Health Topics

Pediatric Drug Dosages

• Below are recommended doses for several common products.
• All doses are determined by weight not age.
• Always check the label for the type of medicine you are giving as well as to check the dosage.
• If you have any questions as to the correct dosage, please call us during office hours.
• Make sure you do not mix medicines containing the same components (Tylenol & Feverall® for example).
• Call the office before giving any medication to infants less than 3 months old.
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) cannot be given to infants less than 6 months old.
• Acetaminophen maybe given every 4 hours as needed.
• Ibuprofen maybe given every 6-8 hours as needed.
• POISON CONTROL: (800) 222-1222.

Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in Tylenol® and Feverall® (rectal suppositories).
Acetaminophen is used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. It should NOT be used in children under 2 months of age. The following products can be used every 4- 6 hours as needed.

Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Advil® and Motrin®.
Ibuprofen is used to decrease pain and swelling and to reduce fevers. It should not be used in children less than 6 months old without discussing first with your practitioner. All of these products can be given every 6-8 hours as needed.

FeverAll® (Rectal Suppositories)
Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in FeverAll
Suppositories are absorbed less consistently than an oral dose and suppositories are meant for short-term use (just while your child can't tolerate oral intake). Doses are every 4-6 hours

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is used for hives and to reduce the itchiness associated with certain rashes.
Benadryl can be given every 6-8 hours as needed.

Colds and Coughs
Please remember these are guidelines, follow the manufacturer's label on all products.

We do NOT recommend the use of decongestants, cough suppressants, or other over-the-counter cold medications in children under 2 years of age. If you choose to use these products for your older child, please visit the manufacturers' websites for more information on their products.

• Pediacare
• Triaminic
• Sudafed
• Dimetapp
• Robitussin

Conversion Chart

It is also important to know how to convert teaspoons to milliliters.
The following is a brief guide:

• Teaspoon     =     tsp
• Tablespoon     =     tbsp
• Milliliters     =     ml



• ½ tsp     =     2.5 ml     =     2.5 cc
• 1 tsp     =     5 ml     =     5 cc     =     1/3 tbsp
• 1 ½ tsp     =     7.5 ml     =     7.5 cc     =     1/2 tbsp
• 2 tsp     =     10 ml     =     10 cc
• 3 tsp     =     15 ml     =     1 tbsp     =     1/2 ounce
• 6 tsp     =     30 ml     =     30 cc     =     1 oz

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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