How to Calculate the Dose of Tylenol for a Child

Calculating the dosage of children's medications, such as Tylenol, can be confusing. The dosing instructions on the package are generalized to accommodate various sizes and weights of children within a certain age range.

Instructions

Calculating Dosage by Weight in Pounds

• 1

  Determine the child's current weight in pounds. You may also use her weight at the most recent doctor's visit.

• 2

  Multiply that weight by seven. This number equals the milligrams of Tylenol it is safe to administer to your child every four hours.

• 3

  Administer the closest reasonable dose. For example, liquid Tylenol is packaged with a 160 milligram teaspoon. So, a child weighing 30 pounds (30 lbs x 7 mgs = 210mgs) would receive one and a quarter teaspoons.

Calculating Dosage by Weight in Kilograms

• 4

  Determine child's current weight in kilograms.

• 5

  Multiply that weight by 15. This number represents the number of milligrams of Tylenol it is safe to administer to the child every four hours.

• 6

  Administer the closest reasonable dose.