DOSAGE CHARTS FOR COMMON OTC MEDICATIONS
GENERAL GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
At Back to Basics Pediatrics, we understand how important it is to have accurate and easy-to-access dosing information when caring for your child. To support you, we’ve compiled comprehensive dosage tables for commonly used over-the-counter medications, including:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil
These charts are designed to provide general guidance for parents and caregivers. However, every child is unique, so we encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure the correct dosage and proper use of any medication.
Dosing Guidelines
• Use the dropper, syringe, or medicine cup provided with the medication. • Avoid using teaspoons, tablespoons, or other household utensils to measure doses.
• Avoid multi-ingredient medications in children under 6 years old.
• If you suspect you’ve given your child too much medicine, call IL Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
• For babies under 3 months old with a fever, contact our office for a complete evaluation. The exception is if the fever occurs after a vaccination and your baby is otherwise acting normally.
• Seek immediate medical attention or contact our office if your child is unusually lethargic, unresponsive, showing signs of dehydration, or having difficulty breathing.
• For any medical emergency, call 911.
• For more details about fevers, refer to our fever page.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosing
Over the Counter Tylenol dosing for children in Algonquin, IL
For children over 4 months of age (unless directed by our office to administer it earlier for fever, pain, or post-vaccination).
The recommended dose is every 4-6 hours. Infant Tylenol and Children’s Tylenol have the same dosage strength; the primary difference is that Infant Tylenol includes a syringe for dosing, while Children’s Tylenol comes with a cup.
Tylenol: 6-11 POUNDS
Dose: 40 mg
Infants’ or Children’s Liquid 160 mg/5ml: 1.25 ml
Chewable 80 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): N/A
Jr. Strength 160 mg tablets(Children who can swallow pills): N/A
Regular Strength 325 mg tablets (Older children/teens): N/A
Tylenol: 12-17 Pounds
Dose: 80 mg
Infants’ or Children’s Liquid 160 mg/5ml: 2.5 ml
Chewable 80 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 1 Tablet
Jr. Strength 160 mg tablets(Children who can swallow pills): N/A
Regular Strength 325 mg tablets (Older children/teens): N/A
Tylenol: 18-23 Pounds
Dose: 120 mg
Infants’ or Children’s Liquid 160 mg/5ml: 3.75 ml
Chewable 80 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 1.5 Tablet
Jr. Strength 160 mg tablets(Children who can swallow pills): N/A
Regular Strength 325 mg tablets (Older children/teens): N/A
Tylenol: 24-35 Pounds
Dose: 160 mg
Infants’ or Children’s Liquid 160 mg/5ml: 5 ml
Chewable 80 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 2 Tablets
Jr. Strength 160 mg tablets(Children who can swallow pills): 1 Tablet
Regular Strength 325 mg tablets (Older children/teens): N/A
Tylenol: 36-47 Pounds
Dose: 240 mg
Infants’ or Children’s Liquid 160 mg/5ml: 7.5 ml
Chewable 80 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 3 Tablets
Jr. Strength 160 mg tablets(Children who can swallow pills): 1.5 Tablets
Regular Strength 325 mg tablets (Older children/teens): N/A
Tylenol: 48-70 Pounds
Dose: 325 mg
Infants’ or Children’s Liquid 160 mg/5ml: 10 ml
Chewable 80 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 4 Tablets
Jr. Strength 160 mg tablets(Children who can swallow pills): 2 Tablets
Regular Strength 325 mg tablets (Older children/teens): 1 Tablet
Tylenol: 71-90 Pounds
Dose: 500 mg
Infants’ or Children’s Liquid 160 mg/5ml: 15 ml
Chewable 80 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 6 Tablets
Jr. Strength 160 mg tablets(Children who can swallow pills): 3 Tablets
Regular Strength 325 mg tablets (Older children/teens): 1.5 Tablets
Tylenol: 96+ Pounds
Dose: 650 mg
Infants’ or Children’s Liquid 160 mg/5ml: 20 ml
Chewable 80 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 8 Tablets
Jr. Strength 160 mg tablets(Children who can swallow pills): 4 Tablets
Ibuprofen (Motrin / Advil) Dosing
Tylenol dosing for kids in Algonquin, IL
For children over 6 months of age, the recommended dose is every 6-8 hours. Infant Motrin/Advil and Children’s Motrin/Advil have different dosage strengths. Please carefully check the bottle to confirm which product you are using.
