Pediatric Drug Dosages
- Fevers are generally harmless and help your child fight infection. They can be considered a good sign that your child's immune system is working and the body is trying to rid itself of the infection.
- Below are recommended doses for several common products.
- All doses are determined by weight not age
- Always check the label for the type of medicine you are giving as well as to check the dosage. Make sure you do not mix medicines containing the same components (Tylenol & FeverallŽ for example)
- We do not recommend giving store-bought combined medications such as Tylenol ColdŽ. Acetaminophen and a decongestant given separately is suggested.
- Call the office before giving any medication to infants less than 3 months old.
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) cannot be given to infants less than 6 months old.
- Acetaminophen maybe given every 4 hours as needed. Ibuprofen maybe given every 6-8 hours as needed.
- POISON CONTROL: (800) 222-1222.
Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in TylenolŽ and FeverallŽ (rectal suppositories). It is used as a pain reliever and fever reducer and should NOT be used in children under 2 months of age. The following products may be used every 4- 6 hours as needed
|
Weight
(lbs.)
|
Infant
Tylenol Old: 80mg/0.8ml
New :160mg/5ml
|
Children's
Tylenol
Suspension (160mg/5ml)
|
Children's
Tylenol Chewable
(80 mg)
|
| 6-11
lbs. |
Old: 0.4 ml
New: 1.25ml |
|
|
| 12-17
lbs. |
Old: 0.8 ml
New: 2.5ml |
1/2
tsp. |
1 tab |
| 18-23
lbs. |
Old: 1.2 ml
New: 3.75ml |
3/4
tsp. |
|
| 24-35
lbs. |
Old: 1.6 ml
New: 5ml |
1
tsp. |
2
tabs |
| 36-47
lbs. |
|
1
1/2 tsp |
3
tabs |
| 48-59
lbs |
|
2
tsp. |
4
tabs |
| 60-71
lbs |
|
2½
tsp. |
4
tabs |
| 72-95
lbs |
|
3
tsp. |
6
tabs |
New Infant TylenolŽ and acetaminophen concentration! The makers of infants' acetaminophen products, including Infants' TYLENOLŽ , is changing the amount (concentration) of acetaminophen in their medicines as well as a change in the dosing device (dropper). See back!
Ibuprofen (concentration) of acetaminophen in their medicines as well as a change in the dosing device (dropper).
Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in AdvilŽ and MotrinŽ. Ibuprofen is used to decrease pain and swelling and to reduce fevers. It should not be used in children less than 6 months old without discussing first with your practitioner. All of these products can be given every 6-8 hours as needed.
|
Weight
(lbs.)
|
Infant's
Ibuprofen Drops (50mg/1.25ml)
|
Children's
Ibuprofen (100mg/5ml)
|
Junior
Strength
100mg/tab or cap
|
| 12-17
lbs. |
1.25
ml |
½ tsp |
.. |
| 18-23
lbs. |
1.87
ml |
¾ tsp |
... |
| 24-35
lbs. |
2.5
ml |
1 tsp |
..... |
| 36-47
lbs. |
.. |
1 ½ tsp |
.. |
| 48-59
lbs |
.. |
2 tsp |
2
tabs |
| 60-71
lbs. |
.. |
2 ½ tsp |
2
1/2 tabs |
FeverAll® (Rectal Suppositories)
Suppositories are absorbed less consistently than an oral dose and suppositories are meant for short-term use (just while your child can't tolerate oral intake). Doses are every 4-6 hours
|
Weight
(lbs.)
|
Children's
80 mg
|
Children's
120 mg
|
Jr. Strength
325 mg
|
| 12-17 lbs. |
1 supp. |
~ |
~ |
| 18-23
lbs. |
1 ½ supp. |
1 supp. |
~ |
| 24-35
lbs. |
~ |
1 ½ supp. |
~ |
| 36-47
lbs. |
~ |
2 supp. |
~ |
| 48-59 lbs |
~ |
~ |
1 supp. |
| 60-71 lbs |
~ |
~ |
1 ½ supp. |
| 72-95 lbs |
~ |
~ |
2 supp. |
BenadrylŽ: Children's Benadryl Allergy Liquid Medication. Benadryl does not come in an infant concentration
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is used for allergic reactions, hives and to reduce the itchiness associated with certain rashes and is also used to temporarily relieve runny nose and sneezing, symptoms due to the common cold. Benadryl can be given every 6-8 hours as needed.
|
Weight
(lbs.)
|
Benadryl
Elixir
(12.5mg/tsp.)
|
Benadryl
Chewable
(12.5 mg)
|
Benadryl
Tabs
(25 mg)
|
| 12-17
lbs. |
1/2
tsp. |
.. |
.. |
| 18-23
lbs. |
3/4
tsp. |
.. |
... |
| 24-35
lbs. |
1
tsp. |
1
tab |
.. |
| 36-47
lbs. |
1
1/2 tsp. |
1
1/2 tab |
.. |
| 48-59
lbs |
2
tsp. |
2
tab |
1 tab |
Colds and Coughs
The use of decongestants or cough suppressants in children less than 4 years is NOT recommended.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Advisory in January, 2008, recommending that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants and children less than 4 years of age because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.
Using Over-the-counter Cough and Cold Products in Children: advice from the FDA
OTC cough and cold information from the FDA
If you chose to use these products for children over two years of age please visit the manufacture’s websites for more information on their products.
Conversion Chart
It is also important to know how to convert teaspoons to milliliters. The following is a brief guide:
Teaspoon = tsp
Tablespoon = tbs
Cubic Centimeter = cc (1cc=1ml)
Milliliters = ml (1ml=1cc)
½tsp = 2.5 ml = 2.5 cc 1 tsp = 5 ml = 5 cc 1½ tsp = 7.5 cc 2 tsp = 10 ml = 10 cc 3 tsp = 15 ml = 1 tbsp = ½ oz 6 tsp = 30 ml = 30 cc = 1 oz
CALL OUR OFFICE:
IMMEDIATELY if:
- Your child starts acting very sick.
- Breathing becomes difficult: or your child develops retractions (tugging in) between the ribs
- Persistent vomiting
DURING REGULAR HOURS if:
- A fever lasts for more than 3-5 days
- You have other concerns or questions
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Old concentration: 80 mg in 0.8ml New concentration: 160mg in 5ml
- There may be a time when infants' acetaminophen products with both the old and new concentrations are in stores and in your medicine cabinet.
Please be aware that the old infants' acetaminophen products are 3x more concentrated than the new one.
- Using the directions from the new product with the old product (concentrated drops) could result in a serious overdose and cause liver damage. Always read and follow the label directions on the product you are using.
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