Tylenol (Paracetamol) Dosage for Children
Paracetamol (acetaminophen, Tylenol, Calpol) is the first-choice pain reliever and fever reducer for children. This guide summarizes official dosing based on NHS, AAP and pediatric guidelines.
✅ Quick Summary
- Dose: 10-15 mg/kg per dose
- Interval: Every 4-6 hours (preferably every 6h)
- Daily maximum: 60 mg/kg/day
- Minimum age: From birth (≥3 kg)
Weight-Based Dosing Table
Always calculate dose by weight, not age. This table uses 15 mg/kg every 6 hours:
| Weight | Approx. Age | Dose (mg) | Max/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kg | 0-3 months | 60 mg | 240 mg |
| 6 kg | 3-5 months | 90 mg | 360 mg |
| 8 kg | 6-10 months | 120 mg | 480 mg |
| 10 kg | 12-18 months | 150 mg | 600 mg |
| 15 kg | 3 years | 225 mg | 900 mg |
| 20 kg | 5 years | 300 mg | 1200 mg |
| 30 kg | 9-10 years | 450 mg | 1800 mg |
When to Use Paracetamol
- Fever with discomfort
- Mild to moderate pain: headache, earache, sore throat
- Post-vaccination
- Chickenpox: It's the only safe fever reducer during chickenpox
- Children with dehydration or gastroenteritis (unlike ibuprofen)
⚠️ Contraindications
- Severe liver disease or active viral hepatitis
- Known allergy to paracetamol
- Severe kidney disease: space doses at least 8 hours apart
💡 Remember
- The goal is to relieve discomfort, not normalize temperature
- Antipyretics do NOT prevent febrile seizures
- Don't routinely alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Always use the measuring syringe from the package
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