New Infant Tylenol Dosing

Studies have found that many parents are confused about how much fever reducer to give their child and thus many children are given too much or too little medication.  To help decrease overdoses Tylenol and other manufacturers of acetaminophen (generic name for Tylenol) have reformulated their infant suspension.  The strength of the infant is now the same as the children's suspension (160mg/5mL).

So... what dose to give?  The children's liquid has dosing on the side of the box.  Give the dose based on your child's weight not their age.  For an infant check the last handout our office gave you.  Up until age 5 the dosing is listed at the top under your child's height and weight.  Still uncertain of the dose?  Then call our office.  We would rather you call us than given an incorrect dose.

A general rule of thumb is that if a medication comes with a medicine dropper then that is what you should use.  Don't use that dropper for any other medication.  If you want to use a dropper or syringe for the children's liquid (which comes with a cup) then use a dropper with the same dosing markings.  For example if your child's dose is 1 tsp in the cup then use a dropper with a 1 tsp mark on it.

Still confused?  Then bring the product you have to your child's next visit and ask us to help you out.  We are always happy to help you!