When a child is sick, a parent’s first question is typically, “What can I do to make you feel better?” Whether it’s due to fever, aches, and pains, or cold symptoms, often a fever reducer or pain reliever comes into play. The next question is, “What’s the safest and most effective medication I can give my child?”
Two common fever-reducing and pain-relieving medications are acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Children’s Motrin or Children’s Advil). Both are considered safe for children, but it’s important to check two things before administering either drug to your child: whether or not your child has a contraindication, such as an allergy or a disorder that either Tylenol or Motrin may interfere with, and the recommended medical dosage based on your child’s weight.
Keep reading to learn more about proper Tylenol and Motrin dosing for children and infants and other frequently asked questions.
What Are Tylenol and Motrin Typically Used for?
Both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are common over-the-counter medications for minor aches and pains and fevers. Ibuprofen also acts as an anti-inflammatory and can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Should I Give My Child Tylenol or Motrin if They Have a Fever?
A general fever is not typically dangerous for children and infants, and it is recommended that you avoid administering Tylenol or Motrin unless the fever is greater than 100.5 degrees and your child is feeling discomfort. If you feel an over-the-counter drug is necessary in the case of your child’s ailment, be sure to follow the correct Tylenol or Motrin dosing for children based on weight. Always check with your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned about proper dosage or necessity!
How Old Does My Child Need To Be Before I Can Give Them Tylenol?
A general fever is not typically dangerous for children and infants, and it is recommended that you avoid administering Tylenol or Motrin unless the fever is greater than 100.5 degrees and your child is feeling discomfort. If you feel an over-the-counter drug is necessary in the case of your child’s ailment, be sure to follow the correct Tylenol or Motrin dosing for children based on weight. Always check with your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned about proper dosage or necessity!
It is recommended that you DO NOT give acetaminophen or Tylenol to an infant under the age of 8 weeks without consulting your pediatrician first.
How Much Tylenol Can I Give My Child?
Tylenol dosing is based on weight, rather than age. See the chart below for the recommended Tylenol dosing for children and infant Tylenol dosage recommendations. For any additional questions or consultation feel free to contact our Pediatric Care Specialist.
What Is Tylenol ER?
Tylenol ER stands for “Extended Release” and contains 650 mg of acetaminophen per pill. This form of Tylenol is typically used for arthritis, sciatica, muscle pain, general pain, and fever. Tylenol ER is oval-shaped, white, and has “Tylenol ER” carved directly on the pill.
What Does Tylenol Look Like?
Children’s Tylenol and Adult Tylenol come in many different shapes and forms. The children’s form comes in liquid, chewable tablets, or capsules. Adult Tylenol can also take these different forms, but it’s most easily recognized as a white tablet with an elongated oval shape.
Tylenol dosing chart: Acetaminophen may be given every 4 hours; do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours. Do not give to children under 2 months of age.
| Weight | Liquid
(160mg/5ml) |
Chewables
(80mg each) |
Junior Strength Capsules
(160mg each) |
Regular Strength Capsules
(325mg each) |
| 6-11 lbs | ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) | |||
| 12-17lbs | ½ tsp (2.5 ml) | |||
| 18-23lbs | ¾ tsp (3.75 ml) | |||
| 24-30lbs | 1 tsp (5 ml) | 2 tabs | 1 tab | |
| 31-34lbs | 1 ¼ tsp (6.25 ml) | 2 ½ tabs | 1 tab | |
| 35-46lbs | 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) | 3 tabs | 1 ½ tab | |
| 47-58lbs | 2 tsp (10 ml) | 4 tabs | 2 tabs | 1 tab |
| 59-70lbs | 2 ½ tsp (12.5 ml) | 5 tabs | 2 ½ tabs | 1 tab |
| 71-93lbs | 3 tsp (15 ml) | 6 tabs | 3 tabs | 1 ½ tab |
| 94-140lbs | 4 tsp (20 ml) | 8 tabs | 4 tabs | 2 tabs |
| >140lbs | 6 tsp (30 ml) | 12 tabs | 6 tabs | 3 tabs |
What Is Motrin IB?
Motrin IB is a form of Motrin that contains 200mg of Ibuprofen, a common NSAID (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that is a powerful pain reliever and fever reducer.
How old does my child need to be before I can give them Motrin?
It is recommended that you DO NOT give Motrin/Ibuprofen/Advil to a child under 6 months of age under any circumstances.
How Much Motrin Can I Give My Child?
As with Tylenol, proper Motrin dosing is based on your child’s weight. See the chart below for proper Motrin dosing based on weight.
What Is the Correct Motrin Dosing for Infants?
You should never give Motrin to an infant under the age of 6 months. For infants over the age of 6 months, consult your pediatrician and follow the Motrin dosing chart below based on weight.
What Does Motrin Look Like?
Children’s Motrin can come in many forms, such as liquid, chewables, or tablets. The most recognizable form of Motrin is a small circular red or white pill.
Motrin dosing chart: Ibuprofen may be given every 6 hours; do not exceed 4 doses in 25 hours. Do not give to children under 6 months of age.
| Weight | Infant Drops
(50 mg/1.25ml) |
Suspension
(100mg/5ml) |
Chewables
(50mg each) |
Junior Strength Tablets
(100mg each) |
Adult Tablets
(200mg each) |
| 10-15lbs | 1.25 ml | ||||
| 16-20lbs | 1.87 ml | ||||
| 20-29lbs | 2.5 ml | 1 tsp (5 ml) | |||
| 30-39lbs | 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) | 3 | |||
| 40-49lbs | 2 tsp (10 ml) | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
| 50-59lbs | 2 ½ tsp (12.5 ml) | 5 | 2 1/2 | ||
| 60-69lbs | 3 tsp (15 ml) | 6 | 3 | ||
| 70-79lbs | 3 ½ tsp (17.5 ml) | 7 | 3 1/2 | ||
| 80-89lbs | 4 tsp (20 ml) | 8 | 4 | 2 | |
| 90-99lbs | 4 ½ tsp (22.5 ml) | 9 | 4 1/2 | ||
| 100-134lbs | 5 tsp (25ml) | 10 | 5 | ||
| 135+lbs | 6 tsp (30 ml) | 12 | 6 | 3 |
Caring for a sick child often weighs heavy on a parent, but it can be helpful to know you are not alone. We’d love to hear from you. Comment below about your successes with caring for a child with a fever or ailment and any further recommendations you may have. To learn more about recommended treatments for your child, call our pediatric specialist Dr. Ana M. Hernandez-Puga today!
