Dosage Charts

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all pediatric medication dosing be done in milliliters (ml) and not teaspoons to avoid dosing errors. Syringes, droppers, and medicine cups are the most accurate dispensing devices and are available at local pharmacies. The AAP suggests the following guidelines for administering liquid medications.

Acetaminophen dosing information (Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories) or generic brand)

Child's weight (pounds) 6-11 12-17 18-23 24-35 36-47 48-59 60-71 72-95 96+ lbs
Syrup: 160 mg/5 ml 1.25 2.5 3.75 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 20 mL
Chewable or melt 80 mg tablets — — 1 1/2 2 3 4 5 6 8 tabs
Chewable or melt 160 mg tablets — — — 1 1 1/2 2 2 1/2 3 4 tabs
Adult 325 mg tablets — — — — — 1 1 1 1/2 2 tabs
Adult 500 mg tablets — — — — — — — 1 1 tabs

Indications: Treatment of fever and pain. Give every 4-6 hours as needed, no more than 5 times in 24 hours.

NOTES:
1) Caution: In May 2011, a move to one standard concentration (160 mg/5 ml) of liquid acetaminophen medicine for infants and children was announced.
2) Dosing is based on WEIGHT, not age. Keep note of your child's most recent weight.
3) Suppositories come in 80-, 120-, 325- and 650-mg doses. For the rectal dose, use the oral dose. These are over-the-counter (OTC) and do not require a prescription.
4) Use a proper measuring device. For children's suspension, use the medicine cup or a special medicine syringe. A kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
5) Do not give to infants < 8 weeks of age without speaking to a physician. Fever in a child less than 8 weeks of age needs a full evaluation regardless of the time of day.
6) WARNING: Be aware that many OTC medications such as cold preparations may contain acetaminophen, which can lead to double dosing. Read all OTC labels carefully. The FDA advises against using multi-ingredient OTC medications in children less than 6 years of age.

Ibuprofen dosing information (Advil, Motrin, or generic ibuprofen)

Child's weight is more than (LBS) 12 18 24 36 48 60 72 96 lbs
Total Amount (mg) 50 75 100 150 200 250 300 400 mg
Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 ml 1.25 1.875 2.5 — — — — — ml
Liquid 100 mg/5 ml 2.5 3.75 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 20 ml
Chewable 50 mg tablets — — 2 3 4 5 6 8 tabs
Junior-strength 100 mg tablets — — — — 2 2 1/2 3 4 tabs
Adult 200 mg tablets — — — — 1 1 1 1/2 2 tabs

Indications: Treatment of fever and pain. Give every 6-8 hours as needed, not to exceed three times per day.

NOTES:
1) Dosing is based on WEIGHT, not age. Keep note of your child's most recent weight.
2) Use a proper measuring device. For infant drops, only use the dropper provided in the package. For children's suspension, use the medicine cup or a special medicine syringe. A kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
3) There is no prescription form available in the U.S.
4) Do not give to infants < 6 months of age (not FDA approved).
5) WARNING: Be aware that many OTC medications such as cold preparations may contain ibuprofen, which can lead to double dosing. Read all OTC labels carefully. The FDA advises against using multi-ingredient OTC medications in children less than 6 years of age.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) dosing information

Child's weight is more than (LBS) 20 25 38 50 100 lbs
Total Amount (mg) 10 12.5 19 25 25-50 mg
Liquid 12.5mg/5ml 3.75 5 7.5 10 — ml
Chewable 12.5 mg — 1 1 1/2 2 2-4 tabs
Capsules 25 mg — — — 1 2 caps

Indications: Antihistamine for the treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching. Give every 6-8 hours as needed.

NOTES:
1) Dosing is based on WEIGHT, not age. Keep note of your child's most recent weight.
2) Adult dose may be 25 or 50 mg because of sedating effects. Start with 25 mg for children >100 pounds.
3) Consult a healthcare provider for infants <12 months of age due to sedating effects.
4) Benadryl Children's FastMelts: each contains the equivalent of 12.5 mg of diphenhydramine and is dosed like the chewable tablet.
5) WARNING: Be aware that many OTC medications such as cold preparations may contain diphenhydramine, which can lead to double dosing. Read all OTC labels carefully. The FDA advises against using multi-ingredient OTC medications in children less than 6 years of age.

Loratadine (Claritin, generic loratadine) dosing information

Child's age (years) 2-6 6-12 > 12 years
Total Amount (mg) 5 10 10 mg
Liquid 5mg/5ml 5 10 10 ml
Chewable 5 mg 1 2 2 tabs
Redi-tabs 10 mg — 1 1 caps
Tablet 10 mg — 1 1 caps

Indications: Antihistamine for the treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching. Give once daily as needed.

NOTES:
1) Dosing is based on AGE, not weight.
2) Consult a healthcare provider for children less than 2 years.
3) WARNING: Be aware that many OTC medications such as cold preparations may contain other antihistamines, which can lead to double dosing. Read all OTC labels carefully. The FDA advises against using multi-ingredient OTC medications in children less than 6 years of age.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec, generic cetirizine) dosing information

Child's age (years) 2-6 6-12 > 12 years
Total Amount (mg) 2.5-5 5-10 10 mg
Liquid 5mg/5ml 2.5-5 5-10 10 ml
Chewable 5 mg 1 2 2 tabs
Tablet 10 mg — 1 1 caps

Indications: Antihistamine for the treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching. Give once daily as needed.

NOTES:
1) Dosing is based on AGE, not weight.
2) Consult a healthcare provider for children less than 2 years.
3) WARNING: Be aware that many OTC medications such as cold preparations may contain other antihistamines, which can lead to double dosing. Read all OTC labels carefully. The FDA advises against using multi-ingredient OTC medications in children less than 6 years of age.