Acetominophen (Tylenol) is a popular over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer for children. On the back of the bottle is a chart that gives dosing information, but what if your child's weight isn't on the chart? First, call your physician. If that doesn't work call, your pharmacist. When all else fails and if you think you're math savvy, try the formula below.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 5 to 10 minutes
Here's How:
- Find out the concentration of acetominophen on the bottle. This will be listed in milligrams (mg) and, if it is liquid milliliters (ml), or tablets. There will be two numbers (a ratio). For example, 80mg per 5ml of medication, or 80mg per tablet.
- Weigh your child. It is important that this is an accurate weight because the amount of medication you give your child will be based on his weight.
Divide your child's weight by 2.2.
This will give you your child's weight in kilograms (kg).
Example, 20 pounds/2.2 = 9.1kg (rounded up)
- Your child can have 15mg of acetominophen per kilogram of body weight. So, the next step is to times the weight in kilograms by 15.
Example, 9.1kg X 15 = 137 (rounded up). This would mean that your child can have 137mg of acetominophen.
- Now you know how many mg of acetominophen your child can have, but you need to know how much liquid (or tablets) to give. We know that there are 80mg per 5ml, (the concentration that we figured out in step 1), so now we need to divide 137 by 80.
Example, 137/80 = 1.7
Now you know that your child can have 1.7ml of acetominophen.
- Double check your math and ask yourself if the dose makes sense. It should be small: If you have an infant who weighs 6kg, you are not going to give them 10ml of acetominophen.
- If your math is correct and the dose makes sense, use the medicine cup that came with the bottle or a syringe to calculate the amount (1.7ml in our example) of liquid medication.
- Your child can have one dose of acetominophen every four hours.
Tips:
- Not every child can take acetominophen. If your child has other health problems, consult your physician prior to giving acetominophen.
- Do not combine acetominophen with any other medication -- prescription or over the counter) -- unless your doctor tells you to. This includes herbal supplements.
- Do not give your child acetominophen if he has previously had an allergic reaction to it.
- When in doubt, always call your doctor or pharmacist.
