Medication Dosing

Cold medications have not been proven to be beneficial in young children, may prolong colds and may predispose to ear infections.  We do not recommend any use under 6 years of age. Cough suppressants should not be used under 12 years of age or in children with asthma.  Honey has been shown to be a better cough suppressant than medications – use honey only in children over 1 year.

Click here for a printable copy:  Handout

For more information on medications and how to administer them refer to the following page on the AAP website:  Click Here

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Weight (lb)	Dose (mg)	Infant Drops (80mg/0.8 ml)	Children's Liquid (160 mg/5 ml)	Children's Soft Chews (80 mg)	Junior Strength (160 mg)
5-8	40 mg	1/2 dropper = 0.4 ml	1/4 tsp = 1.25 ml	N/A	N/A
9-10	60 mg	3/4 dropper = 0.6 ml	1/3 tsp = 1.8 ml	N/A	N/A
11-16	80mg	1 dropper = 0.8 ml	1/2 tsp = 2.5 ml	N/A	N/A
17-21	120 mg	1 1/2 dropper = 1.2 ml	3/4 tsp = 3.75 ml	N/A	N/A
22-26	160 mg	2 droppers = 1.6 ml	1 tsp = 5 ml	2 tablets	1 tablet
27-32	200 mg	2 1/2 droppers = 2  ml	1 1/4 tsp = 6.25 ml	2 1/2 tablets	N/A
33-37	240 mg	3 droppers = 2.4 ml	1 1/2 tsp = 7.5 ml	3 tabs	1 1/2 tabs
38-42	280 mg	3 1/12 droppers -  2.8 ml	1 3/4 tsp = 8.75 ml	3 1/2 tabs	N/A
43-53	320 mg	4 droppers = 3.2 ml	2 tsp = 10 ml	4 tabs	2 tabs
54-64	400 mg	N/A	2 1/2 tsp = 12.5 ml	5 tabs	2 1/2 tabs
65-75	480 mg	N/A	3 tsp = 15 ml	6 tabs	3 tabs
76-86	560 mg	N/A	3 1/2 tsp = 17.5 ml	7 tabs	3 1/2 tabs
87-95	640 mg	N/A	4 tsp = 20 ml	8 tabs	4 tabs
> 95	Adult dosage

 

Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil)

Not advised for children under the age of 6 months

Weight (lb)	Age	Infant Drops (50 mg/1.25 ml)	Children's Suspension (100 mg/5 ml)	Chewable Tablets (50 mg)	Junior Strength Chewable (100 mg)	Junior Strength Tablets (100 mg)
12-17	6-11 mos	1.25 ml	1/2 tsp	N/A	N/A	N/A
18-23	12-23 mos	1.875 ml	3/4 tsp	N/A	N/A	N/A
24-35	2-3 yrs	N/A	1 tsp	2 tabs	1 tab	1 tab
36-47	4-5 yrs	N/A	1 1/2 tsp	3 tabs	1 1/2 tabs	1 tab
48-59	6-8 yts	N/A	2 tsp	4 tabs	2 tabs	2 tabs
60-71	9-10 yrs	N/A	2 1/2 tsp	5 tabs	2 1/2 tabs	2 tabs
72-95	11 yrs	N/A	3 tsp	6 tabs	3 tabs	3 tabs

 

Benadryl

Diphenhydramine HCl, is used for for allergies and itching.  It may suppress cough.  For over 45 lbs (6+ years) please follow package directions

Weight (lb)	Children's Benadryl Allergy Liquid (12.5 mg/5ml)	Benadryl Allergy Chewables 12.5 mg	Benadryl Allergy Fastmelts
12-23	1/2 tsp, up to 3 tsp in 24 hours	1/2 tab, up to 3 tab in 24 hours	N/A
24-36	3/4-1 tsp	1/2-1 tab	1/2-1 tab
37-45	1-2 tsp	1-2 tabs	1-2 tabs

Table of Contents

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  
  
• Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil)
  
  
• Benadryl
  

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 Click here for a printable copy:  Handout