How many mg of acetaminophen can a child take

Acetaminophen dosing for children: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help children with colds and fever feel better. As with all drugs, it is important to give children the correct dose. Acetaminophen is safe when taken as directed. But, taking too much of this medicine can be harmful.

Acetaminophen is used to help:

Reduce aches, pain, sore throat, and fever in children with a cold or the flu
Relieve pain from a headache or toothache

Children's acetaminophen can be taken as liquid or chewable tablet.

If your child is under age 2 years, check with your health care provider before giving your child acetaminophen.

To give the correct dose, you will need to know your child's weight.

You also need to know how much acetaminophen is in a tablet, teaspoon (tsp), or 5 milliliters (mL) of the product you are using. You can read the label to find out.

For chewable tablets, the label will tell you how many milligrams (mg) are found in each tablet, such as 80 mg per tablet.
For liquids, the label will tell you how many mg are found in 1 tsp or in 5 mL, such as 160 mg/1 tsp or 160 mg/5 mL.

For syrups, you will need some type of dosing syringe. It may come with the medicine, or you can ask your pharmacist. Make sure to clean it out after each use.

If your child weighs 24 to 35 lbs (10.9 to 15.9 kilograms):

For syrup that says 160 mg/5 mL on the label: Give a dose: 5 mL
For syrup that says 160 mg/1 tsp on the label: Give a dose: 1 tsp
For chewable tablets that say 80 mg on the label: Give a dose: 2 tablets

If your child weighs 36 to 47 lbs (16 to 21 kilograms):

For syrup that says 160 mg/5 mL on the label: Give a dose: 7.5 mL
For syrup that says 160 mg/1 tsp on the label: Give a dose: 1 ½ tsp
For chewable tablets that say 80 mg on the label: Give a dose: 3 tablets

If your child weighs 48 to 59 lbs (21.5 to 26.5 kilograms):

For syrup that says 160 mg/5 mL on the label: Give a dose: 10 mL
For syrup that says 160 mg/1 tsp on the label: Give a dose: 2 tsp
For chewable tablets that say 80 mg on the label: Give a dose: 4 tablets

If your child weighs 60 to 71 lbs (27 to 32 kilograms):

For syrup that says 160 mg/5 mL on the label: Give a dose: 12. 5 mL
For syrup that says 160 mg/1 tsp on the label: Give a dose: 2 ½ tsp
For chewable tablets that say 80 mg on the label: Give a dose: 5 tablets
For chewable tablets that say 160 mg on the label: Give a dose: 2 ½ tablets

If your child weighs 72 to 95 lbs (32.6 to 43 kilograms):

For syrup that says 160 mg/5 mL on the label: Give a dose: 15 mL
For syrup that says 160 mg/1 tsp on the label: Give a dose: 3 tsp
For chewable tablets that say 80 mg on the label: Give a dose: 6 tablets
For chewable tablets that say 160 mg on the label: Give a dose: 3 tablets

If your child weighs 96 lbs (43.5 kilograms) or more:

For syrup that says 160 mg/5 mL on the label: Give a dose: 20 mL
For syrup that says 160 mg/1 tsp on the label: Give a dose: 4 tsp
For chewable tablets that say 80 mg on the label: Give a dose: 8 tablets
For chewable tablets that say 160 mg on the label: Give a dose: 4 tablets

You may repeat the dose every 4 to 6 hours as needed. DO NOT give your child more than 5 doses in 24 hours.

If you are not sure how much to give your child, call your provider.

If your child is vomiting or will not take oral medicine, you can use suppositories. Suppositories are placed in the anus to deliver medicine.

You can use suppositories in children older than 6 months. Always check with your provider before giving any medicine to children under 2 years old.

This medicine is given every 4 to 6 hours.

