peaceful parenting: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin) Dosage Charts for Babies and Children

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.)

Due to a confusion in dosing (and many cases of overdose leading to ill infants, and even death due to liver failure from overdose) new across-the-board concentrations of "Infants'" and "Children's" strength acetaminophen is now being stocked on drug store shelves.

While the change takes place (2011-2012) many families will still have older, higher-concentration bottles in their home medicine cabinets. For this reason, it is important to note the precise concentration (160 mg per 5 mL is new; 80 mg per 1 mL or 80 mg per 0.8 mL are old bottles).

Below is a chart to know exactly how to dose by weight of your little one, should you elect to use acetaminophen (Tylenol). Note that using your child's weight to dose is significantly more accurate than using his/her age. Giving too little is unlikely to reduce pain; giving too much can cause severe health concerns, and even death in overdose-toxicity cases.

Every 6 hours as needed:

Quick List

Weight: 6-11 pounds = 1.25ml

Weight 12-17 pounds = 2.5ml

Weight: 18-23 pounds = 3.75ml or 1 1/2 children's chewables

Weight: 24-35 pounds = 5ml or 2 children's chewables

Weight: 36-47 pounds = 7.5ml or 3 children's chewables

Weight: 48-59 pounds = 10ml or 4 children's chewables

Weight: 60-71 pounds = 12.5ml or 5 children's chewables

Weight: 72-95 pounds = 15ml or 6 children's chewables

For further information see:

Know Your Dose: http://www.knowyourdose.org/sites/default/files/CHPA_Pediatrics_DosingChart_FINAL[1].pdf

WebMD: Dosage Change May Cause Confusion: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20111223/infant-acetaminophen-dosage-change-may-cause-confusion

Tylenol Dosing Page: http://www.tylenol.com/children-infants/safety/dosage-charts

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.)

Note that for babies over 6 months of age, ibuprofen may be more effective at reducing inflammation from teething and pain. Ibuprofen is more concentrated than acetaminophen, and less is needed per dose. For extreme cases, acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be alternated every 3-4 hours (i.e acetaminophen is taken at 12:00; ibuprofen at 3:00, acetaminophen at 6:00, ibuprofen at 9:00, and so on. Be sure you are charting dosages and times so that a mistake is not made if this is ever necessary). Dosing for ibuprofen is as follows:

Every 6-8 hours as needed with food or milk: