What is the appropriate acetaminophen (infant Tylenol) dose for a 6‑month‑old infant weighing 13 lb 11 oz?

Acetaminophen Dosing for a 6-Month-Old Weighing 13 lb 11 oz

For this 6-month-old infant weighing 13 lb 11 oz (6.2 kg), administer acetaminophen 62–93 mg (approximately 2–3 mL of infant suspension) every 4–6 hours as needed, not exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours.

Weight-Based Dose Calculation

• The infant weighs 13 lb 11 oz, which converts to 6.2 kg 1
• The standard acetaminophen dose is 10–15 mg/kg per dose every 4–6 hours 1, 2
• For this 6.2 kg infant, the dose range is:
  • Minimum dose: 10 mg/kg × 6.2 kg = 62 mg
  • Maximum dose: 15 mg/kg × 6.2 kg = 93 mg 1, 2

Practical Administration Using Infant Tylenol

• Infant Tylenol oral suspension contains 160 mg per 5 mL 2
• To deliver 62 mg: administer approximately 2 mL
• To deliver 93 mg: administer approximately 3 mL 2
• Start with the lower dose (2 mL = 62 mg) and increase toward the higher dose (3 mL = 93 mg) only if fever or discomfort persists 2

Dosing Frequency and Maximum Daily Limits

• Administer every 4–6 hours as needed for fever or pain 1, 2
• Maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours 1
• Maximum daily dose: 60 mg/kg/day = 372 mg total for this infant 1, 2
• Never exceed 5 doses in 24 hours under any circumstances 1

Critical Safety Instructions for Parents

• Verify the concentration of the product being used—infant drops (80 mg/0.8 mL) differ from children's suspension (160 mg/5 mL), and using the wrong concentration is a common dosing error 2
• Use an oral syringe (not a household teaspoon) to measure the exact dose 3
• Avoid all other products containing acetaminophen, including combination cold/flu remedies, as inadvertent double-dosing is the most common cause of accidental overdose in infants 2
• Keep a written log of each dose time to prevent accidental repeat dosing 2

When to Seek Medical Attention

• If fever persists beyond 48–72 hours without improvement, medical evaluation is necessary 3
• Seek immediate care if the infant shows decreased feeding, reduced activity, or signs of dehydration 3
• Acetaminophen improves comfort but does not treat the underlying cause of fever 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not exceed 60 mg/kg/day (372 mg for this 6.2 kg infant), as exceeding this threshold increases hepatotoxicity risk 2
• Do not give doses more frequently than every 4 hours, even if fever returns earlier 1
• Do not use rectal suppositories as a first-line option—oral suspension is absorbed more rapidly and provides more consistent fever control 1