If your child is 6 to 11 months:

For infant suppositories that read 80 milligrams (mg) on the label: Give a dose: 1 suppository every 6 hours
Maximum dose: 4 doses in 24 hours

If your child is 12 to 36 months:

For infant suppositories that read 80 mg on the label: Give a dose: 1 suppository every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 5 doses in 24 hours

If your child is 3 to 6 years:

For children's suppositories that read 120 mg on the label: Give a dose: 1 suppository every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 5 doses in 24 hours

If your child is 6 to 12 years:

For junior-strength suppositories that read 325 mg on the label: Give a dose: 1 suppository every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 5 doses in 24 hours

If your child is 12 years and over:

For junior-strength suppositories that read 325 mg on the label: Give a dose: 2 suppositories every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses in 24 hours

Make sure you do not give your child more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen as an ingredient. For example, acetaminophen can be found in many cold remedies. Read the label before giving any medicine to children. You should not give medicine with more than one active ingredient to children under age 6 years.

When giving medicine to children, also be sure to follow important child medicine safety tips.

Be sure to post the number for the poison control center by your phone. If you think your child has taken too much medicine, call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. It is open 24 hours a day. Signs may include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and abdominal pain.

Go to the nearest emergency room. Your child may need:

To get activated charcoal. Charcoal stops the body from absorbing the medicine. It has to be given within an hour, and it does not work for every medicine.
To be admitted to the hospital so they can be watched closely.
Blood tests to see what the medicine is doing.
To have their heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure monitored.

Call your provider if:

You are not sure about the dose of medicine to give your infant or child.
You are having trouble getting your child to take medicine.
Your child's symptoms do not go away when you would expect them to go away.
Your child is an infant and has signs of illness, such as fever.

Tylenol

Healthychildren.org website. American Academy of Pediatrics. Acetaminophen dosage table for fever and pain. www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/Acetaminophen-for-Fever-and-Pain.aspx. Updated April 20, 2017. Accessed January 15, 2021.

Nield LS, Kamat D. Fever. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 201.

Theobald JL, Kostic MA. Poisoning. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 77.

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Browse the Encyclopedia

Acetaminophen/Tylenol Dosage Table | Health & Wellness Library | University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital | Cleveland, OH

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.) Dosage
Child’s weight	6 – 11 lbs.	12 – 17 lbs.	18 – 23 lbs.	24 – 35 lbs.	36 – 47 lbs.	48 – 59 lbs.	60 – 71 lbs.	72 – 95 lbs.	Over 96 lbs.
Syrup (Oral Suspension): 160 mg/5 milliliters (ml)	1.25	2.5	3.75	5	7.5	10	12.5	15	–
Chewable 80 mg tablets	–	–	1½	2	3	4	5	6	8
Chewable 160 mg tablets	–	–	–	1	1½	2	2½	3	4
Adult 325 mg tablets	–	–	–	–	–	1	1	1½	2
Adult 500 mg tablets	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	1	1

Indications:

Treatment of fever and pain.

Table Notes:

CAUTION: In May 2011, a move to one standard concentration (160 mg/5 ml) of liquid acetaminophen medicine for infants and children was announced. Up until this point, there have been mainly 2 concentrations: 80 mg/0.8 ml (infant concentrated drops) and 160 mg/5 ml (children’s liquid suspension or syrup). During this transition period, both old and new concentrations of infant acetaminophen may be available on store shelves and in your home. Before selecting a dose, please check your infant package carefully to find the concentration.Then select the dosage according to the correct concentration and child’s weight.
AGE LIMIT: Don’t use under 12 weeks of age unless directed by child’s doctor. (Reason: Fever during the first 12 weeks of life needs to be documented in a medical setting and if present, your infant needs a complete evaluation). EXCEPTION: Fever starting within 24 hours of immunization if child is 8 weeks of age or older. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under six years of age (Reason: FDA recommendations 1/2008).
DOSAGE: Determine by finding child’s weight in the top row of the dosage table
MEASURING the DOSAGE: Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Regular spoons are not reliable. Also, remember that 1 level teaspoon equals 5 ml and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 ml.
FREQUENCY: Repeat every four to six hours as needed. Don’t give more than five times a day.
ADULT DOSAGE: 650 mg
BRAND NAMES: Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic acetaminophen
BRAND NAMES: Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic acetaminophen
MELTAWAYS: Dissolvable tabs that come in 80 mg and 160 mg (junior strength)
SUPPOSITORIES: Acetaminophen also comes in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg suppositories (the rectal dose is the same as the dosage given by mouth).
EXTENDED-RELEASE: Avoid 650 mg oral products in children (Reason: they are every 8-hour extended-release)

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker

Acetaminophen - instructions for use, doses, side effects, reviews of the drug Acetaminophen: 0.

