Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Dosing for a 2-Month-Old Infant
For a 2-month-old infant weighing 5.4 kg with an 80 mg/ml concentration of Tylenol (acetaminophen), the recommended dose is 16.2 mg (0.2 ml) given every 6 hours as needed.
Dosage Calculation
The appropriate acetaminophen dosing for infants is based on weight:
- Standard pediatric acetaminophen dose: 10-15 mg/kg/dose every 4-6 hours as needed
- For this 5.4 kg infant:
- Minimum dose (10 mg/kg): 5.4 kg × 10 mg/kg = 54 mg
- Maximum dose (15 mg/kg): 5.4 kg × 15 mg/kg = 81 mg
- Recommended dose (using 15 mg/kg): 5.4 kg × 15 mg/kg = 81 mg
Given the 80 mg/ml concentration:
- Volume to administer = 81 mg ÷ 80 mg/ml = 1.01 ml
- For practical administration, this can be rounded to 1 ml (80 mg)
Administration Guidelines
- Use the appropriate measuring device (oral syringe) for accurate dosing
- Maximum frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed
- Maximum daily doses: No more than 5 doses in 24 hours
- Duration: For fever or pain, use for no more than 3 days without consulting a healthcare provider
Important Considerations
- Acetaminophen should be used cautiously in neonates and young infants due to their immature hepatic metabolism
- Avoid concurrent administration of other medications containing acetaminophen to prevent overdose
- Monitor for signs of efficacy (reduction in fever, improved comfort) and any adverse effects
Safety Precautions
- Double-check the concentration before administration (80 mg/ml is the infant formulation)
- Store medication safely out of reach of children
- Record all doses given to avoid accidental overdosing
- Contact healthcare provider if fever persists beyond 3 days or if the infant's condition worsens
Remember that acetaminophen overdose can cause serious hepatotoxicity, so accurate dosing and administration are critical for safe use in infants.