General

Pediatric Acetaminophen (Tylenol® or Tempra®) Dosing Using Tablets


Acetaminophen tablets may be split, then crushed, and mixed with apple sauce or pudding. Use split and mixed doses immediately. These calculations use a dose of 15 mg/kg. Doses can be repeated after 4 hours or longer. Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) comes in 325mg and 500mg tablets. Please note the strength of the tablets. Acetaminophen also comes in different shapes. It is best to use round tablets if you need ¼ of a pill. Pharmacies sell pill cutters if cutting tablets is difficult.

Note: Acetaminophen is not the same as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or ASA (Aspirin®). Please verify which medicine you are using. Avoid using ASA or aspirin in children.

Child’s weight ______

Using acetaminophen (Tylenol®) regular strength 325 mg tablets

Child’s WeightProportion of tabletAcetaminophen dose
5.5-8.3 kg (12-17.9 lbs)1⁄4 of a 325 mg tablet81 mg
8.4-10.9 kg (18-23.9 lbs)See table below
11-16.9 kg (24-36.9 lbs)1⁄2 of a 325 mg tablet162.5 mg
17-21.9 kg (37-47.9 lbs)See table below
22 kg-32.9 kg (48-71.9 lb)Full 325 mg tablet325 mg
33 kg (72 lbs) and aboveSee table below

Using acetaminophen (Tylenol®) 500 mg tablets

Child’s WeightProportion of tablet Acetaminophen dose
5.5-8.3 kg (12-17.9 lbs)See table above
8.4-10.9 kg (18-23.9 lbs)1⁄4 of a 500 mg tablet125 mg
11-16.9 kg (24-36.9 lbs)See table above
17-21.9 kg (37-47.9 lbs)1⁄2 of a 500 mg tablet250 mg
22 kg-32.9 kg (48-71.9 lb)See table above
33 kg (72 lbs) and aboveFull 500 mg tablet500 mg

For more information about fever, click here for advice from Sick Kids Hospital.