Dosing Quick Reference
Fever and pain medicine by weight. Use your child's current weight, and confirm with your pediatrician when unsure.
Emergency? Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Read this first
Age limits apply even if your child's weight appears in the table.
- Under 3 months: a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs a call to your pediatrician right away, or a trip to the emergency room if you cannot reach one. Ask a doctor before giving acetaminophen.
- Under 6 months: do not give ibuprofen.
- Under 12 lbs: ask your doctor before giving any medication.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen
As needed for fever or pain. Check the strength on your bottle, because infant and children's ibuprofen are different concentrations.
| Weight | Acetaminophen160 mg/5 mL every 4 to 6 hours |
Infant ibuprofen50 mg/1.25 mL every 6 to 8 hours |
Children's ibuprofen100 mg/5 mL every 6 to 8 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 to 17 lbs | 2.5 mL | 1.25 mL | 2.5 mL |
| 18 to 23 lbs | 3.75 mL | 1.875 mL | 3.75 mL |
| 24 to 35 lbs | 5 mL | 2.5 mL | 5 mL |
| 36 to 47 lbs | 7.5 mL | Use Children's | 7.5 mL |
| 48 to 59 lbs | 10 mL | Use Children's | 10 mL |
| 60 to 71 lbs | 12.5 mL | Use Children's | 12.5 mL |
| 72 to 95 lbs | 15 mL | Use Children's | 15 mL |
Sick child? Book a visit.
Dr. Tsevdos offers telehealth and home visits in Bay Ridge and nearby neighborhoods. Call (917) 725-0787 to schedule.
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Book a free introductory callThis page is general information and does not replace advice from your child's doctor. It does not create a patient relationship with Maple Pediatrics NY PLLC. Dosing follows standard weight-based guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Last reviewed by Dr. Tsevdos: November 2, 2026.
Maple Pediatrics NY PLLC.