Medication by Pound (lbs) for Fever, Pain, Allergy, and Cold

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dose Table

When to Use: Treatment of fever and pain. Caution: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be found in many prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Read the labels to be sure your child is not getting it from 2 products. If you have questions, call your child's doctor or local pharmacist.

• Age Limits. Don't use under 12 weeks of age unless told by child's doctor.

Reason: fever in the first 12 weeks of life needs to be seen now. If present, your baby needs a medical exam now. Exception: Fever starting within 24 hours of vaccines if child is 8 weeks of age or older. If under 6 years, don't give products with more than one ingredient in them (FDA recommendation 2008).

• Dose. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.

• Measure the Dose. Syringes and droppers are better to use than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with

the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at a drug store. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Reason: regular spoons are not reliable. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.

• How Often. Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don't give more than 5 times a day.

• Adult Dose. 500-650 mg

• Adult Daily Maximum. 3,000 mg in 24 hours

• Brand Names. Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic acetaminophen

• Suppositories. Come in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg. The rectal dose is the same as the dose given by mouth

• Extended-Release. Do not use 650 mg oral products in children. Reason: they are every 8-hour extended-release.

• Use in Countries Outside the U.S. Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S. Always check the concentration is the same before using this dose table.

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) Dose Table

When to Use. Treatment of fever and pain.

• Age Limits. Don't use under 6 months of age unless told by your child's doctor. Reason: safety not established and not approved by FDA.

• Dose. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.

• Measure the Dose. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Reason: regular spoons are not reliable. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.

• Infant Drops. Ibuprofen infant drops come with a syringe.

• How Often. Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.

• Adult Dose. 400 mg

• Adult Daily Maximum Dose. 1,200 mg in 24 hours. (Unless directed by a health care provider.)

• Brand Names. Motrin, Advil, generic ibuprofen

• Use in Countries Outside the U.S. Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S. Always check the concentration is the same before using this dose table.

Certirizine (Zyrtec) Dose Table

When to Use. Treatment of nasal or eye allergies, hives, itching and other allergic symptoms.

Table Notes:

• Age Limits. For allergies, don't use under 2 years of age. Reason: not FDA approved. For colds, not advised at any age. Reason: no proven benefits.

• Dose. Find the child's age in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct age for the dose based on the product you have.

• Measure the Dose. Syringes and droppers are better to use than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at a drug store. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Reason: regular spoons are not reliable. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.

• How Often. Give once a day in the morning.

• Adult Dose. 10 mg

• Brand Names. Zyrtec, generic cetirizine

• Plus Side. Causes less sedation than older allergy medicines, like Benadryl. It is long-acting and lasts up to 24 hours.

• Downside. Doesn't control allergy symptoms as well as older allergy medicines. Use cetirizine mainly if drowsiness from Benadryl interferes with function.

• Cost. Use a store brand of cetirizine. Reason: Costs less than brand name, Zyrtec.

• Use in Countries Outside the U.S. Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S. Always check the concentration is the same before using this dose table.

Loratidine (Claritin) Dose Table

When to Use. Treatment of nasal or eye allergies, hives, itching and other allergic symptoms.

Table Notes:

• Age Limits. For allergies, don't use under 2 years of age. Reason: not FDA approved. For colds, not advised at any age. Reason: no proven benefits.

• Dose. Find the child's age in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct age for the dose based on the product you have.

• Measure the Dose. Syringes and droppers are better to use than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at a drug store. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Reason: regular spoons are not reliable. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.

• How Often. Give once a day in the morning.

• Adult Dose. 10 mg

• Brand Names. Claritin, generic loratadine

• Plus Side. Causes less sedation than older allergy medicines, like Benadryl. It is long-acting and lasts up to 24 hours.

• Downside. Doesn't control allergy symptoms as well as older allergy medicines. Use loratadine mainly if drowsiness from Benadryl interferes with function.

• Cost. Use a store brand of loratadine. Reason: Costs less than brand name, Claritin.

• Use in Countries Outside the U.S. Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S. Always check the concentration is the same before using this dose table.

