OTC Dose Decoder
- Tylenol
- Motrin or Advil
-
Antihistamines (Allergies):
-
Decongestants:
-
Cough Suppressants and Expectorants:
-
Combination Medications for Colds:
Tylenol
(Acetaminophen)
Use for: Fever, pain relief, teething
Not to be given if under 2 months (unless cleared with pediatrician)
Can be repeated every 4 hours as needed
Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours
| Weight (lbs) | Dose (mgs) | Infant Oral Suspension (160 mg/5 ml) | Child Oral Suspension (160 mg/5 ml) | Chewable (80 mg tab) | Jr. Strength (160 mg tab) | Adult Tab (325 mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 - 11 | 40 | 1.25 ml = 1/4 tsp | - | - | - | - |
| 12 - 17 | 80 | 2.5 ml = 1/2 tsp | 2.5 ml = 1/2 tsp | - | - | - |
| 18 - 22 | 120 | 3.75 ml = 3/4 tsp | 3.75 ml = 3/4 tsp | 1 1/2 tabs | - | - |
| 23 - 35 | 160 | 5 ml = 1 tsp | 5 ml = 1 tsp | 2 tabs | 1 tab | - |
| 36 - 47 | 240 | 7.5 ml = 1 1/2 tsp | 7.5 ml = 1 1/2 tsp | 3 tabs | 1 1/2 tabs | - |
| 48 - 59 | 320 | 10 ml = 2 tsp | 10 ml = 2 tsp | 4 tabs | 2 tabs | 1 tab |
| 60 - 71 | 400 | 12.5 ml = 2 1/2 tsp | 12.5 ml = 2 1/2 tsp | 5 tabs | 2 1/2 tabs | 1 tab |
| 72 - 95 | 480 | 15 ml = 3 tsp | 15 ml = 3 tsp | 6 tabs | 3 tabs | 1 1/2 tabs |
| 96+ | 640 | 20 ml = 4 tsp | 20 ml = 4 tsp | 8 tabs | 4 tabs | 2 tabs |
Motrin or Advil
(Ibuprofen)
Use for: Fever, pain relief, teething
Not to be given if under 12 pounds or 6 months
Best if not given on an empty stomach
Can be repeated every 6 hours as needed
| Weight (lbs) | Dose (mgs) | Infant Oral Drops (50 mg/1.25 ml) | Child Oral Suspension (100 mg/5 ml) | Chewable (100 mg tab) | Jr. Strength (100 mg tab) | Adult Tab (200 mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 - 17 | 50 | 1.25 ml = 1 dropper | 2.5 ml = 1/2 tsp | -- | -- | -- |
| 18 - 23 | 75 | 1.875 ml = 1 1/2 dropper | 3.75 ml = 3/4 tsp | -- | -- | -- |
| 24 - 35 | 100 | 2.5 ml = 2 droppers | 5 ml = 1 tsp | 1 tab | 1 tab | -- |
| 36 - 47 | 150 | -- | 7.5 ml = 1 1/2 tsp | 1 1/2 tabs | 1 1/2 tabs | -- |
| 48 - 59 | 200 | -- | 10 ml = 2 tsp | 2 tabs | 2 tabs | 1 tab |
| 60 - 71 | 250 | -- | 12.5 ml = 2 1/2 tsp | 2 1/2 tabs | 2 1/2 tabs | 1 tab |
| 72 - 95 | 300 | -- | 15 ml = 3 tsp | 3 tabs | 3 tabs | 1 1/2 tabs |
| 96+ | 400 | -- | 20 ml = 4 tsp | 4 tabs | 4 tabs | 2 tabs |
Benadryl
(Diphenhydramine)
Use for: Allergic reactions, itchy hives, seasonal allergies
Not to be given if under 6 months of age
Can be repeated every 6 hours as needed
Maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours
Caution: May cause drowsiness
| Weight (lbs) | Suspension (12.5 mg/5 ml) | Chewable (12.5 mg tab) | FastMelts (12.5 mg tab) | Tab/Cap (25 mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 - 19 | 2.5 ml = 1/2 tsp | - | - | - |
| 20 - 26 | 3.75 ml = 3/4 tsp | - | - | - |
| 27 - 39 | 5 ml = 1 tsp | 1 tab | 1 tab | - |
| 40 - 52 | 7.5 ml = 1 1/2 tsp | 1 tab | 1 tab | - |
| 53 - 67 | 10 ml = 2 tsp | 2 tabs | 2 tabs | 1 tab/cap |
| 68 - 79 | 12.5 ml = 2 1/2 tsp | 2 tabs | 2 tabs | 1 tab/cap |
| 80 - 95 | 15 ml = 3 tsp | 3 tabs | 3 tabs | 1 tab/cap |
| 96+ | 20 ml = 4 tsp | 4 tabs | 4 tabs | 2 tabs/caps |
Zyrtec
(Cetirizine)
Use for: Allergic reactions, itchy hives, seasonal allergies, sinus drip, nasal congestion
Not to be given if under 6 months of age
Best if given before bedtime. Only given once a day
Caution:May cause drowsiness
| Age | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| 6-12 months | 2.5 mL |
| 1-2 years | 2.5-3.75 mL |
| 2-3 years | 3.75 mL |
| 3-4 years | 5 mL |
| 4-5 years | 5-7.5 mL |
| 6 years & older | 7.5-10 mL |
Robitussin-DM
(Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin)
Use for: Nonproductive (dry) cough, to suppress the cough reflex and reduce the urge to cough, providing relief from persistent or irritating coughing.
