What is the recommended dose of Tylenol (acetaminophen) for a 2-month-old infant weighing 4.97 kg, given an 80 mg/ml suspension?

Acetaminophen Dosing for a 2-Month-Old Infant

The recommended acetaminophen dose for a 2-month-old infant weighing 4.97 kg with an 80 mg/ml suspension is 15 mg/kg/dose, which equals 74.55 mg (or approximately 0.93 ml) per dose.

Dosing Calculation

• Weight: 4.97 kg
• Recommended dose: 15 mg/kg/dose
• Calculation: 4.97 kg × 15 mg/kg = 74.55 mg per dose
• With 80 mg/ml suspension: 74.55 mg ÷ 80 mg/ml = 0.93 ml per dose

Administration Guidelines

• Maximum frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed
• Maximum daily doses: No more than 5 doses in 24 hours
• Route of administration: Oral

Important Considerations

Age-Specific Concerns

• For infants under 3 months of age, fever may indicate serious infection
• First fever in infants under 3 months warrants medical evaluation before administering acetaminophen
• Consult healthcare provider before giving acetaminophen to infants under 3 months

Administration Tips

• Use a calibrated oral syringe or dropper for accurate measurement
• Do not use household teaspoons which can lead to dosing errors
• Verify concentration before administration (80 mg/ml is higher than typical infant formulations)

Safety Precautions

• Double-check the calculation before administration
• Record the time of each dose to prevent overdosing
• Do not exceed recommended dose or frequency
• Monitor for effectiveness and any adverse reactions

Warning Signs

• If fever persists beyond 24 hours in a 2-month-old, seek immediate medical attention
• If infant appears lethargic, has difficulty breathing, or shows signs of dehydration, seek immediate medical care

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Confusing different acetaminophen concentrations (80 mg/ml is much more concentrated than typical infant formulations of 160 mg/5ml)
2. Using household measuring spoons instead of calibrated devices
3. Administering doses too frequently
4. Continuing medication beyond 24 hours without medical evaluation in this age group
5. Failing to recognize that persistent fever in a 2-month-old requires medical evaluation

Remember that fever in infants under 3 months of age requires medical evaluation as it may indicate serious infection requiring additional treatment beyond antipyretics.