Recommended Dosages for OTC Medications for Children
Lincoln Pediatric Group has provided these recommended dosages for over the counter medications for children to help parents provide in home care for common illnesses. If you have any questions around dosages or suspect you may need to bring your child in for a sick visit, please call our office today at (402) 489-3834.
Acetaminophen Dosage
|
Weight |
Age |
*OLD* Concentration* Infant Concentrated Drops 80mg/0.8mL Dropperful |
*NEW* Concentration* Infant Oral Suspension 160mg/5mL Use Syringe |
Children's Suspension Liquid 160mg/5mL Teaspoon |
Children's Soft Chew-able Tablets 80mg each Tablet |
Junior Strength Chew-able Tablets 160mg each Tablet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12-17 lbs |
4-11 mos |
0.8mL |
2.5mL |
½ tsp. |
|
|
|
18-23 lbs |
12-23 mos |
1.2mL |
3.75mL |
¾ tsp. |
|
|
|
24-35 lbs |
2-3 yrs |
1.6mL |
5mL |
1 tsp. |
2 |
|
|
36-47 lbs |
4-5 yrs |
|
|
1½ tsp. |
3 |
|
|
48-59 lbs |
6-8 yrs |
|
|
2 tsp. |
4 |
2 |
|
60-71 lbs |
9-10 yrs |
|
|
2 ½ tsp. |
5 |
2 ½ |
|
72-95 lbs |
11 yrs |
|
|
3 tsp. |
6 |
3 |
|
96 lbs & over |
12 yrs |
|
|
|
|
4 |
Please note: One dose lasts 4 hours. Do not give >5 doses in 24 hours.
*For infant concentrations: In accordance with FDA recommendations, acetaminophen manufacturers have changed the concentration of infant acetaminophen from 80mg/0.8mL to 160mg/5mL. The pediatric acetaminophen products currently on the market can continue to be used as labeled. Be sure to check the label or contact our office should you have questions.
Ibuprofen Dosage
|
Weight |
Age |
Infant's Ibuprofen Concentrated Drops 50mg/1.25mL Dropperful |
Children's Ibuprofen Suspension 100mg/5mL Teaspoon |
Children's Soft Chew-able Tablets 50mg each Tablet |
Junior Strength Chew-able Tablets 100mg each Tablet |
Junior Strength Ibuprofen Caplets 100mg Caplet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12-17 lbs |
6-11 mos |
1=(1.25 mL) |
|
|
|
|
|
18-23 lbs |
12-23 mos |
1 ½=(1.875 mL) |
|
|
|
|
|
24-35 lbs |
2-3 yrs |
2=(2.5 mL) |
1 tsp. |
2 |
|
|
|
36-47 lbs |
4-5 yrs |
|
1½ tsp. |
3 |
|
|
|
48-59 lbs |
6-8 yrs |
|
2 tsp. |
4 |
2 |
2 |
|
60-71 lbs |
9-10 yrs |
|
2 ½ tsp. |
5 |
2 ½ |
2 ½ |
|
72-95 lbs |
11 yrs |
|
3 tsp. |
6 |
3 |
3 |
Please Note: One dose lasts 6-8 hours. Not to be used under 6 months.
- Milliliter is abbreviated as mL; 5mL equals one teaspoon (tsp).
- Don't use household teaspoons, which can vary in size.
- Aspirin should not be used in children to treat fever or pain.