Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dose Table

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When to Use: Treatment of fever and pain.

Caution: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be found in many prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Read the labels to be sure your child is not getting it from 2 products. If you have questions, call your child’s doctor.

Table Notes:

Age Limits. Don’t use under 12 weeks of age unless told by the child’s doctor. Reason: fever in the first 12 weeks of life needs to be seen now. If present, your baby needs a medical exam now. Exception: Fever starting within 24 hours of vaccines if the child is 8 weeks of age or older. If under 6 years old, don’t give products with more than one ingredient in them (FDA recommendation 2008).

Dose. Find the child’s weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below for the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.

Measure the Dose. Syringes and droppers are better to use than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at a drug store. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Reason: regular spoons are not reliable. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.

How Often. Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don’t give more than 5 times a day.

Adult Dose. 500-650 mg

Adult Daily Maximum. 3,000 mg in 24 hours

Brand Names. Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic acetaminophen
Suppositories. Come in 80, 120, 325, and 650 mg. The rectal dose is the same as the dose given by mouth.

Extended-Release. Do not use 650 mg oral products in children. Reason: they are every 8-hour extended-release.

Use in Countries Outside the U.S. Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S. Always check the concentration is the same before using this dose table.