Drug Dosages
Below are recommended doses for several common products. Please always check the label for the type of medicine you are giving as well as to check the dosage. If you have any questions as to the correct dosage, please phone us during office hours or email us your questions via our patient portal.
Also important is knowing how to convert teaspoons to milliliters. The following is a brief guide:
Teaspoon = tsp.; milliliters = ml.; tablespoon = tbsp.
- 1 tsp = 5 ml = 5 cc = 1⁄3 tbsp
- 1⁄2 tsp = 2.5 ml. = 2.5 cc
- 1 1⁄2 tsp = 7.5 ml. = 7.5 cc = 1⁄2 tbsp.
- 3 tsp. = 15 ml. = 1 tbsp. = 1⁄2 ounce
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in Tylenol. It is used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. It should NOT be used in children under 2 months of age. If your child requires acetaminophen for longer than three days, please contact the office.
The following products can be used every 4-6 hours as needed:
| Weight | Infant and Children's Acetaminophen Suspension (160mg/5ml.) |
Children's Acetaminophen Chewable Tablets (160 mg) |
|---|---|---|
| 6-11 lbs. | 1⁄4 tsp or 1.25 ml. | ----- |
| 12-17 lbs. | 1⁄2 tsp or 2.5 ml. | ----- |
| 18-23 lbs. | 3⁄4 tsp or 3.75 ml. | ----- |
| 24-35 lbs. | 1 tsp or 5 ml. | 1 tab |
| 36-47 lbs. | 1 1⁄2 tsp. | 1 1⁄2 tabs |
| 48-59 lbs. | 2 tsp. | 2 tabs |
| 60-71 lbs. | 2 1⁄2 tsp. | 2 1⁄2 tabs |
| 72-95 lbs. | 3 tsp. | 3 tabs |
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin. Ibuprofen is used to decrease pain and swelling and to reduce fevers. Ibuprofen should not be used in children less than 6 months old without discussing first with your practitioner.
All of these products can be given every 6 - 8 hours as needed:
| Weight | Infant's Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops (50mg/1.25ml) |
Children's Ibuprofen Suspension (100mg/5ml) |
Children's Ibuprofen Chewable or Tabs (100mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-17 lbs. greater than 6 mos only |
1.25 ml. | 1⁄2 tsp. | ----- |
| 18-23 lbs. | 1.87 ml. | 3⁄4 tsp. | ----- |
| 24-35 lbs. | 2.5 ml. | 1 tsp. | 1 tab |
| 36-47 lbs. | ----- | 1 1⁄2 tsp. | 1 1⁄2 tabs |
| 48-59 lbs. | ----- | 2 tsp. | 2 tabs |
| 60-71 lbs. | ----- | 2 1⁄2 tsp. | 2 1⁄2 tabs |
Benadryl
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is used for hives and to reduce the itchiness associated with certain rashes.
Benadryl can be given every 6 - 8 hours as needed. Benadryl can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or paradoxical excitement.
| Weight | Benadryl Elixir (12.5mg/5ml) |
Benadryl Chewable (12.5 mg) |
Benadryl Tabs (25 mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-17 lbs. | 2.5 ml | ----- | ----- |
| 18-23 lbs. | 3.75 ml | ----- | ----- |
| 24-35 lbs. | 5 ml | 1 tab | ----- |
| 36-47 lbs. | 7.5 ml | 1 1⁄2 tab | ----- |
| 48-59 lbs. | 10 ml | 2 tab | 1 tab |