Acetaminophen Dosing for a 1-Year-Old Child Weighing 14 Pounds
For a 1-year-old child weighing 14 pounds (6.4 kg), the recommended dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) is 64-96 mg (10-15 mg/kg) given every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. 1, 2
Dosage Calculation
- The appropriate dosing range for acetaminophen in children is 10-15 mg/kg per dose 1
- For a 14-pound (6.4 kg) child:
- Minimum dose: 6.4 kg × 10 mg/kg = 64 mg
- Maximum dose: 6.4 kg × 15 mg/kg = 96 mg
- Dosing interval: Every 4-6 hours as needed 2
- Maximum frequency: No more than 4 doses in 24 hours 3
Administration Considerations
- Weight-based dosing is more accurate than age-based dosing for acetaminophen in young children 4
- Children's liquid acetaminophen typically comes in a concentration of 160 mg/5 mL 4
- For the calculated dose:
- 64 mg = 2 mL of 160 mg/5 mL solution (minimum dose)
- 96 mg = 3 mL of 160 mg/5 mL solution (maximum dose)
- Use a calibrated dosing device (syringe or cup) for accurate measurement 1
Clinical Efficacy and Safety
- The 10 mg/kg dose may not reach optimal therapeutic plasma concentrations (10-20 μg/mL) for fever reduction 4
- The 15 mg/kg dose is more likely to achieve therapeutic plasma concentrations for effective antipyresis 4
- Careful dose measurement is important, as exceeding the recommended maximum dose can lead to hepatotoxicity 1
Important Considerations
- Record all dose times carefully to avoid accidentally exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose 5
- If fever persists despite appropriate acetaminophen dosing, consult a healthcare provider 5
- For children under 2 years, consult a healthcare provider before giving acetaminophen, especially for fever lasting more than 24 hours or recurring fever 1