Dextromethorphan Dose Table

When to Use. Treatment of bad coughs. Dextromethorphan (DM) is present in most cough syrups. Table Notes:

• Age Limits. Don't use under 6 years of age (FDA recommendation 2008).

• Over 6 years of age, Not advised as first treatment of cough. Use honey instead.

• Dose. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.

• Measure the Dose. Syringes and droppers are better to use than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at a drug store. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Reason: regular spoons are not reliable. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.

• How Often. Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.

• Adult Dose: 20 mg.

• Use in Countries Outside the U.S. Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S. Always check the concentration is the same before using this dose table.

Chlorpheniramine Dose Table

When to Use. For allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching.

Table Notes:

• Age Limits. For allergies, don't use under 1 year of age. Reason: it causes most babies to be sleepy. For colds, not advised at any age. Reason: no proven benefits. It should not be given if under 6 years old.

• Dose. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.

• Measure the Dose. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Reason: regular spoons are not reliable. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.

• Adult Dose. 4 mg. Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.

• 6-12 years Long-Acting (L.A.) dose. 8 mg long-acting (L.A.) tablet every 12 hours as needed.

• 12 years and older Long-Acting (L.A.) dose. 12 mg long-acting (L.A.) tablet every 12 hours as needed.

• Brompheniramine dosing is the same as chlorpheniramine dosing.

• Use in Countries Outside the U.S. Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S. Always check the concentration is the same before using this dose table.

Examples of Over the Counter (OTC) medications with varying amounts of the above medications. Please only use weight and age appropriate medications for your children. If utilizing different medications within the same timeframe, be aware and record the amount of each medication your child is receiving. Accidental overdoses occur due to not reading ingredients and/or utilizing inappropriate medications.

• Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough Formula® (containing Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Alka-Seltzer Plus Day and Night Cold Formulas® (containing Aspirin, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Alka-Seltzer Plus Day Non-Drowsy Cold Formula® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Alka-Seltzer Plus Flu Formula® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Alka-Seltzer Plus Mucus and Congestion® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

• Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Cold Formula® (containing Aspirin, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Phenylephrine)

• Children's Dimetapp Cold and Cough® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Children's Dimetapp Multisymptom Cold and Flu® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Children's Mucinex Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

• Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

• Children's Robitussin Cough and Cold CF® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

• Children's Robitussin Cough and Cold CF® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

• Children's Robitussin Cough and Cold Long-Acting® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

• Children's Sudafed PE Cold and Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Coricidin HBP Chest Congestion and Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

• Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

• Coricidin HBP Day and Night Multi-Symptom Cold® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

• Coricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

• Coricidin HBP Nighttime Multi-Symptom Cold® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine)

• Diabetic Tussin DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

• Dimetane DX® (containing Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine)

• Mucinex Cough for Kids® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

• Mucinex DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

• PediaCare Children's Cough and Congestion® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

• PediaCare Children's Fever Reducer Plus Cough and Runny Nose® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

• PediaCare Children's Fever Reducer Plus Cough and Sore Throat® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan)

• PediaCare Children's Fever Reducer Plus Flu® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• PediaCare Children's Fever Reducer Plus Multi-Symptom Cold® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Robitussin Cough and Chest DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

• Robitussin Cough and Cold CF® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

• Robitussin Cough and Cold Long-Acting® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

• Robitussin Night Time Cough, Cold, and Flu® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Sudafed PE Cold/Cough® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

• Sudafed PE Day/Night Cold® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Diphenhydramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

• Theraflu Cold and Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Pheniramine, Phenylephrine)

• Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold and Cough® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Theraflu Max-D Severe Cold and Flu® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine)

• Triaminic Cough and Sore Throat® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan)

• Triaminic Day Time Cold and Cough® (containing Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Triaminic Multi-Symptom Fever® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

• Tussin DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)

• Tylenol Cold and Cough Daytime® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan)

• Tylenol Cold and Cough Nighttime® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine)

• Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

• Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Nighttime® (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Tylenol Cold and Mucus Severe® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)

• Vicks Children's NyQuil Cold and Cough® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan)

• Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu Relief® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu Symptom Relief Plus Vitamin C® (containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine)

• Vicks DayQuil Mucus Control DM® (containing Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)