026 ‰

Analogs

All forms of release, dosages, registration certificates, drug manufacturers, drug characteristics

Product description Acetaminophen (tablets, 500 mg) based on the official instructions, approved by the manufacturer in 1997

Approval date: 07/31/1997

Active substance
ATX
Pharmacological group nine0024
Nosological classification (ICD-10)
Composition and form of release
pharmachologic effect
Indications
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Dosage and administration
Side effects
Storage conditions nine0024
Shelf life
Reviews

Active ingredient

Paracetamol* (Paracetamol*)

ATX

N02BE01 Paracetamol

Pharmacological group

Anilides

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

ICD-10 code list

G43 Migraine nine0024
K13. 7 Other and unspecified lesions of oral mucosa
M79.2 Neuralgia and neuritis, unspecified
N94.6 Dysmenorrhea, unspecified nine0024
R50 Fever of unknown origin
R51 Headache nine0024
R52.2 Other persistent pain

Composition and formulation

1 tablet contains paracetamol 500 mg; in a package of 12 and 30 pcs.

Pharmacological action

Pharmacological action - analgesic , antipyretic , anti-inflammatory .

Indications

Pain (headache and toothache, trauma pain, migraine, dysalgomenorrhea, neuralgia) and febrile syndromes, inflammation, influenza.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, severe hepatic and renal insufficiency, anemia, children's age (up to 12 years).

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Use with caution.

Method of administration and doses

Inside, adults and children over 12 years old - 500 mg 3-4 times a day (but not more than 4 g per day).

Side effects

Allergic reactions.

Storage conditions

In a dry place, at room temperature. nine0124 Keep out of reach of children.

Expiry date

3 years.
Do not use after the expiry date which is stated on the package.

dose tablets for children from 2-5 to 7-9 years old

Paracetamol is one of the most famous antipyretic and analgesic medicines. It belongs to the group of non-narcotic aniline analgesics. Adults take it themselves and often give it to babies when they need to bring down the temperature. There is nothing wrong with this, if you follow the dosage appropriate for age and choose a convenient dosage form. nine0004

Can paracetamol be given to children under one year old?

In some sources, you can read that childhood is a contraindication for the use of this medicine. It's a delusion. The drug is produced in the form of syrups and suspensions especially for the smallest. They do not contain alcohol, dyes and other harmful substances.

According to the instructions, you can drink it from the second month of life. The main indications for this are:

increased body temperature after vaccination; nine0024
fever in infectious and inflammatory diseases;
painful sensations that are difficult to endure.

Special dosages are available for patients under one year of age. It is important for parents to keep track of how much medication the child has taken. If you do not exceed the permissible limit, there will be no undesirable consequences. Even allergic reactions to paracetamol occur infrequently.

Paracetamol for children from 1 to 3 months

In the first month after birth Paracetamol is prohibited. As a rule, the baby does not need it due to the strong immunity received from the mother. In the next two months, the need may appear - the pediatrician will indicate it. It is not recommended to give the baby the drug on its own. The doctor will tell you how to take it correctly and in what doses. nine0004

Usually the indication is a reaction to vaccination - just at this time the first vaccinations are given (not counting those given in the maternity hospital).

According to the instructions, a single dose is prescribed at the age of two to three months. Its volume does not exceed 2.5 ml. The optimal form is suspension. However, in case the baby refuses to drink the medicine, there are rectal suppositories.

