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Accurate dosing for children is critical

It is critical for parents to both understand appropriate dosing, but also to safely store medication.

March 03, 2023
Decorative

Nearly 9,500 young children are hospitalized each year for accidental medication poisoning.  It is critical for parents to both understand appropriate dosing, but also to safely store medication.  As babies grow, small dosing changes can make a significant difference, and in some cases lead to extreme outcomes.

Our experts at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children have provided the following dosing charts that should assist parents in treating their loved ones.

Acetaminophen* dosing chart:

  • For children between 12-17 lbs (5.5-7.9 kg), it is recommended to give 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) of Children's 160 mg/5 mL Liquid Acetaminophen.
  • For children between 18-23 lbs (8-10.9 kg), it is recommended to give 3.7 mL (3/4 teaspoon) of Children's 160 mg/5 mL Liquid Acetaminophen.
  • For children between 24-35 lbs (11-15.9 kg), it is recommended to give 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of Children's 160 mg/5 mL Liquid Acetaminophen or 2 tabs (160 mg) of Children's 80 mg Dissolve Tabs.
  • For children between 36-47 lbs (16-20.9 kg), it is recommended to give 7.5 mL (1.5 teaspoons) of Children's 160 mg/5 mL Liquid Acetaminophen or 3 tabs (240 mg) of Children's 80 mg Dissolve Tabs.
  • For children between 48-59 lbs (21-26.5 kg), it is recommended to give 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of Children's 160 mg/5 mL Liquid Acetaminophen or 4 tabs (320 mg) of Children's 80 mg Dissolve Tabs.
  • For children between 60-71 lbs (26.6-32.2 kg), it is recommended to give 12.5 mL (2.5 teaspoons) of Children's 160 mg/5 mL Liquid Acetaminophen or 5 tabs (400 mg) of Children's 80 mg Dissolve Tabs.

NOT recommended for babies less than 2 months old. Give every 4-6 hours as needed for fever or pain. NOTE: Certain concentrations (mg/mL) of acetaminophen are being phased out. Please be sure to check the concentration on the bottle of acetaminophen before dosing.

*For example, Tylenol®

Ibuprofen* dosing chart:

  • For children between 12-21 lbs (5.5-9.9 kg), it is recommended to give 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) of Children's 100 mg/5 mL of Liquid.
  • For children between 22-33 lbs (10-14.9 kg), it is recommended to give 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of Children's 100 mg/5 mL Liquid or 1 junior tablet (100 mg).
  • For children between 34-43 lbs (15-19.9 kg), it is recommended to give 7.5 mL (1.5 teaspoons) of Children's 100 mg/5 mL Liquid or 1 junior tablet (100 mg).
  • For children between 44-55 lbs (20-24.9 kg), it is recommended to give 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of Children's 100 mg/5 mL Liquid or 2 junior/1 adult tablet (200 mg).
  • For children between 55-66 lbs (25-29.9 kg), it is recommended to give 12.5 mL (2.5 teaspoons) of Children's 100 mg/5 mL Liquid or 2 junior/1 adult tablet (200 mg).
  • For children between 67-88 lbs (30-39.9 kg), it is recommended to give 15 mL (3 teaspoons) of Children's 100 mg/5 mL Liquid or 3 junior tablets (300 mg).
  • For children over 89+ lbs (40+ kg), it is recommended to give 4 junior tablets or 2 adult tablet (400 mg).

For infants and children OLDER than 6 months of age. Give every 6-8 hours as needed for fever or pain.

*For example, Motrin® and Advil®

As always, our providers and nurses are available 24/7 for you and your family’s needs.  While all of our HealthONE ER facilities are fully equipped to provide care for the entire family, our full-service ER at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center can provide extended pediatric care for more serious conditions.

In addition to the dedicated 24/7 pediatric emergency room at 20th and North High Street, HealthONE has additional emergency rooms within Denver-metro area to provide care for the entire family. Our family-friendly ER locations include The Medical Center, North Suburban Medical Center, Rose Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center.

Check back here next month for more tips for parents.

Published:
March 03, 2023

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