Kids in the Sun - A Pediatric Practice Medication

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Child's Weight (pounds)	12-17	18-23	24-35	36-47	48-59	60-71	72-95	96+	lbs
Infant Drops 50mg/1.25 mL	1.25	1.875	2.5	3.75	5	--	--	--	mL
Liquid 100 mg/5 mL (tsp)	½	¾	1	1½	2	2½	3	4	tsp
Chewable 50 mg. tablets	--	--	2	3	4	5	6	8	tabs
Junior-strength 100 mg tablets	--	--	--	--	2	2½	3	4	tabs
Adult 200 mg. tablets	--	--	--	--	1	1	1½	2	tabs

Table Notes:

AGE LIMIT: Don't use under 6 months of age unless directed by child's doctor. (Reason: safety not established and doesn't have FDA approval).
DOSAGE: Determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table.
FREQUENCY: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed
IBUPROFEN DROPS: Ibuprofen infant drops come with a measuring syringe
MEASURING the DOSAGE: Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medication.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Triaminic Fever Reducer

Child's Weight (pounds)	6-11	12-17	18-23	24-35	36-47	48-59	60-71	72-95	96+	lbs
Infant Drops 80 mg/0.8 mL	0.4	0.8	1.2	1.6	2.4	--	--	--	--	mL
Syrup: 160 mg/5 mL (1 tsp)	1.25	2.5	3.75	5	7.5	10	12.5	15	20	mL
Syrup: 160 mg/1 teaspoon	--	½	¾	1	1½	2	2½	3	4	tsp
Chewable 80 mg tablets	--	--	1½	2	3	4	5	6	8	tabs
Chewable 160 mg tablets	--	--	--	1	1½	2	2½	3	4	tabs
Adult 325 mg tablets	--	--	--	--	--	1	1	1½	2	tabs
Adult 500 mg tablets	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	1	1	tabs

Table Notes:

CAUTION: In May, 2011, a move to one standard concentration (160 mg/5 ml) of liquid acetaminophen medicine for infants and children was announced. Up until this point, there have been mainly 2 concentrations: 80 mg/0.8 ml (Infant Concentrated Drops) and 160 mg/5 ml (Children's Liquid Suspension or Syrup). During this transition period, both old and new concentrations of infant acetaminophen may be available on store shelves and in homes. Before selecting a dose, please double check the package carefully to determine the concentration that you have, regardless of whether it says infant's or children's. Then, select the dosage according to the concentration and child's weight.
AGE LIMIT:
Don't use under 12 weeks of age (Reason: fever during the first 12 weeks of life needs to be documented in a medical setting and if present, your infant needs a complete evaluation.) Exception: Fever from immunization if child is 8 weeks of age or older.
DOSAGE: Determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table
MEASURING the DOSAGE: Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine.
FREQUENCY: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don't give more than 5 times a day.
ADULT DOSAGE: 650 mg
MELTAWAYS: Dissolvable tabs that come in 80 mg and 160 mg (jr. strength)
SUPPOSITORIES: Acetaminophen also comes in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg suppositories (the rectal dose is the same as the dosage given by mouth).
EXTENDED-RELEASE: Avoid 650 mg oral products in children (Reason: they are every 8 hour extended-release)

Over the Counter Cough and Cold Medications:

In agreement with the FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, we do not recommend the use of over the counter cough and cold medications for children under the age of 4. Their use has not been scientifically proven to improve symptoms or shorten the duration of symptoms and can lead to side effects and hospitalizations in some cases.