Nearly 9,500 young children are hospitalized each year for accidental medication poisoning. It is critical for parents to both understand appropriate dosing, but also to safely store medication. As babies grow, small dosing changes can make a significant difference, and in some cases lead to extreme outcomes.
Our experts at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children have provided the following dosing charts that should assist parents in treating their loved ones.
Acetaminophen* Dosing Chart
|
Weight |
Weight |
Children's Liquid |
Children's Dissolve Tabs |
|
12-17 lbs |
5.5-7.9 kg |
2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) |
— |
|
18-23 lbs |
8-10.9 kg |
3.7 mL (3/4 teaspoon) |
— |
|
24-35 lbs |
11-15.9 kg |
5 mL (1 teaspoon) |
2 tabs (160 mg) |
|
36-47 lbs |
16-20.9 kg |
7.5 mL (1.5 teaspoons) |
3 tabs (240 mg) |
|
48-59 lbs |
21-26.5 kg |
10 mL (2 teaspoons) |
4 tabs (320 mg) |
|
60-71 lbs |
26.6-32.2 kg |
12.5 mL (2.5 teaspoons) |
5 tabs (400 mg) |
NOT recommended for babies less than 2 months old. Give every 4-6 hours as needed for fever or pain. NOTE: Certain concentrations (mg/mL) of acetaminophen are being phased out. Please be sure to check the concentration on the bottle of acetaminophen before dosing.
*For example, Tylenol®
Ibuprofen* Dosing Chart
|
Weight |
Weight |
Children's Liquid (100mg/5mL) |
Junior tablets (100mg) |
Adult tablets (200 mg) |
|
12-21 lbs |
5.5-9.9 kg |
2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) |
— |
— |
|
22-33 lbs |
10-14.9 kg |
5 mL (1 teaspoon) |
1 tablet (100 mg) |
— |
|
34-43 lbs |
15-19.9 kg |
7.5 mL (1.5 teaspoons) |
1 tablet (100 mg) |
— |
|
44-55 lbs |
20-24.9 kg |
10 mL (2 teaspoons) |
2 tablets (200 mg) |
1 tablet (200 mg) |
|
55-66 lbs |
25-29.9 kg |
12.5 mL (2.5 teaspoons) |
2 tablets (200 mg) |
1 tablet (200 mg) |
|
67-88 lbs |
30-39.9 kg |
15 mL (3 teaspoons) |
3 tablets (300 mg) |
— |
|
89+ lbs |
40+ kg |
— |
4 tablets (400 mg) |
2 tablets (400 mg) |
For infants and children OLDER than 6 months of age. Give every 6-8 hours as needed for fever or pain.
*For example, Motrin® and Advil®
As always, our providers and nurses are available 24/7 for you and your family’s needs. While all of our HealthONE ER facilities are fully equipped to provide care for the entire family, our full-service ER at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center can provide extended pediatric care for more serious conditions.
In addition to the dedicated 24/7 pediatric emergency room at 20th and North High Street, HealthONE has additional emergency rooms within Denver-metro area to provide care for the entire family. Our family-friendly ER locations include The Medical Center, North Suburban Medical Center, Rose Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center.
Check back here next month for more tips for parents.