Children's Acetaminophen Dosage

Children's acetaminophen dosage recommendations will vary for each child depending on his or her age and weight. If you accurately know your child's weight, it is best to base the dosing on weight, rather than age. A children's acetaminophen dose can be given every four hours, but you should not give your child more than five doses in a 24-hour period.

 

Children's Acetaminophen Dosage: An Introduction

The recommended dose of children's acetaminophen (Children's Tylenol®) will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your child's age and weight
  • Other medications your child may be taking
  • Other medical conditions your child may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust the dose of children's acetaminophen unless your child's healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Children's Acetaminophen Dosing Chart

Refer to the following chart for information for the recommend acetaminophen dose in children:
 
Age (years)
Weight (pounds)
Dose in milligrams (mg)
Acetaminophen chewable tablets (or orally disintegrating tablets) -- 80 mg per tablet
Children's acetaminophen suspension (or generic suspension) -- 160 mg per teaspoonful
Junior acetaminophen (or generic junior strength chewable tablets) -- 160 mg per tablet
Under 2
Under 24
Do not use (instead, use infant acetaminophen)
2 to 3
24 to 35
160 mg
2 tablets
1 teaspoonful (5 mL)
Do not use
4 to 5
36 to 47
240 mg
3 tablets
1 ½ teaspoonfuls (7.5 mL)
Do not use
6 to 8
48 to 59
320 mg
4 tablets
2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL)
2 tablets
9 to 10
60 to 71
400 mg
5 tablets
2 ½ teaspoonfuls (12.5 mL)
2 ½ tablets
11 to 12
72 to 95
480 mg
6 tablets
3 teaspoonfuls (15 mL)
3 tablets
 
A dose can be given every four hours, but do not exceed more than five doses in 24 hours. If you accurately know your child's weight, it is best to base the dosing on weight, rather than age.
 
(Children's Acetaminophen Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;