Children's Medication Dosage
Administering medications to children requires careful consideration of their age, weight, and the specific medication being used.
Dosing guidelines for children are generally different from those for adults because children's bodies metabolize drugs differently, and their needs vary as they grow.
Before administering any medication, double-check the dosage and confirm that you have the correct medication prescribed for your child. This step helps prevent medication errors.
Children's Medication Dosage Chart
Ibuprofen Motrin
Do not give to infants less than 6 months old.
Doses may be given every 6-8 hours.
No more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
Acetaminophen Tylenol
Call pediatrician for fevers <4mos.
Doses may be given every 4 hours.
No more than 5 doses in 24 hours.
Scroll to view all columns. A dash means no amount is listed in the original chart.
| Weight | Age | Infant’s Ibuprofen (50mg/1.25ml) | Children’s Ibuprofen (100mg/5ml) | Children’s Ibuprofen Chewables (50mg) | Infant/Children’s Tylenol Liquid (160mg/5ml) | Children’s Tylenol Chewable (160mg/tablet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-11 lbs | 0-3 mos | — | — | — | 1.25 ml | — |
| 12-17 lbs | 4-6 mos | — | — | — | 2.5 ml | — |
| 12-17 lbs | 6-11 mos | 1.25 ml | 2.5 ml | — | 2.5 ml | — |
| 18-23 lbs | 12-23 mos | 1.875 ml | 3.75 ml | — | 3.75 ml | — |
| 24-35 lbs | 2-3 yrs | 2.5 ml | 5 ml | 2 tablets | 5 ml | 1 tablet |
| 36-47 lbs | 4-5 yrs | 3.75 ml | 7.5 ml | 3 tablets | 7.5 ml | 1.5 tablets |
| 48-59 lbs | 6-8 yrs | 5 ml | 10 ml | 4 tablets | 10 ml | 2 tablets |
| 60-71 lbs | 9-10 yrs | — | 12.5 ml | 5 tablets | 12.5 ml | 2.5 tablets |
| 72-95 lbs | 11 yrs | — | 15 ml | 6 tablets | 15 ml | 3 tablets |
If you have any questions or concerns about dosing or the administration of a medication, consult your child's healthcare provider or pharmacist for clarification. Never alter the dosage without professional guidance.