Children's Tylenol, Motrin & Allergy Medicine Dosage Charts
Tylenol and Motrin are dosed by weight (AAP charts); Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra are dosed by age on their labels. Always confirm the product concentration on the bottle and do not exceed maximum daily limits.
Brand names: acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil), cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). These charts are quick references and do not replace product labeling or clinician guidance.
Safety disclaimer
Quick Links to OTC Dosing Charts
OTC fever and pain reducer dosed by weight; one US liquid strength (160 mg/5 mL).
OTC anti-inflammatory for fever and pain, dosed by weight every 6-8 hours (not under 6 months).
Sedating antihistamine used for acute allergic symptoms and itching with careful safety limits.
Non-sedating antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis and hives with age-based dosing.
Once-daily, low-drowsiness antihistamine with child-friendly liquid, chewable, and ODT options.
Low-drowsiness antihistamine with age-based liquid, ODT, and tablet label guidance.
Acetaminophen Dosing Chart by Weight (Tylenol)
US infants' and children's liquid is 160 mg/5 mL. Fixed doses from the AAP chart (about 10-15 mg/kg per dose), every 4 hours as needed, no more than 5 doses in 24 hours. Under 12 weeks, call the doctor before giving any dose.
| Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) | Typical age | Dose (mL) | Dose (mg) | How often | Max in 24 h | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-11 | 3-5 | 0-3 months | 1.25 | 40 | Call the doctor first | As the doctor directs | Under 12 weeks: call the doctor before any dose; a fever at this age needs a medical check. Newborns under 1 month get fewer doses a day (no more than 4) and longer gaps. |
| 12-17 | 5-7 | 4-11 months | 2.5 | 80 | every 4 h as needed | 5 doses (400 mg) in 24 h | Under 12 weeks: call the doctor first, even at this weight. Under 2 years: US label says ask a doctor. |
| 18-23 | 8-10 | 12-23 months | 3.75 | 120 | every 4 h as needed | 5 doses (600 mg) in 24 h | Under 2 years: US label says ask a doctor. |
| 24-35 | 11-15 | 2-3 years | 5 | 160 | every 4 h as needed | 5 doses (800 mg) in 24 h | Or 1 chewable (160 mg). |
| 36-47 | 16-21 | 4-5 years | 7.5 | 240 | every 4 h as needed | 5 doses (1,200 mg) in 24 h | Or 1½ chewables (160 mg each). |
| 48-59 | 22-26 | 6-8 years | 10 | 320 | every 4 h as needed | 5 doses (1,600 mg) in 24 h | Or 2 chewables (160 mg each). |
| 60-71 | 27-32 | 9-10 years | 12.5 | 400 | every 4 h as needed | 5 doses (2,000 mg) in 24 h | Or 2½ chewables (160 mg each). |
| 72-95 | 33-43 | 11 years | 15 | 480 | every 4 h as needed | 5 doses (2,400 mg) in 24 h | Or 3 chewables (160 mg each). |
| 96+ | 44+ | 12 years and older | 2 × 325 mg tablets | 650 | every 4 h as needed | 5 doses (3,250 mg) in 24 h | Use adult tablets: 2 × 325 mg (650 mg). Extra strength (2 × 500 mg) only every 6 h, no more than 6 tablets in 24 h. |
Doses follow the AAP HealthyChildren dosing tables; mL is for the liquid concentration shown. If a weight falls between rows, use the lower dose. If your child's weight and age fall in different rows, use weight, but the age limits still apply: no ibuprofen under 6 months, and call the doctor before any acetaminophen under 12 weeks.
For older children and teens, tablets or chewables may be easier than large liquid volumes—confirm the exact tablet strength on the label.
