From the Research
For a 25-pound baby, the recommended dose of Tylenol (acetaminophen) is 120 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours, based on the standard pediatric recommendation of 10-15 mg per kilogram of body weight (a 25-pound baby weighs approximately 11.3 kg) 1.
Key Considerations
- Tylenol for infants comes as a liquid suspension, typically 160 mg per 5 mL, so you would give 3.75 mL per dose.
- Always use the measuring device provided with the medication for accuracy.
- Check the concentration on the bottle as formulations may vary.
- Tylenol helps reduce fever and relieve pain by affecting the parts of the brain that sense pain and control body temperature, with a centrally located, COX-independent, analgesic mechanism of action 1.
Important Safety Information
- Contact your pediatrician before giving Tylenol to babies under 3 months of age, if symptoms worsen, or if fever persists for more than 3 days.
- Store the medication out of children's reach and always verify the correct dosage with your child's healthcare provider.
- Be aware of the potential risk of liver toxicity with high doses of acetaminophen, although the recommended dose for a 25-pound baby is considered safe 2.
Additional Guidance
- The most recent study on the mechanism of action of paracetamol suggests that it has a distinct mechanism of action from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a more tolerable safety profile 1.
- However, safety concerns remain with high doses of paracetamol due to the risk of liver necrosis, emphasizing the importance of following the recommended dosage 1.