Pediatric Tylenol Dose Calculator

Pediatric Tylenol Dose Calculator

lbs (Pounds) kg (Kilograms)
Infants/Children's Liquid (160 mg / 5 mL) Concentrated Drops (80 mg / 0.8 mL) Chewable Tablet (160 mg) Chewable Tablet (80 mg)

Recommended Dosage

*Based on standard 10-15 mg/kg per dose formula. Frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours.

function calculateTylenolDose() { var weightInput = document.getElementById('childWeight').value; var weightUnit = document.getElementById('weightUnit').value; var concentrationType = document.getElementById('concentration').value; var resultDiv = document.getElementById('doseResult'); var mgOutput = document.getElementById('mgOutput'); var volumeOutput = document.getElementById('volumeOutput'); var weight = parseFloat(weightInput); if (isNaN(weight) || weight <= 0) { alert("Please enter a valid weight for the child."); return; } // Convert lbs to kg if necessary var weightKg = (weightUnit === 'lbs') ? (weight / 2.20462) : weight; // Standard pediatric dose is 10mg to 15mg per kg var lowDoseMg = weightKg * 10; var highDoseMg = weightKg * 15; var avgDoseMg = (lowDoseMg + highDoseMg) / 2; var concentrationMg, concentrationVol, unitLabel; if (concentrationType === '160-5') { concentrationMg = 160; concentrationVol = 5; unitLabel = "mL"; } else if (concentrationType === '80-0.8') { concentrationMg = 80; concentrationVol = 0.8; unitLabel = "mL"; } else if (concentrationType === '160-pill') { concentrationMg = 160; concentrationVol = 1; unitLabel = "Tablet(s)"; } else if (concentrationType === '80-pill') { concentrationMg = 80; concentrationVol = 1; unitLabel = "Tablet(s)"; } var lowVol = (lowDoseMg / concentrationMg) * concentrationVol; var highVol = (highDoseMg / concentrationMg) * concentrationVol; mgOutput.innerHTML = "Target Dose: " + lowDoseMg.toFixed(1) + " mg – " + highDoseMg.toFixed(1) + " mg"; if (unitLabel === "mL") { volumeOutput.innerHTML = "Give: " + lowVol.toFixed(1) + " mL to " + highVol.toFixed(1) + " mL"; } else { // For tablets, suggest the closest half-tablet increment var suggestedPills = Math.round((avgDoseMg / concentrationMg) * 2) / 2; volumeOutput.innerHTML = "Give: Approximately " + suggestedPills + " " + unitLabel; } resultDiv.style.display = "block"; }

How to Use the Pediatric Tylenol Dose Calculator

Calculating the correct dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for children is critical for safety and efficacy. Unlike adult medication, which is often a "one size fits all" pill, pediatric medicine is dosed strictly by the child's weight. This ensures the child receives enough medication to reduce fever or pain without exceeding the safety threshold that could cause liver damage.

The Standard Dosing Formula

The generally accepted medical standard for pediatric acetaminophen is 10 to 15 milligrams (mg) for every 1 kilogram (kg) of body weight. This dose can be administered every 4 to 6 hours, but you should never exceed five doses in a 24-hour period.

Example Calculation

If a child weighs 22 pounds (approximately 10 kg):

  • Low End (10 mg/kg): 10 kg × 10 mg = 100 mg
  • High End (15 mg/kg): 10 kg × 15 mg = 150 mg
  • In Liquid Form (160mg/5mL): The dose would be approximately 3.1 mL to 4.7 mL. Most doctors would suggest a dose of 3.75 mL or 5 mL depending on the severity and age.

Important Safety Tips

  • Use the Measuring Tool Provided: Always use the syringe or cup that came with the specific medication. Kitchen spoons are not accurate for measuring medicine.
  • Know Your Concentration: Most Children's liquid Tylenol is 160 mg per 5 mL, but older concentrated drops (80 mg per 0.8 mL) may still exist. Always check the label.
  • Check Other Meds: Many cough and cold medicines also contain acetaminophen. Combining them can lead to a dangerous overdose.
  • Consult Your Pediatrician: If your child is under 3 months of age, always consult a doctor before administering acetaminophen.
  • Weight vs. Age: Always dose by weight first. Age categories on the box are only estimates.

When to Call the Doctor

While Tylenol is effective for managing symptoms, you should contact a healthcare professional if:

  1. A fever lasts more than 3 days.
  2. Pain gets worse or lasts more than 5 days.
  3. New symptoms, such as a rash or severe headache, appear.
  4. You suspect an accidental overdose (Call Poison Control immediately).

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