Acetaminophen (name brand = Tylenol) is a pain, discomfort and fever reducer commonly used during illnesses and for conditions such as teething. Acetaminophen is broken down (metabolized) by the liver, whereas ibuprofen is cleared from the body by the kidneys. During illnesses, acetaminophen is preferred by our providers because it is gentler on the stomach. Additionally, people are prone to decreased appetite and dehydration when they are feeling ill; taking ibuprofen in states of dehydration can damage the kidneys. Please dose acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on your child’s weight, not their age; age should only be used for infant’s/children’s dosing is weight is not known.
| Weight | Age* | Acetaminophen Infant/Children’s Oral Suspension 160mg/5ml | Acetaminophen Children’s suspension 160mg/5ml | Acetaminophen Children’s Meltaways 80mg/tablet | Acetaminophen Junior Meltaways 160mg/tablet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-11 lbs | 0-3 mo | 1.25 ml (40mg) | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 12-17 lbs | 4-11 mo | 2.5 ml (80mg) | 2.5 ml | n/a | n/a |
| 18-23 lbs | 12-23 mo | 3.75ml (120mg) | 3.75 ml | n/a | n/a |
| 24-35 lbs | 2-3 yrs | 5.0 ml (160mg) | 5 ml | 2 tablets | n/a |
| 36-47 lbs | 4-5 yrs | n/a | 7.5 ml | 3 tablets | n/a |
| 48-59 lbs | 6-8 yrs | n/a | 10 ml | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 60-71 lbs | 9-10 yrs | n/a | 12.5 ml | 5 tablets | 2½ tablets |
| 72-95 lbs | 11 yrs | n/a | 15 ml | 6 tablets | 3 tablets |
| 96 lbs and over | 12 yrs | n/a | n/a | n/a | 4 tablets |