Giving Kids Medicine
Common medicines are generally safe and effective when used appropriately. That being said, make sure to keep medicines sealed and stored away and talk to your kids about medication safety. At any age, it is important to make sure you are giving the correct dose of medicine. If you’re not sure, please call our office at 972-325-2005 or talk to your neighborhood pharmacist. You can also use a dosage calculator to find out what is the correct dosage of medicine to give to your child. Below is a dosage calculator for common medications found at home.
Ibuprofen Dosage (e.g. Advil, Motrin)
Source: HealthChildren.org
Acetaminophen Dosage (e.g. Tylenol)
Source: HealthChildren.org
Diphenhydramine Dosage (e.g. Benadryl)
Source: HealthChildren.org
| Medication | Dose by weight (mg/kg/dose) |
Concentration (liquid – mg/5ml) |
Tablet/Capsule available |
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol) |
15 | Children: 160 | • 160mg scored and chewable • 325mg tablet/capsule • 500mg extra strength tablet |
| Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) |
10 | Children: 100 | • 100mg chewable • 100 mg tablet • 200 mg tablet/capsule |
| Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) |
1.25 | Children: 12.5 | • 25mg |
Diphenhydramine Dosage Table
|
||||||
| Child’s Weight (pounds) | 20-24 | 25-37 | 38-49 | 50-99 | 100+ | lbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid 12.5 mg | 3/4 | 1 | 1 1/2 | 2 | — | tsp |
| Liquid 12.5 mg/5 mL | 4 | 5 | 7.5 | 10 | — | mL |
| Chewable 12.5 mg | — | 1 | 1 1/2 | 2 | 4 | tablets |
| Tablets 25 mg | — | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1 | 2 | tablets |
| Capsules 25 mg | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | caps |
Source: healthychildren.org
Dr. Moemeka does not recommend routine use of infant formulations of these medications. If your baby is less than 22 pounds and needs any of these medicines, first call to speak with Dr. Moemeka at 972-325-2005 for instructions.
Always use a medication dosing syringe for liquid medicine to make sure you give the right dose each time. You can get these at your local pharmacy if one is not included with the medication. If your child needs to use any of these medications for more than 24 hours, contact Dr. Moemeka at 972-325-2005.