Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen Dosage Tables

Find the correct dose of children's pain and fever medicine quickly based on weight and age. The easy-to-use dosage tables help you correctly measure acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). This ensures safe treatment of your child’s symptoms. Keep these tables handy for when your child has a fever, headache, or other pain.

Acetaminophen Dosage Table

Brand names: Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic acetaminophen


Child's weight (pounds)	6-11*	12-17	18-23	24-35	36-47	48-59	60-71	72-95	96+
Syrup 160 mg/5 mL	1.25	2.5	3.75	5	7.5	10	12.5	15	20
Chewable 80 mg tablet	-	-	1 1/2	2	3	4	5	6	8
Chewable 160 mg tablet	-	-	-	1	1 1/2	2	2 1/2	3	4
Adult 325 mg tablet	-	-	-	-	-	1	1	1 1/2	2
Adult 500 mg tablet	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	1

* only to be given if directed by a health care professional; see age limit below

– do not give

Indications: This medication treats fever and pain. If a child has had a fever or pain for more than five days, consult a physician.

Acetaminophen doses are between 8-15 mg/kg = 3-7 mg/lb.

Caution: In May 2011, one standard concentration of liquid acetaminophen medicine for infants and children was announced. Until today, there have been two concentrations: 80mg/0.8ml (infant concentrated drops) and 160 mg/5ml (children’s liquid.) Please check the package carefully to find the correct concentration of medication. Next, select the dosage according to the proper concentration and the child’s weight. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years old.

Table Notes

*Age Limit: Tylenol is not recommended for infants under 12 weeks of age unless directed by a physician. (Reason: Fever during the first 12 weeks of life must be documented in a medical setting, and your infant will need a complete medical evaluation). Contact your child’s pediatrician (primary care provider) for more information or to make an appointment.

Dosage: Determine dosage by finding the child’s weight in the top row of the dosage table.

Frequency: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don’t give more than 4 times in 24 hours.

Meltaways: Dissolvable tabs that come in 80 mg and 160 mg (jr. strength)

Suppositories: Acetaminophen also comes in 80, 120, 325, and 650 mg suppositories (the rectal dose is the same as the dosage given by mouth).

Extended-release: Avoid 650 mg oral products in children (Reason: they’re 8-hour extended-release)

Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Ibuprofen Dosage Table

Brand names: Motrin, Advil, generic ibuprofen


Child's weight (pounds)	12-17+	18-23	24-35	36-47	48-59	60-71	72-95	96+
Infant drops 50 mg/1.25 mL	1.25	1.875	2.5	3.75	5	-	-	-
Liquid 100 mg/1.25 mL	2.5	4	5	7.5	10	12.5	15	20
Chewable 50 mg tablets	-	-	2	3	4	5	6	8
Junior strength 100 mg tablets	-	-	-	-	2	2 1/2	3	4
Adult 200 mg tablets	-	-	-	-	1	1	1 1/2	2

* only to be given if directed by a health care professional; see age limit below

– do not give

Indications: This medication treats fever and pain. If a child has had a fever or pain for more than five days, consult a physician.

Ibuprofen doses are between 5-10 mg/kg = 2-5 mg/lb.

Table Notes

*Age Limit: Don’t use under 6 months old unless directed by your child’s doctor because its safety is not established and doesn’t have FDA approval. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age.

Dosage: Determine dosage by finding the child’s weight in the top row of the dosage table.

Frequency: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.

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