Deborah L. Ungerleider, MD, LLC

Medication Doses for Over-the-Counter Medications

Please note that the doses given below are by your child's weight, not necessarily by age.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - for fever (>101 degrees F) or pain- do not give acetaminophen to your baby less than 2 months of age without asking us first. This medication is given every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 5 doses in 24 hours. The doses below are 10-15 mg/kg/dose (5-7mg/lb). We do not recommend alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Acetaminophen Dosage Table

Child's Weight (pounds)	6-11	12-17	18-23	24-35	36-47	48-59	60-71	72-95	96+	bs
Infant suspension drops 160 mg/5 mL (1 tsp)	1.25	2.5	3.75	5	7.5	10	12.5	15	20	ml
Children's: 160 mg/1 teaspoon	--	1/2	3/4	1	1 1/2	2	2 1/2	3	4	tsp
Chewable 80 mg Tablets	--	--	1 1/2	2	3	4	5	6	8	tabs
Chewable 160 mg Tablets	--	--	--	1	1 1/2	2	2 1/2	3	4	tabs
Adult 325 mg Tablets	--	--	--	--	--	1	1	1 1/2	2	tabs

Indications: Treatment of fever and pain.

Table Notes:

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.
FREQUENCY: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don't give more than 5 times a day.
ADULT DOSAGE: 650 mg MAXIMUM: 3,000 mg in a 24-hour period.
BRAND NAMES: Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic acetaminophen
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)

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Dosage Table

Child's Weight (pounds)	12-17	18-23	24-35	36-47	48-59	60-71	72-95	96+	lbs
Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 mL	1.25	1.875	2.5	3.75	5	--	--	--	ml
Liquid 100 mg/1 teaspoon (tsp)	1/2	3/4	1	1 1/2	2	2 1/2	3	4	tsp
Liquid 100 mg/5 milliliters (ml)	2.5	4	5	7.5	10	12.5	15	20	ml
Chewable 50 mg Tablets	--	--	2	3	4	5	6	8	tabs
Junior-strength 100 mg tablets	--	--	--	--	2	2 1/2	3	4	tabs
Adult 200 mg Tablets	--	--	--	--	1	1	1	2	tabs

Indications: Treatment of fever and pain.

Table Notes:

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 medication. 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.
IBUPROFEN DROPS: Ibuprofen infant drops come with a measuring syringe
BRAND NAMES: Motrin, Advil, generic ibuprofen
ADULT DOSAGE: 400 mg
FREQUENCY: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed

Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

Child's Weight (pounds)	20-24	25-37	38-49	50-99	100+	lbs
Liquid 12.5 mg/1 teaspoon (tsp)	3/4	1	1 1/2	2	--	tsp
Liquid 12.5 mg/5 milliliters (ml)	4	5	7.5	10	--	ml
Chewable 12.5 mg	--	1	1 1/2	2	4	tablets
Tablets 25 mg	--	1/2	1/2	1	2	tablets
Capsules 25 mg	--	--	--	1	2	caps

Indications:

Treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching

Table Notes:

AGE LIMITS: For allergies, don't use under 1 year of age without consulting us.
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 medication. 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.
FREQUENCY: Repeat every 6 hours as needed
ADULT DOSAGE: 50 mg
CHILDREN’S BENADRYL FASTMELTS: Each fastmelt tablet contains the equivalent of 12.5 mg of Diphenhydramine HCL and dosed the same as chewable tablets