Acetaminophen is a medicine used to relieve pain and fever in children.

Before giving the medicine

Check the label on the bottle for the amount and strength (concentration) of acetaminophen. Concentrated infant acetaminophen drops (80 mg per 1 mL) are no longer made or sold in the U.S., but they are available in other countries, including Canada.

Determine the dosage by finding your child’s weight below. The medicine can be given in liquid, chewable tablet, or dissolving powder form. Each form may have a different concentration of medicine.

Measure the dosage. To measure liquid, use the oral syringe or medicine cup that came with the bottle. Do not use household teaspoons or spoons.

Do not give acetaminophen if your child is 12 weeks of age or younger unless told to do so by your child’s health care provider.

Dosage by weight

Weight: 24–35 lb (10.9–15.9 kg)

• Suspension liquid (160 mg per 5 mL): Give 5 mL.

• Chewable tablets (160 mg tablets): 1 tablet.

• Dissolving powder in packets (160 mg per powder): Not recommended.

Weight: 36–47 lb (16.3–21.3 kg)

• Suspension liquid (160 mg per 5 mL): Give 7.5 mL.

• Chewable tablets (160 mg tablets): 1½ tablets.

• Dissolving powder in packets (160 mg per powder): Not recommended.

Weight: 48–59 lb (21.8–26.8 kg)

• Suspension liquid (160 mg per 5 mL): Give 10 mL.

• Chewable tablets (160 mg tablets): 2 tablets.

• Dissolving powder in packets (160 mg per powder): 2 powders.

Weight: 60–71 lb (27.2–32.2 kg)

• Suspension liquid (160 mg per 5 mL): Give 12.5 mL.

• Chewable tablets (160 mg tablets): 2½ tablets.

• Dissolving powder in packets (160 mg per powder): 2 powders.

Weight: 72–95 lb (32.7–43.1 kg)

• Suspension liquid (160 mg per 5 mL): Give 15 mL.

• Chewable tablets (160 mg tablets): 3 tablets.

• Dissolving powder in packets (160 mg per powder): 3 powders.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Repeat the dosage every 4–6 hours as needed, or as recommended by your child’s health care provider. Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours.

• Do not give more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at the same time. Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to significant problems such as liver damage.

• Do not give your child aspirin unless you are told to do so by your child’s pediatrician or cardiologist. Aspirin has been linked to a serious medical reaction called Reye’s syndrome.

Summary

• Acetaminophen is commonly used to relieve pain and fever in children.

• Determine the correct dosage for your child based on his or her weight.

• Do not give more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at the same time.

• Repeat the dosage every 4–6 hours as needed, or as recommended by your child’s health care provider. Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.