Not to be given if under 2 years of age
Can be repeated every 4 hours as needed
Maximum of 6 doses in 24 hours
| Age | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| 2-4 years | 2.5 mL |
| 4-6 years | 3.75 mL |
| 6-9 years | 5 mL |
| 9-12 years | 7.5 mL |
| 12 & older | 10 mL |
Robitussin
(Guaifenesin)
Use for: Productive (wet) cough, chest congestion, thick nasal congestion with mucus or phlegm present, to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways.
Not to be given if under 2 years of age
Can be repeated every 4 hours as needed
Maximum of 6 doses in 24 hours
| Age | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| 2-4 years | 2.5-3.75 mL |
| 4-6 years | 3.75-5 mL |
| 6-9 years | 5-7.5 mL |
| 12 & over | 10-20 mL |
Children's Dimetapp
Cold & Allergy
Brompheniramine maleate (antihistamine)
-
Use Cold & Allergy for: Nasal congestion, Runny nose, Itchy eyes, Watery eyes, Sneezing, & Itchy throat
Cold & Cough
Brompheniramine maleate (antihistamine) & Dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant)
-
Use Cold & Cough for: Runny nose, Itchy eyes, Watery eyes, Sneezing, & nonproductive (dry) cough
Not to be given if under 2 years of age
Can be repeated every 4 hours as needed
Maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours
| Age | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| 2-4 years | 5 mL |
| 4-6 years | 7.5 mL |
| 6-9 years | 10 mL |
| 9-12 years | 15 mL |
| 12 & older | 20 mL |
Mucinex Children's Cough Liquid
(Guaifenesin 100 mg/5 mL, Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg/5 mL)
Use for: Cough relief, chest congestion, thinning and loosening mucus
Not to be given if under 2 years of age
Can be repeated every 4 hours as needed
Maximum of 6 doses in 24 hours
Stop use and consult a doctor if cough persists for more than 7 days or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache
| Age | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| 2-4 years | 2.5-3.75 mL |
| 4-6 years | 3.75-5 mL |
| 6-9 years | 5-7.5 mL |
| 9-12 years | 7.5-10 mL |
| 12 & over | 10-15 mL |
Mucinex - Children's Stuffy Nose & Chest Congestion Liquid
Use for: Productive (wet) cough, chest congestion, thick nasal congestion with mucus or phlegm present, to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways.
Not to be given if under 9 months of age
Can be repeated every 4 hours as needed
Maximum of 6 doses in 24 hours
| Age | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| 9-12 months | 1 mL |
| 12-15 months | 1.25 mL |
| 15-18 months | 1.6 mL |
| 18-24 months | 2 mL |
| 2-4 years | 2.5-3.75 mL |
| 4-6 years | 3.75-5 mL |
| 6-9 years | 5-7.5 mL |
| 9-12 years | 7.5-10 mL |
| 12 & over | 10-15 mL |
Sudafed
(Pseudoephedrine HCl)
Use for: Nasal congestion, sinus pressure, stuffy nose due to colds or allergies
Not to be given to children under 4 years of age
Do not use with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping MAOI treatment
Consult a doctor before use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other medical conditions
Follow recommended dosages and do not exceed the maximum daily dose
| Age |
Children's Sudafed Liquid (15 mg/5 mL) |
Sudafed Sinus Congestion (30 mg tabs) |
Sudafed PE Sinus Congestion (10 mg tabs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–5 years |
5 mL every 4–6 hours (Max: 4 doses in 24 hours) |
- | - |
| 6–11 years |
10 mL every 4–6 hours (Max: 4 doses in 24 hours) |
1 tablet every 4–6 hours (Max: 4 tablets in 24 hours) |
- |
| 12+ years |
20 mL every 4–6 hours (Max: 4 doses in 24 hours) |
2 tablets every 4–6 hours (Max: 8 tablets in 24 hours) |
1 tablet every 4 hours (Max: 6 tablets in 24 hours) |