Paracetamol for children from 3 months to 1 year

After reaching the age of three months, the use of paracetamol becomes more free. Most often it is given to babies to reduce temperature at:

SARS;
influenza;
chickenpox;
scarlet fever;
measles;
pig.

The remedy will also help with pain. Babies may have pain in their ears and throat, muscles and joints, they are worried about colic and teething. Sometimes you can get by with breast milk containing natural analgesics. But if it does not help, medicines come to the rescue.

The allowable dosage is calculated based on the body weight of the child. Up to a year, the limit is 60 mg per kg of body weight per day, a single dose is from 10 to 15 mg per kg. Correctly determine how much medicine in a single dose, measuring spoons or syringes provided by the manufacturer help. nine0004

Paracetamol for children in syrups

Syrup or suspension is the most convenient form of children's antipyretics for this age group. This is an aqueous solution in which the active substance is mixed with sugar. It has a pleasant taste and smell, thanks to which the kids take it quite willingly.

Paracetamol syrup is usually a yellowish thick liquid. It has a fruity aroma, and there are two flavors: orange and strawberry. For 5 ml of solution there are 120 mg of analgesic. nine0004

The dosage of paracetamol for children is determined according to the instructions. It states that the 100 ml bottle is designed for 16 doses. This is easy to check. Based on the proportion "120 mg per 5 ml", 100 ml contains 2400 mg of the substance.

Divide by 12 mg (average single dose) to get 200 mg. Dividing 200mg by the claimed 16 doses results in 12.5kg, which is the average weight of a 3-year-old child.

At what age can children take paracetamol tablets? nine0020

The transition time from suspensions to tablets depends on the degree of development of the swallowing reflex. It’s impossible to say for sure how long to wait, but it’s definitely better not to experiment until three years.

In the case of paracetamol directly, the dosage must also be taken into account. The standard tablet of the drug of the same name contains 0.5 g of the active substance. It is necessary to compare this figure with the permissible children's dosage - 60 mg per kg of body weight. Knowing how much a person weighs on average at a certain age, it’s easy to figure it out. nine0004

Divide 500 mg (=0.5 g) by 60 mg to get 8.3 kg. This is the minimum weight at which a small patient can drink a whole tablet. It corresponds to 7-9 months. So by the age of three, such a dosage form is quite acceptable.

The main thing is to correctly calculate how many tablets you can give. At four years old, a child weighs about 16 kg. He can be given 16 kg * 120 mg = 1920 mg of paracetamol per day (that's a little less than 4 pieces).[1]

When paracetamol is contraindicated

Do not take the medication in question if you are hypersensitive to it. This applies not only to children, but also to adults. Take it with great care if:

low levels of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase;
violation of bilirubin metabolism;
kidney and liver diseases;
pathologies of the hematopoietic system;
diabetes mellitus (the syrup contains sugar).

It is important to balance the need to lower the temperature against the possible risks. If there are contraindications, it is better to consult a doctor so that he can choose a more suitable remedy. nine0004

Without special prescriptions, antipyretics can be drunk for no longer than three days. Under normal conditions, the desired result is achieved during this time. If it is not, the reception should be stopped and consulted with a pediatrician.

Possible side effects

Although paracetamol is a fairly common medicine, it is being phased out worldwide due to side effects. Its metabolites adversely affect the liver. In the presence of a disease of this organ, which is asymptomatic, the pathological process under the influence of metabolites will only intensify. nine0004

Other side effects:

renal colic;
decrease in platelets, leading to blood thinning;
decrease in the level of leukocytes, which weakens the protective functions of the body;
anemia leading to oxygen starvation of tissues;
reduction in blood sugar concentration.

Allergic reactions are possible: itching, rashes, Quincke's edema. In the presence of diseases of the liver, hematopoietic or endocrine system, it is better to choose another medicine. nine0004

Poisoning possible

Cases of paracetamol poisoning are not uncommon. In adults, the most common causes are overdose, interaction with alcohol and anticonvulsants. In children, only the first reason is possible - due to incorrect calculation by parents or uncontrolled self-administration.

Intoxication is manifested by nausea, vomiting, pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.