Ibuprofen Dosing Chart by Weight (Motrin)
Children's liquid is 100 mg/5 mL. Fixed doses from the AAP chart (about 10 mg/kg per dose), every 6-8 hours as needed, no more than 4 doses in 24 hours (1,200 mg over-the-counter maximum). Not for infants under 6 months unless a doctor directs. Infant drops (50 mg/1.25 mL) are 2 times stronger than children's liquid.
| Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) | Typical age | Dose (mL) | Dose (mg) | How often | Max in 24 h | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-11 | up to 5 | 0-5 months | Ask your doctor | — | — | — | Under 6 months: do not give unless a doctor directs. |
| 12-17 | 6-7 | 6-11 months | 2.5 | 50 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (200 mg) in 24 h | Not under 6 months, even at this weight. Infants' drops (50 mg/1.25 mL) are 2 times stronger: 1.25 mL of drops. Infants' drops are labeled for 6-23 months; the children's liquid label says ask a doctor under 2 years. |
| 18-23 | 8-10 | 12-23 months | 4 | 80 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (320 mg) in 24 h | Infants' drops (50 mg/1.25 mL) are stronger: 1.875 mL of drops (75 mg). The children's liquid label says ask a doctor under 2 years. |
| 24-35 | 11-15 | 2-3 years | 5 | 100 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (400 mg) in 24 h | Or 1 chewable (100 mg). |
| 36-47 | 16-21 | 4-5 years | 7.5 | 150 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (600 mg) in 24 h | Or 1½ chewables (100 mg each). |
| 48-59 | 22-26 | 6-8 years | 10 | 200 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (800 mg) in 24 h | Or 2 chewables (100 mg each) or 1 adult 200 mg tablet. |
| 60-71 | 27-32 | 9-10 years | 12.5 | 250 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (1,000 mg) in 24 h | Or 2½ chewables (100 mg each). |
| 72-95 | 33-43 | 11 years | 15 | 300 | every 6-8 h as needed | 4 doses (1,200 mg) in 24 h | Or 3 chewables (100 mg each). |
| 96+ | 44+ | 12 years and older | 20 | 400 | every 6-8 h as needed | 3 doses (1,200 mg) in 24 h | Or 2 adult 200 mg tablets. Over-the-counter maximum 1,200 mg in 24 hours. |
Doses follow the AAP HealthyChildren dosing tables; mL is for the liquid concentration shown. If a weight falls between rows, use the lower dose. If your child's weight and age fall in different rows, use weight, but the age limits still apply: no ibuprofen under 6 months, and call the doctor before any acetaminophen under 12 weeks.
Safety Checks for OTC Dosing
If you want a plain-English primer before using any chart, read the parent guide to pediatric dosage by weight. It explains why weight, concentration, and clinician confirmation matter.
- Confirm age cutoffs (especially for infants under 6 months).
- Use the provided dosing device and verify product concentration.
- Avoid double-dosing with combination cold or flu products.
- Do not exceed max daily limits.
Allergy Medication Charts (Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin & Allegra)
Looking for antihistamine dosing charts? Use the dedicated pages for diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra). These are labeled by age, not weight, and each page adds safety notes.
If you want a parent-friendly overview before choosing a chart, start with the pediatric allergies guide.
Weight Unknown? How to Estimate Safely
- Use a recent clinic weight or weigh the child if possible.
- Avoid estimating by age when weight-based dosing is available.
- If weight is unknown, contact a clinician or pharmacist.
Downloadable Charts
Need a print-friendly version? Use the printable chart view and save it as a PDF from your browser.
Related Calculators
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Alternating can be used in select cases but increases complexity. Follow clinician guidance and avoid accidental double-dosing.
Use clinician guidance. Some OTC products are not recommended for infants, especially ibuprofen.
Weigh the child if possible. Avoid guessing when dosing medications.
Use the provided dosing device and measure at eye level for accuracy. Avoid kitchen spoons.
Seek medical advice if fever persists, symptoms worsen, or the child looks ill.
No. Labels and clinician guidance take priority over any chart or calculator.
A Benadryl (diphenhydramine) dosing chart lists the label dose by age, not weight: do not use under 2 years, ages 2-5 only if a doctor directs, 6-11 years 12.5-25 mg. It is for allergy symptoms and does not replace clinical advice.
A Zyrtec (cetirizine) dosing chart lists the label dose by age, not weight, for allergy control. Always verify the product label and clinician guidance.
A Claritin (loratadine) dosing chart lists common once-daily age-based doses for children. Always verify the exact product form and label directions before dosing.
An Allegra (fexofenadine) dosing chart lists common age-based doses for children and highlights formulation-specific cautions like using water instead of fruit juice.