Dosage Calculator and Chart
Infants and Toddlers
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
100mg/5mL Age 6 months and older
Administer by mouth every 6-8 hours as needed for fever, discomfort
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
160mg/5mL
Administer by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed for fever, discomfort
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
liquid 12.5mg/5ml
Children and Teenagers
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Chewable tablets 50mg each
Junior Strength tablets 100mg each
Adult Strength tablets 200mg each
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Chewable tablets 50mg each
Junior Strength tablets 160mg each
Adult Strength tablets 325mg each
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Chewable tablets 12.5 mg each
Chewable tablets 25 mg each
Safety Facts
Medication can be helpful, but can also be harmful if given at the wrong dosage or at the wrong times. Below, our dosage chart for the most common children’s medications will help you determine the right medication dosage for your child.
We also recommend following some basic safety guidelines:
- Store all medications and vitamins out of reach of children
- Check expiration dates before administering any medication. Expired medicines can be harmful.
- Check the correct dosage using our dosage calculator and measure it out precisely.
- Give medication at the prescribed times. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. Then give the next dose at the correct interval following the late dose.
- If you are giving your child more than one medicine, check to make sure they can be given at the same time. Some medications, such as cold medications, have multiple medicines combined, such as fever reducers. If you are unsure, call our office to double check.
- For liquid medications, always use the dosing device that comes with your child’s medicine.
- If using an over the counter drug and are unsure if it’s safe for your infant or toddler, you can check with our office before administering the medicine.
Keep in mind that all medications can cause side effects or allergic reactions and that the side effects can vary depending on the child.
If you have questions about medication dosage, contact our office at (720) 284-3700.
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) is an over-the-counter medicine that is a fever reducer, anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Medication strengths vary for each product, so make sure to double check the strength of your medication and use our dosage calculator below to determine the right dose based on your child’s weight.
Caution: Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months of age unless directed by your pediatrician. The safety of the product at that age has not been determined or approved by the FDA.
Frequency: Repeat doses every 6-8 hours as needed.
Measuring the dosage: For liquid medications, make sure to use the syringe or device that comes with it. If not available, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter medicine that is a fever reducer and pain reliever.
The biggest concern with acetaminophen is improper dosing. Make sure to double check the strength of your medication and use our dosage chart to determine the right dose based on your child’s weight. In 2011, the FDA recommended that all forms of acetaminophen be made in just one strength, 160 mg/5 mL. However, some chewable tablets are available at 80 mg, so check the medication’s strength before administering it.
Caution: Do not give acetaminophen to babies under 12 weeks of age unless directed by your pediatrician.
Measuring the dosage: For liquid medications, make sure to use the syringe or device that comes with it. If not available, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies.
Frequency: Repeat doses every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not give acetaminophen more than 5 times a day.
Extended-Release: Do not give 650 mg oral extended-release acetaminophen to children.