MEDICATION DOSING

Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin for Fever and Pain) Dosage Table

Indications: Treatment of fever and pain.

Table Notes:

• AGE LIMIT: Don’t use under 6 months of age unless directed by child’s doctor. (Reason: safety not established and doesn’t have FDA approval). Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age (FDA recommendations 1/2008).

• 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

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosage Table

Indications: Treatment of fever and pain.

Table Notes:

•  CAUTION: In May 2011, a move to one standard concentration (160 mg/5 ml) of liquid acetaminophen medicine for infants and children was announced. Up until that time, there were mainly 2 concentrations: 80 mg/0.8 ml (Infant Concentrated Drops) and 160 mg/5 ml (Children’s Liquid Suspension or Syrup). Old concentrations (80mg/0.8 ml) of infant acetaminophen may still be available in some homes. Therefore, if it is an older product, please have the caller confirm the correct concentration of infant acetaminophen.
• AGE LIMIT: Don’t use under 12 weeks of age (Reason: fever during the first 12 weeks of life needs to be documented in a medical setting and if present, your infant needs a complete evaluation.) EXCEPTION: Fever from immunization if child is 8 weeks of age or older. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age. (For more information, see FDA.gov).

• 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)

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) dosing for allergic reactions

Liquid suspension: 12.5 mg/5 ml (5 ml is 1 tsp)

Chewable tablet:  12.5 mg

11 – 16 lb        2.5 mL

17 – 21 lb        3.75 mL

22 – 16 lb        5 mL

27 – 32 lb        6.25 mL

33 – 37 lb        7.5 mL

38 – 43 lb        8.75 mL

44 – 54 lb        10 mL

55 – 65 lb        12.5 mL

66 – 76 lb        15 mL

77 – 87 lb        17.5 mL

88+ lb              20 mL

- Doses are given every 6-8 hours

- Maximum dose/24 hours:  2-5 years old’s 15 MLS; 6-11 years 60 MLS, 12 and older 120 m