DIY Alternatives to Children's Tylenol: When Supplies Run Low

Package of Tylenol for children sitting on an empty pharmacy store shelf

How to Make Children’s Tylenol From Adult Tylenol Tablets

Is your child suffering from a fever or tooth pain, but Children’s Tylenol is out of stock? Don’t worry! You can safely create an alternative using adult Tylenol.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to convert regular strength Tylenol or extra strength Tylenol into a safe dose for children. Follow these steps carefully to ensure proper dosing.

If you have any questions, please contact your pharmacist, physician, or contact us for emergency dental services for children.

Table A: Children’s Dosing Table From Tylenol Tablets.

 

Age of Child [A]

Child’s weight [B]

REGULAR STRENGTH Tylenol dosage (1 tablet = 325 mg) [C]

EXTRA STRENGTH Tylenol dosage (1 tablet = 500 mg) [D]

0-3 months

3 to 5 kg

6-11 lbs

40 mg = 1/8 tablet

 

4 to 11 months

5 to 7 kg

12 to 17 lbs

80 mg = 1/4 tablet

 

12 to 23 months

8 to 10 kg

18 to 23 lbs

120 mg = 3/8 tablet

120 mg ≈ 1/4 tablet

2-3 years

11 to 15 kg

24 to 35 lbs

160 mg = 1/2 tablet

 

4-5 years

16 to 21 kg

36 to 47 lbs

240 mg = 3/4 tablet

240 mg ≈ 1/2 tablet

6-8 years

22 to 26 kg

48 to 59 lbs

320 mg = 1 tablet

 

9-10 years

27 to 32 kg

60 to 71 lbs

400 mg = 1 and 1/4  tablets

400 mg ≈ 3/4 tablet

11 years

33 to 43 kg

72 to 95 lbs

480 mg = 1 and 1/2 tablets

480 mg ≈ 1 tablet

12 years and older

44+ kg

96+ lbs

640 mg = 2 tablets

 

Required Ingredients and Tools:

Instructions for DIY Children’s Tylenol:

  1. Determine the Dose: Use the dosage table above. For example, a 2-year-old weighing 13 kg would need 160 mg, which is half a 325 mg tablet.
  2. Cut the Tablets: Using a knife, cut the Tylenol tablet according to the correct dose for your child’s age or weight.
  3. Crush the Tablets: Place the cut tablets in a sandwich bag and gently crush them into a fine powder using a hammer.
  4. Mix with Food: Combine the powdered Tylenol with sweetened yogurt or applesauce to mask the bitter taste.
  5. Administer: Feed the mixture to your child. Tylenol can be given every 4-6 hours, but do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. Avoid using Tylenol with other medications containing acetaminophen.

What is Children’s Tylenol?

Children’s Tylenol, also known as Acetaminophen or Paracetamol, is a common over-the-counter medication for relieving fever or pain in children and adults alike. Children’s Tylenol has the same medicinal ingredients as adult Tylenol. They are simply different in the formulation and dosages. 

When to Use Tylenol for Your Child:

You should use Tylenol for your child if they are experiencing:

When NOT to Use Tylenol:

Do not use Tylenol for your child if they have any of the following:

  • If your child has liver disease or cirrhosis
  • If they are already taking medications containing acetaminophen

Always consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you are unsure about dosing. In emergencies, contact us for children’s dental care.

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