Tylenol and Ibuprofen medications

Fever and pain medications

Scroll down for dosing guides. Click for printable Tylenol and other medications dosing guide.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the preferred medicine for treatment of fever especially in young children. Fever is the bodies natural and powerful response to fight infection. While it can make a child uncomfortable it is NOT in itself dangerous to the child. For more information about fever. Several different companies make acetaminophen. Brand names include: Tylenol©, Liquiprin©, Panadol©, and Tempra©. (may also be call non-aspirin pain reliever). It is important when combining with other over-the-counter medicines to make sure that acetaminophen is not present in other products given within four hours of each other.

Many people ask which is better acetaminophen or ibuprofen? In general the products are equally effective at reducing fever if dosed correctly. Ibuprofen is probably better for most causes of pain (especially ear pain, joint injuries or broken bones) due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ibuprofen has not been available without a prescription for as long as Tylenol but is generally thought to be safe for children older than 6 months of age. Always read package directions carefully and dose medicine based on the weight of your child. If you are unsure of the dosage please call!!!

Both products are available in infant “drops” as well as children liquid suspension. They contain the same medicine but in different amounts. Always use dropper with “infant” dropper product and measuring spoon with “children” liquid. It is safest to measure the product with the measuring device that came with the product.

Some people choose to alternate Tylenol and ibuprofen products. This is not recommended as using these medicines on that type of schedule has never proven to be safe. It is best to stick with the particular medicine that seems to be more effective for your child’s pain or fever and stick on a schedule with that one medicine.


Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosage Chart


Weight
Drops 80 mg / 0.8ml
Elixir 160 mg / 5ml
Chewable Tablets 80 mg tablet
Adult 325 mg Tablet
6-11 lbs
0.4 ml
12-17 lbs
0.8 ml
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
1 chewable tablet
18-23 lbs
1.2 ml (one and ½ dropperfulls)
¾ teaspoon
1 1/2 chewable tablets
24-35 lbs
1.6 ml (two dropperfulls)
1 teaspoon (5 ml)
2 chewable tablets
36-47 lbs
1 1/2 teaspoons (7 ml)
3 chewable tablets
48-59 lbs
2 teaspoons
4 chewable tablets
1 adult tablet
60-71 lbs
2 1/2 teaspoons
5 chewable tablets
1 adult tablet
72-95 lbs
3 teaspoon
6 chewable tablets
1 adult tablet
96lbs +
6-8 chewable tablets
1-2 adult tablets
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) products are to be given no more often than every four hours and no more often than 5 doses in 24 hour period. Please call the office if fever is persisting for more than three days, especially if there are other concerning symptoms.

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) Dosage Chart


Weight
Infant Drops (50mg /1.25 ml)
Children’s Suspension (100mg/5ml)
Chewable Tablets (50mg)
Caplets or chewable tablets(100 mg tabs)
Adult Tablets(200 mg)
12-17 lbs (>6m old)
1.25 ml
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml)
18-23 lbs
1.875 ml
3/4 tsp
24-35 lbs
1 tsp (5 ml)
2 tablets
1 tablet
36-47 lbs
1 1/2 tsp (7 ml)
3 tablets
1 1/2 tablets
48-59
2 tsp (10 ml)
4 chewable tabs
2 tablets
1 tablet
60-71 lbs
2 1/2 tsp
5 chewable tabs
2 1/2 tablets
72-95 lbs
3 tsp (15 ml)
6 tabs
3 tablets
1 1/2 tablet
Ibuprofen products are to be given no more often than every six hours and no more than three doses in 24 hour period. It is recommended to try to avoid taking on an empty stomach.