How Much Medication Do I Give?
For children less than 24 pounds or under 2 years old:
Ask the doctor how much your child should take.
The amount of medicine for children 2 years or older is based on weight. Age may be used if weight is not known but weight is best. The medicine label will list how much to give. Follow the instructions on the label of your child's medicine. It will have the most accurate dosage information. Some brands may have different measurements. Make sure to read the label closely. Always ask your child's doctor if you are unsure of how much to give.
Below are common suggested dosages:
Infant Acetaminophen Oral Suspension (Liquid)
A dropper is given with the medicine to help measure liquid. It is best to use this dropper to avoid measuring mistakes.
Based on strength: 160 mg/ 5 ml
| Weight |
Age |
Dose - measurements can be found on dropper |
| Under 12 lbs |
Under 6 months |
Ask your child's doctor. |
| 24 to 35 lbs (11 to 16 kg) |
2 to 3 years |
5 ml (1 teaspoon) |
lbs=pounds; kg=kilogram; ml=milliliter
Dose may be given every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not give your child more than 5 doses in 24 hours.
Children's Acetaminophen Oral Suspension (Liquid)
Medicine will come with a measuring cup. It is best to use this cup to avoid measuring mistakes.
Based on strength: 160 mg/ 5 ml
| Weight |
Age |
Dose - measurements can be found on cup |
| Under 24 lbs |
Under 2 years |
Ask your child's doctor. |
| 24 to 35 lbs (11 to 16 kg) |
2 to 3 years |
5 ml (1 teaspoon) |
| 36 to 47 lbs (16 to 21 kg) |
4 to 5 years |
7.5 ml (1.5 teaspoons) |
| 48 to 59 lbs (22 to 27 kg) |
6 to 8 years |
10 ml (2 teaspoons) |
| 60 to 71 lbs (27 to 32 kg) |
9 to 10 years |
12.5 ml (2.5 teaspoons) |
| 72 to 95 lbs (33 to 43 kg) |
11 years |
15 ml (3 teaspoons) |
lbs=pounds; kg=kilogram; ml=milliliter
Dose may be given every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not give your child more than 5 doses in 24 hours.
Junior Acetaminophen Chewables
Medicine is given as a tablet that can be chewed.
Based on strength: 160 mg per tablet
| Weight |
Age |
Number of Chewable Tablets |
| Under 24 lbs |
Under 2 years |
Ask your child's doctor. |
| 24 to 35 lbs (11 to 16 kg) |
2 to 3 years |
1 tablet |
| 36 to 47 lbs (16 to 21 kg) |
4 to 5 years |
1.5 tablet |
| 48 to 59 lbs (22 to27 kg) |
6 to 8 years |
2 tablets |
| 60 to 71 lbs (27 to 32 kg) |
9 to10 years |
2.5 tablets |
| 72 to 95 lbs (33 to 43 kg) |
11 years |
3 tablets |
lbs=pounds; kg=kilogram
Dose may be given every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not give your child more than 5 doses in 24 hours.
Are There Side Effects?
In some children, acetaminophen may cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Liver damage (rare)
Let your child's doctor know if your child is having these problems. They may recommend a different medicine.
What Else Should I Know Before Giving My Child This Medication?
Talk to the doctor about using this medicine for your child. Make sure you understand how to give the medicine to your child. Let your doctor know if your child is taking any other medicine.
Some products like cold medicine have a mix of drugs. Acetaminophen is common in these mixes. It can cause an accidental overdose. It is best to avoid these mixed medicines for children. If your child is taking more than 1 medicine, check the label to make sure they are only getting single doses of acetaminophen. Too much can lead to serious problems including liver damage.
When Should I Call A Doctor?
Call the doctor if you are unsure of how much medicine to give or your child has:
- New or worsening stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
-
Yellowing of the skin or eyes—jaundice
- Rash
- Medicine does not appear to help or symptoms get worse
Get emergency medical care if your child has signs of a serious allergic reaction such as:
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Fever
- Itching
- Bad cough
- Blue skin color
- Convulsions
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
Go to the emergency room or call for medical help right away if you think your child has taken too much medicine.
