ACETAMINOPHEN DOSAGE
Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) is a medication used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. Like any medication, it is crucial to use the correct dosage to ensure optimal effectiveness with minimal side effects. The table provided below assists in determining the appropriate dosage for a child based on their weight. Typically, acetaminophen is administered in doses of 10 to 15 mg per kilogram of weight every 4 hours.
It’s important to note that the dosages are specified in milliliters (mL) rather than teaspoons. This choice is made because teaspoons are not precise enough for measuring medication. To ensure accurate dosages, consider obtaining a dosing syringe or another measurement device from your pharmacist.
Weight | Age | Dosage | Acetaminophen | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(lb) | (kg) | drops 80 mg/mL |
suspension 160 mg/ 5 mL |
chewable tablet 80 mg |
chewable tablet 160 mg |
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12-17 | 5-7 | 4-11 months | 80 mg | 1 mL | 2.5 mL | 1 | 1/2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
18-23 | 8-10 | 12-23 months | 120 mg | 1.5 mL | 3.75 mL | 1 1/2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
24-35 | 11-15 | 2-3 years | 160 mg | 2 mL | 5 mL | 2 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
36-47 | 16-21 | 4-5 years | 240 mg | 3 mL | 7.5 mL | 3 | 1 1/2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
48-59 | 22-26 | 6-8 years | 320 mg | 4 mL | 10 mL | 4 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
60-71 | 27-31 | 9-10 years | 400 mg | 5 mL | 12.5 mL | 5 | 2 1/2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
72-95 | 32-43 | 11 years | 480 mg | 6 mL | 15 mL | 6 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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