Pediatric Acetaminophen Dosing

Pediatric acetaminophen (eg, Children's Tylenol)

When possible, dose acetaminophen based on a child’s weight, using 10-15 mg/kg/dose. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4]} Give PO every 4-6 hours and do not exceed more than 5 doses (2.6 g) in 24 hours. When weight is unknown, the following guidelines based on age may be used. ^[5]

Age 0-3 months (weight, 6-11 lbs [2.7-5.3 kg])

• Dose: 40 mg/dose

• Oral suspension (160 mg/5 mL): 1.25 mL

Age 4-11 months (weight, 12-17 lbs [5.4-8.1 kg])

• Dose: 80 mg/dose

• Oral suspension (160 mg/5 mL): 2.5 mL

Age 12-23 months (weight, 18-23 lbs [8.2-10.8 kg])

• Dose: 120 mg/dose

• Oral suspension (160 mg/5 mL): 3.75 mL

• Chewable tablets (80 mg/tab): 1.5 tablets

Age 2-3 years (weight, 24-35 lbs [10.9-16.3 kg])

• Dose: 160 mg/dose

• Oral suspension (160 mg/5 mL): 5 mL

• Chewable tablets (80 mg/tab): 2 tablets

• Chewable tablets (160 mg/tab): 1 tablet

Age 4-5 years (weight, 36-47 lbs [16.4-21.7 kg])

• Dose: 240 mg/dose

• Oral suspension (160 mg/5 mL): 7.5 mL

• Chewable tablets (80 mg/tab): 3 tablets

• Chewable tablets (160 mg/tab): 1.5 tablets

Age 6-8 years (weight, 48-59 lbs [21.8-27.2 kg])

• Dose: 320 mg/dose

• Oral suspension (160 mg/5 mL): 10 mL

• Chewable tablets (80 mg/tab): 4 tablets

• Chewable tablets (160 mg/tab): 2 tablets

Age 9-10 years (weight, 60-71 lbs [27.3-32.6 kg])

• Dose: 400 mg/dose

• Oral suspension (160 mg/5 mL): 12.5 mL

• Chewable tablets (80 mg/tab): 5 tablets

• Chewable tablets (160 mg/tab): 2.5 tablets

Age 11-12 years (weight, 72-95 lbs [32.7-43.2 kg])

• Dose: 480 mg/dose

• Oral suspension (160 mg/5 mL): 15 mL

• Chewable tablets (80 mg/tab): 6 tablets

• Chewable tablets (160 mg/tab): 3 tablets