Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Benadryl Dosing Charts

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Author: Nicole Marty, MD

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Dosing Charts for Infants and Children

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dosing Chart

• Frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed
• Side Effects: May cause drowsiness
• Indications: May be used for nasal allergies, allergic reactions, itching and hives
• Children's Benadryl Fast Melts: Each fast melt tablet contains the equivalent of 12.5 mg of Diphenhydramine HCL and is dosed the same as chewable tablets.

Child who weighs 20-24 lbs: 4 mL

Child who weighs 25-37 lbs: 5 mL, 1 chewable (12.5 mg) tablet, or 1/2 (25 mg) tablet

Child who weighs 38-49 lbs: 7.5 mL, 1 1/2 chewable (12.5 mg) tablet, or 1/2 (25 mg) tablet

Child who weighs 50-99 lbs: 10 mL, 2 chewable (12.5 mg) tablets, or 1 (25 mg) tablet/capsule

Child who weighs 99+ lbs: 4 chewable (12.5 mg) tablets or 2 (25 mg) tablets/capsules

 

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Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) Dosing Chart

• Age Limit: Don't use in infants under 6 months of age
• Frequency: Every 6-8 hours as needed

Child who weighs 12-17 lbs: 1.25 mL (50 mg/1.25 mL) drops or 2.5 ML (100 mg/5 mL)

Child who weighs 18-23 lbs: 1.875 mL (50 mg/1.25 mL) drops or 4 ML (100 mg/5 mL)

Child who weighs 24-35 lbs: 2.5 mL (50 mg/1.25 mL) drops, 5 ML (100 mg/5 mL), or 2 chewable (50 mg) tablets

Child who weighs 48-59 lbs: 5 mL (50 mg/1.25 mL) drops, 10 ML (100 mg/5 mL), 4 chewable (50 mg) tablets, 2 (100 mg) tablets, or 1 (200 mg) tablets

Child who weighs 60-71 lbs: 12.5 ML (100 mg/5 mL), 5 chewable (50 mg) tablets, 2 1/2 (100 mg) tablets, or 1 (200 mg) tablets

Child who weighs 72-95 lbs: 15 ML (100 mg/5 mL), 6 chewable (50 mg) tablets, 3 (100 mg) tablets, or 1 1/2 (200 mg) tablets

Child who weighs 96+ lbs: 20 ML (100 mg/5 mL), 8 chewable (50 mg) tablets, 4 (100 mg) tablets, or 2 (200 mg) tablets

 

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Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosing Chart

• Age Limit: Do not give to a child under 3 months of age without first contacting your health care provider. Exception: You may give Tylenol to an infant with fever from a vaccination (shot) in a child 8 weeks of age or older.
• Frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed (no more than 5 does in 24 hours)
• Extended-Release: Avoid 650 mg oral products in children, because they are every 8 hour extended release
• Suppositories: Acetaminophen also comes in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg suppositories. The rectal dose is the same as the dosage given by mouth.

Child who weighs 6-11 lbs: 1.25 mL (160 mg/5 mL)

Child who weighs 12-17 lbs: 2.5 mL (160 mg/5 mL)

Child who weighs 18-23 lbs: 3.75 mL (160 mg/5 mL) or 1 1/2 chewable (80 mg) tablet

Child who weighs 24-35 lbs: 5 mL (160 mg/5 mL), 2 chewable (80 mg) tablets, or 1 (160 mg) tablet

Child who weighs 36-47 lbs: 7.5 mL (160 mg/5 mL), 3 chewable (80 mg) tablets, or 1 1/2 (160 mg) tablets

Child who weighs 48-59 lbs: 10 mL (160 mg/5 mL), 4 chewable (80 mg) tablets, 2 (160 mg) tablets, or 1 (325 mg) tablet

Child who weighs 60-71 lbs: 12.5 mL (160 mg/5 mL), 5 chewable (80 mg) tablets, 2 1/5 (160 mg) tablets, or 1 (325 mg) tablet

Child who weighs 72-95 lbs: 15 mL (160 mg/5 mL), 6 chewable (80 mg) tablets, 3 (160 mg) tablets, or 1 1/2 (325 mg) tablets

Child who weighs 96+ lbs: 20 mL (160 mg/5 mL), 8 chewable (80 mg) tablets, 4 (160 mg) tablets, or 2 (325 mg) tablets