Motrin / Advil: 12-17 POUNDS
Dose: 50 mg
Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 ml: 1.25 ml
Children’s Liquid 100 mg/5 ml: 2.5 ml
Chewable 50 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): N/A
Junior Strength 100 mg tablets (Children who can swallow pills): N/A
Regular Strength 200 mg tablets (Olders children and teens): N/A
Motrin / Advil: 18-23 POUNDS
Dose: 75 mg
Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 ml: 1.875 ml
Children’s Liquid 100 mg/5 ml: 3.75 ml
Chewable 50 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 1.5 Tablets
Junior Strength 100 mg tablets (Children who can swallow pills): N/A
Regular Strength 200 mg tablets (Olders children and teens): N/A
Motrin / Advil: 24-35 POUNDS
Dose: 100 mg
Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 ml: 2.5 ml
Children’s Liquid 100 mg/5 ml: 5 ml
Chewable 50 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 2 Tablets
Junior Strength 100 mg tablets (Children who can swallow pills): 1 Tablet
Regular Strength 200 mg tablets (Olders children and teens): N/A
Motrin / Advil: 36-47 POUNDS
Dose: 150 mg
Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 ml: 3.75 ml
Children’s Liquid 100 mg/5 ml: 7.5 ml
Chewable 50 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 3 Tablets
Junior Strength 100 mg tablets (Children who can swallow pills): 1.5 Tablets
Regular Strength 200 mg tablets (Olders children and teens): N/A
Motrin / Advil: 48-70 POUNDS
Dose: 200 mg
Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 ml: 5 ml
Children’s Liquid 100 mg/5 ml: 10 ml
Chewable 50 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 4 Tablets
Junior Strength 100 mg tablets (Children who can swallow pills): 2 Tablets
Regular Strength 200 mg tablets (Olders children and teens): 1 Tablet
Motrin / Advil: 48-70 POUNDS
Dose: 300 mg
Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 ml: N/A
Children’s Liquid 100 mg/5 ml: 15 ml
Chewable 50 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 6 Tablets
Junior Strength 100 mg tablets (Children who can swallow pills): 3 Tablets
Regular Strength 200 mg tablets (Olders children and teens): 1.5 Tablets
Motrin / Advil: 96+ POUNDS
Dose: 400 mg
Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 ml: N/A
Children’s Liquid 100 mg/5 ml: 20 ml
Chewable 50 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 8 Tablets
Junior Strength 100 mg tablets (Children who can swallow pills): 4 Tablets
Regular Strength 200 mg tablets (Olders children and teens): 2 Tablets
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dosing
Benadryl dosing for my child in Algonquin, IL
Do not administer to children under 2 years old unless directed by your healthcare provider. Side Effects: Benadryl may cause drowsiness but can occasionally result in excitation. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after use.
Contact us at 224-333-0730 with any questions.
Benadryl: 18-23 POUNDS
Dose: 10 mg
Children’s Liquid 12.5 mg/5ml: 4 ml
Chewable 12.5 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): N/A
Adult 25 mg tablets/capsules (Children who can swallow pills): N/A
Benadryl: 24-37 POUNDS
Dose: 12.5 mg
Children’s Liquid 12.5 mg/5ml: 5 ml
Chewable 12.5 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 1 Tablet
Adult 25 mg tablets/capsules (Children who can swallow pills): N/A
Benadryl: 38-49 POUNDS
Dose: 18.75 mg
Children’s Liquid 12.5 mg/5ml: 7.5 ml
Chewable 12.5 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 1.5 Tablets
Adult 25 mg tablets/capsules (Children who can swallow pills): N/A
Benadryl: 50-99 POUNDS
Dose: 25 mg
Children’s Liquid 12.5 mg/5ml:10 ml
Chewable 12.5 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 2 Tablets
Adult 25 mg tablets/capsules (Children who can swallow pills): 1 Tablet
Benadryl: 100+ POUNDS
Dose: 50 mg
Children’s Liquid 12.5 mg/5ml:20 ml
Chewable 12.5 mg tablets (Children older than 3 years): 4 Tablets
Adult 25 mg tablets/capsules (Children who can swallow pills): 2 Tablets
Disclaimer
The information provided on this webpage is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping any treatment for your child.
If you have questions or concerns about a medical condition or your child’s specific needs, please discuss them with your provider. Only a healthcare professional can offer personalized recommendations based on your child’s medical history, current medications, and overall health.
Keep in mind that:
• Your healthcare provider has the benefit of knowing your child’s full medical background.
• A physical examination and additional testing may be necessary to address underlying conditions.
• Medications may interact with symptoms in ways that require professional insight.
In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate care at the nearest emergency facility. When in doubt, always contact your child’s doctor or visit the closest emergency department.
By using this webpage, you acknowledge that the information provided is offered “as is.” Back to Basics Pediatrics makes no expressed or implied warranties regarding its accuracy, completeness, or reliability. If you have any questions, please call us at 224-333-0730. We are here to help!