Pediatric Dosing Calculator
Safe, evidence-based medication dosing for children. Enter weight and age to calculate the correct dose for 30+ common pediatric medications.
ALWAYS Verify with Your Healthcare Provider
Dose Calculator
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Dose per dose
100.0–150.0 mg
Max daily dose
5000 mg
Dosing schedule
100–150 mg Every 4-6 hours
Liquid volume
3.91 mL per dose
(Use provided syringe or measuring cup — never eyedrop)
Quick Reference: Fever & Pain Relief
Common starting doses for acetaminophen and ibuprofen by weight (use with calculator for exact dose):
| Weight (kg) | Acetaminophen per dose | Ibuprofen per dose |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 50–75 mg | 25–50 mg |
| 10 | 100–150 mg | 50–100 mg |
| 15 | 150–225 mg | 75–150 mg |
| 20 | 200–300 mg | 100–200 mg |
| 30 | 300–450 mg | 150–300 mg |
Acetaminophen: 10–15 mg/kg per dose every 4–6 hours (max 5000 mg daily). Ibuprofen: 5–10 mg/kg per dose every 6–8 hours (max 2400 mg daily).
Off-Label Use Note
Some medications in this calculator are used off-label for ages younger than FDA approval. Off-label use is common and legal when prescribed by a healthcare provider. The calculator will flag off-label uses for your age–weight combination. Never use off-label medications without explicit provider approval and close monitoring.
Medications to NEVER Use in Children
The following medications have serious risks in pediatric patients and should never be given to children:
- Aspirin (in fever/viral illness)Reye syndrome risk with influenza or varicella; use acetaminophen/ibuprofen instead
- CodeineRespiratory depression, opioid-naive risk; ultra-rapid metabolizers at risk; avoid <12 yrs
- Dextromethorphan (DXM) < 4 yearsNo evidence of efficacy; neurotoxicity/overdose risk
- Fluoroquinolones (routine use)Tendon rupture risk; reserve for pseudomonas/serious gram-negatives
- ACE inhibitors in pregnancy (T2/3)Teratogenic (not pediatric, but fetal exposure in nursing)
- Trimethoprim-sulfa in G6PD deficiencyHemolytic anemia; screen before use
- Tetracyclines < 8 yearsTeeth discoloration, enamel hypoplasia
- NSAIDs in dehydration/renal compromiseAcute kidney injury risk
- Decongestants (pseudoephedrine) < 4 yearsFDA advisory 2007; hypertension, arrhythmia, seizure risk; not effective anyway
- Antihistamines (diphenhydramine) < 2 yearsParadoxical excitation, apnea risk
FDA Pediatric Safety Information
All medications included in this calculator have FDA pediatric safety data and are commonly prescribed in children. However:
- Always check for recent black box warnings or safety communications
- Never combine drugs without consulting a pharmacist (interaction risk)
- Report any side effects immediately to your pediatrician
- Liquid concentrations vary by manufacturer — check the bottle
Medical Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Last Updated: June 2026. Dosing based on pediatric pharmacology textbooks, FDA labeling, and AAP guidelines.