Health Topics

Pediatric Drug Dosages

Acetaminophen (oral)

Tylenol®, Little Remedies Fever and Pain®, PediaCare Fever Reducer®

  • You may give your child acetaminophen if your child is uncomfortable with a fever.
  • Use the acetaminophen dosing chart below. Use your child's weight to select the dose.
  • You may repeat the dose of acetaminophen every 4-6 hours. Do not use it more than 5 times in 24 hours.
  • When giving the infant's or children's suspension, shake well before using.

Ibuprofen (oral) Dosing Instructions

Motrin® and Advil®

  • You may give your child ibuprofen if your child is uncomfortable with a fever.
  • It should not be used in children less than 6 months old without first discussing with your practitioner
  • Use the ibuprofen dosing chart below. Use your child's weight to select the dose.
  • You may repeat the dose of ibuprofen every 6-8 hours. Do not use it more than 4 times in 24 hours.
  • When giving the infant's or children's suspension, shake well before using.
  • Make certain that you always check the concentration (strength) of the ibuprofen product before each use

Acetaminophen Suppositories (rectal)

FeverAll®

  • You may give your child acetaminophen if your child is uncomfortable with a fever.
  • Acetaminophen should NOT be used in children under 2 months
  • Use the acetaminophen dosing chart below. Use your child's weight to select the dose.
  • You may repeat the dose of acetaminophen every 4-6 hours.

FeverAll® Suppository Directions

  • When practical, cleanse area around rectum with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly.
  • Gently dry by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth before using FeverAll.
  • Remove wrapper before inserting suppository and hold suppository upright and carefully separate wrapper at pointed end to open.
  • Carefully peel wrapper down both sides evenly, exposing suppository.
  • Avoid excess handling, as suppository is designed to melt at body temperature.
  • Suppositories should not need to be refrigerated if stored below 80º F (27º C).
  • Place child flat on back or on one side with anal opening exposed.
  • Insert suppository gently, well into the rectum. Use fingertip to complete insertion.

Diphenhydramine Dosing Instructions

Benadryl® Allergy

  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is used for allergic reactions, hives and to reduce the itchiness associated with certain rashes. It is occasionally used to temporarily relieve runny nose and sneezing symptoms due to the common cold.
  • Benadryl can be given every 6-8 hours as needed.
  • Benadryl does not come in an infant concentration



Conversions
2.5 ml = 1/2 teaspoon
5 ml = 1 teaspoon
7.5 ml = 1 1/2 teaspoons
10 ml = 2 teaspoons
15 ml = 3 teaspoons
20 ml = 4 teaspoons

CALL OUR OFFICE:

IMMEDIATELY if:
  • Your child starts acting very sick.
  • Breathing becomes difficult: or your child develops retractions (tugging in) between the ribs
  • Persistent vomiting

DURING REGULAR HOURS if:
  • A fever lasts for more than 3-5 days
  • You have other concerns or questions

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
  • Old concentration: 80 mg in 0.8ml New concentration: 160mg in 5ml
  • There may be a time when infants' acetaminophen products with both the old and new concentrations are in stores and in your medicine cabinet. Please be aware that the old infants' acetaminophen products are 3x more concentrated than the new one.
  • Using the directions from the new product with the old product (concentrated drops) could result in a serious overdose and cause liver damage. Always read and follow the label directions on the product you are using.

Disclaimer

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.