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Breadcrumb: Home->Medical Topics->Acetaminophen

MEDICINE DOSING TERMS OF USE

Acetaminophen

 TERMS OF USE/DISCLAIMER: This page was compiled for your convenience and is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The information contained on this website is meant to provide reliable information consistent with the standard of care at the time of publication. It is not designed to be all inclusive. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child's condition. Dr. Perryman is not responsible for any damages incurred directly or indirectly from the your use, non-use or misuse of the information contained on this page or any linked pages. Your use of the information contained within these pages and links implies your agreement to hold Dr. Perryman harmless and to indemnify her for any damages incurred directly or indirectly from your use, non-use or misuse of information obtained by following any links on this page.

To find your child's dosage: determine your child's weight in the top row of the dosage table.  Below the child's weight is the actual dosage (in milligrams) that your child may have.  Below the dosage is listed the 5 most common forms of Acetaminophen.  Looking in the left column find the form (by name and concentration) of the Acteaminophen that you are wanting to give your child.  Cross-reference the form of Acetaminophen to the column of your child's weight in order to get the quantity of medicine to give.  All liquid quantities are listed in ml (milli-liters, which are the same as cc's if you have a syringe).  

5 ml's (or cc's) = 1 tsp.  2.5ml's (or cc's)=1/2 tsp.  

PLEASE BE CAREFUL IN SELECTING BETWEEN INFANT DROPS AND CHILDREN"S SYRUP...THE INFANT DROPS ARE OVER 3 TIMES MORE CONCENTRATED THAN THE CHILDREN'S SYRUP...GIVING TOO MUCH OF ANY PRODUCT COULD RESULT IN OVERDOSE AND KIDNEY FAILURE!

Directions and Warnings:

• DO NOT use in children under 3 months 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).
• You are treating your child, not a number on the thermometer. Your goal in treating a fever is to make your child comfortable, not to make the number lower. If your child has fever and is uncomfortable it is ok to give acetaminophen. If your child is running fever, but is also running around, smiling, playing and NOT SHOWING SIGNS OF DISCOMFORT, then you should HOLD OFF on giving Acetaminophen.
• Acetaminophen is used to treat a symptom of your child's illness. Acetaminophen does not treat any diseases which may be the cause of your child's fever.
• Temperature should be measured rectally in children under 6 months; ear (otic) thermometers should be reserved for children over the age of 6 months. An oral thermometer is not appropriate until your child can hold it under his tongue for several minutes without biting (usually around age 5).
• Remember that more is not better when it comes to taking medicines like Acetaminophen, so don't give more than the recommended dosage for your child's age and weight and don't give it more often than recommended.
• Do not give Acetaminophen more often than every 4 hours or more than 5 doses a day.
• If giving drops or suspension, be sure to shake the bottle well before dispensing your child's dose.
• Use the enclosed dosing device (especially if using the drops) instead of your own dropper or a regular teaspoon.
• Acetaminophen rectal suppositories can be purchased without prescription like all other acetaminphen products. Dosage for rectal suppositories varies based on concentration, do not exceed the reccommended dosage when using suppositories.  Suppositories are good to have on hand should your child have fever or pain with vomiting and can not keep down any oral medications.  
• Headache/head pain with vomiting should be evaluated by your physician, do not give any medications without prior consultation with your pediatrician.
• Do not use any form of Acetaminophen with any other medicine that also contain Acetaminophen.
• Follow the manufacturers warning and call your doctor if your child's 'pain gets worse or lasts for more than 5 days' or his 'fever gets worse or lasts for more than 3 days' or your child "is not acting like their normal self"..

I have read and agree to the above Terms of Use, Disclaimer and Directions/Warnings and wish to view the Acetaminophen Dosage Chart now.


I have read the above Terms of Use, Disclaimer and Directions/Warnings and do not agree to abide by them.