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Dosage Recommendations for Acetaminophen (Tylenol)*

Age	Weight (Pounds)	Dose (MG)	Form†
Under 3 months	6-11	40	½ dropper
4-11 months	12-17	80	1 dropper or ½ tsp elixir
12-23 months	18-23	120	1½ dropper or ¾ tsp elixir or 1½ chewable tablet (80 mg)
2-3 years	24-35	160	2 droppers or 1 tsp elixir or 2 chewable tablets (80 mg)
4-5 years	36-47	240	1½ tsp elixir or 3 chewable tablets (80 mg)
6-8 years	48-59	320	2 tsp elixir or 4 chewable tablets (80 mg) or 2 swallowable tablets
9-10 years	60-71	400	2½ tsp elixir or 5 chewable tablets (80 mg) or 2½ swallowable tablets
11 years	72-95	480	3 tsp elixir or 6 chewable tablets (80 mg) or 3 swallowable tablets
12 years and above	96+	640	4 swallowable tablets

*Doses should be administered four or five times daily but should not exceed five doses in 24 hours. Dosage is 10 to 15mg/kg.

^†1 dropper=80 mg/0.8 ml; elixir=160 mg/5 ml; chewable tablet=80 mg each; junior-strength chewable tablets=160 mg each; junior-strength swallowable tablets=160 mg each. Acetaminophen rectal suppositories and sprinkle caps (Feverall) are also available from Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc, 14905 23rd Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55447; 800-328-3344. The sprinkle caps, available in 80mg and 160mg dosages, contain colorless, tasteless, and odorless acetaminophen that is mixed with any cold liquid or food.

Clinical Alert

Ask the parents about the type of acetaminophen being used in the home. For example, the chewable tables and sprinkle caps come in two strengths (80 mg and 160 mg). The infant liquid form contains 80 mg/0.8 ml (one dropperful), whereas the elixir has 160 mg/5 ml. Using the wrong preparation can underdose or overdose the child. As children grow, the dosage needs to be recalculated (10 to 15 mg/kg).

March 15, 2002

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