever gets worse or lasts more than three days."
You need to learn how to calculate the dosage of Tylenol for infants and toddlers who are under 24 pounds. The drug label only lists dosages for older kids who weigh at least 24 pounds and are 2 years old.

Call Poison Control if you have given too much Tylenol or have given a dose too soon. Remember that more is not better when it comes to taking medicines like Tylenol.

Standardized Dosage

In 2011, rules established a standard dosage for liquid Tylenol at 160 milligrams (mg) per 5 milliliters (ml). All liquid acetaminophen products for children have this same concentration.

This helps to avoid some of the confusion around giving Tylenol to kids. You no longer have to figure out different doses for infants, who previously used concentrated drops, or for older children who use the liquid form.

Drug companies haven't adopted all of the recommendations that experts have proposed. For example, many people wanted specific dosing instructions for infants as young as age 6 months on the Tylenol label. Instead, these labels still say to contact your healthcare provider for the right dose. That's true for any child under age 2.

It's a good idea to have your healthcare provider or pediatrician explain the right Tylenol dose when you go in for a check-up. That way, you don't have to panic in the middle of the night when you need to give your child the right dose of Tylenol.

Recap

Tylenol and similar acetaminophen products must be used with care. The dosages you give to infants and children must be precise. Be sure to read product labels carefully, so that you are sure of the exact amount. Measure it only in the tool that came with the Tylenol, and be sure to give it at the proper time intervals.

Tylenol Dosage Calculator

If necessary, to calculate your child's dose of Tylenol, you can:

Measure your child's weight in pounds.
Look at the weight-based Tylenol dosages below.
Use the syringe or dosing cup that came with your medication and measure out your child's dose.

For example, if you are using Infants' Tylenol Oral Suspension, which has a concentration of 160 mg per 5 ml, the correct dosages are:

6 to 11 pounds = 1.25 ml or 40 mg
12 to 17 pounds = 2.5 ml or 80 mg
18 to 23 pounds = 3.75 ml or 120mg

When using Children's Tylenol Suspension Liquid, which also has a concentration of 160 mg per 5 ml:

24 to 35 pounds = 5 ml or 160 mg
36 to 47 pounds = 7.5 ml or 240 mg
48 to 59 pounds = 10 ml or 320 mg
60 to 71 pounds = 12.5 ml or 400 mg
72 to 95 pounds = 15 ml or 480 mg
Over 96 pounds = 20 ml or 640 mg

Other Forms of Tylenol for Kids

In addition to Tylenol Oral Suspension liquid for infants and children, other forms of Tylenol include:

Children's Tylenol Chewable Tablets: 160 mg per tablet
Adult Regular Strength: 325 mg tablets (if your child can swallow pills)

Since your child likely won't take these before they are 2 years old, the dose for your child will be on the label.

Summary

When and how to give Tylenol to your child can be confusing, especially for people who have little or no experience with how to do it. The good news is that it's been made easier with product doses that are standard for both infants and children.

In most cases, the instructions are on the label. That's not the case for children under age 2, so it's important to call your healthcare provider for guidance. If you are using your child's weight to determine the dose, the information presented here will help you to calculate and give the correct amount.