Medication Dosages

Medication Dosages


Below is a list of common pediatric over-the-counter medications along with their dosages.  Additionally, we have also included some common medications that might be given together. When in doubt as to whether you can give medications together, consult poison control at 1-800-222-1222.


Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)


Acetaminophen is a fever and pain-reducing medication. It can be used in children over 2 months of age. It should be taken no more than every 4 hours and dosage is always based on weight. Too much acetaminophen can be toxic, so keep medications stored safely away from children. Both infant's and children's acetaminophen are the same medication strength and can be used interchangeably. There is also a rectal (suppository) formulation for children not tolerating the oral medication. Acetaminophen is considered safe during breastfeeding.

WeightChildren's Suspension
160mg/5mL
Chewable Tablets
160mg
Regular Tablets
325mg
Less than 12 lbs1.25 mL----
12-17 lbs2.5 mL----
18-23 lbs3.75 mL----
24-35 lbs5 mL1 tablet--
36-47 lbs7.5 mL1.5 tablets--
48-59 lbs10 mL2 tablets--
60-71 lbs12.5 mL2.5 tablets--
72-95 lbs15 mL3 tablets1 tablet
>95 lbs----2 tablets


Acetaminophen Suppositories

For children who are nauseous or vomiting and have a fever. Feverall® rectal suppositories are available over-the-counter to treat a fever. The dosing is every 4 hours.

AgeInfant 80mgChildren's 120mgJunior Strength 325mg
3-11 months1 suppository----
12-35 months1 suppository----
3-5 years--1 suppository--
6-12 years----1 suppository


Commonly Given Together: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and...

  • Ibuprofen: Safe
  • Allergy Medications (Zyrtec®, Claritin®, Benadryl®): Safe
  • Most Antibiotics: Safe
  • Cold Medications: Maybe not. Some cold medications contain aceteminophen and you should not give 2 medications which both contain this to avoid overdosing.
  • Steroids (prednisolone, prednisone): Safe
  • Prozac®, Zoloft®, Lexapro®: Safe
  • ADHD Stimulant Medications: Safe

Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®)




Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which decreases pain and inflammation as well as reduces fevers in children over 6 months of age. It should be taken no more than every 6 hours and dosage is always based on weight. Too much ibuprofen can be toxic, so keep medications stored safely away from children. Infant's and children's ibuprofen are different strengths, and as such are dosed differently. Ibuprofen is considered safe during breastfeeding at typical doses.

WeightInfant Drops
50mg/1.25mL
Children's Suspension
100mg/5mL
Chewable Tablets
100mg
Regular Tablets
200mg
12-17 lbs1 dropper / 1.25 mL2.5 mL----
18-23 lbs1.5 droppers / 1.875 mL3.75 mL--
24-35 lbs2 droppers / 2.5 mL5 mL1 tablet--
36-47 lbs--7.5 mL1.5 tablet--
48-59 lbs--10 mL2 tablets1 tablet
60-71 lbs--12.5 mL2.5 tablets1 tablet
72-95 lbs--15 mL3 tablets1.5 tablets
>95 lbs------2 tablets


Commonly Given Together: Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) and...
  • Acetaminophen: Safe
  • Allergy Medications (Zyrtec®, Claritin®, Benadryl®): Safe
  • Most Antibiotics: Safe
  • Cold Medications: Maybe not. Some cold medications contain ibuprofen and you should not give 2 medications which both contain this to avoid overdosing.
  • Steroids (prednisolone, prednisone): Safe
  • Prozac®, Zoloft®, Lexapro®: Safe
  • ADHD Stimulant Medications: Safe

Combining Fever Reducers



If pain or fever-related discomfort persists despite giving one fever reducer, these two medications can be alternated every 3-4 hours. For instance, if Tylenol was given at noon and a fever is still present at 3pm, a dose of Motrin can be given. It is important to keep track of dosing to avoid overdose of either medication.


Zyrtec® (cetirizine) and Claritin® (loratadine)


Zyrtec and Claritin are newer antihistimine medications which can combat symptoms of mild allergic reactions, itching, and hives. They cause fewer side effects than prior antihistamines and are typically non-drowsy. These medications are typically dosed daily and are based on age.

AgeZyrtec (cetirizine)Claritine (loratadine)
6 mo - 2 years:2.5 mg daily (but we should probably discuss during business hours)---
2 years - 5 years:2.5 mg daily up to 5mg daily5 mg daily
6 years and older:5-10 mg daily5-10 mg daily


Commonly Given Together: Zyrtec® (cetirizine) or Claritin® (loratadine) and...

  • Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen: Safe
  • Most Antibiotics: Safe
  • Cold Medications: Maybe. Many cold medications contain an antihistamine and you probably don't need 2.
  • Steroids (prednisolone, prednisone): Safe
  • Prozac®, Zoloft®, Lexapro®: Safe
  • ADHD Stimulant Medications: Safe

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)


Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine which can combat symptoms of mild allergic reactions, itching, and hives. It commonly causes children to be sleepy, but can also cause them to be more active or irritable. Because of potential side-effects, newer antihistamines such as Zyrtec® (cetirizine) or Claritin® (loratadine) are typically preferred when available.


Diphenhydramine can be given every 6-8 hours and is dosed based on weight. If a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction is occurring, epinephrine should always be given first and you should call 911.

Age/WeightChildren's Liquid
12.5mg/5mL
Children's Chewables
12.5mg
Regular Tablets
25mg
20-24 lbs2.5 mL----
25-49 lbs5 mL1 tablet--
50-99 lbs5-10 mL1-2 tablets1 tablet
100 lbs or more10 mL2-4 tablets1-2 tablets


Cough and Cold Medications


We do not typically recommend cough and cold medications (Delsym®, Dimetapp®, Robitussin®, etc) because they are not very effective and can cause significant side effects. If you choose to trial one of these medications, your child should be at least 4 years of age and you should follow the directions on the packaging.