How to Dose Children's Medicine Safely

Read the label

Active ingredient: Which ingredient makes the medicine work
Uses: What the medicine can be used for
Directions: How much to give, and how often

Choose the right medicine

TYLENOL® and MOTRIN® come in a variety of kid-friendly forms and flavors. Choose the one that’s best for your child’s age, weight, and preference. See dosage charts on the Children + Infants Dosing page .

Liquid

Easy to swallow

Chewable tablets

For kids 2-11 years old who don’t like liquid medications

Dissolve packs

Portable powder for children 6-11 years olds (only available for TYLENOL®)

Give the right amount

If possible, use your child’s weight to dose instead of age.
Always use the dosing device (cup or syringe) that came in the box.

See dosage charts on the Children + Infants Dosing page .

Check the time

Follow directions on the package when dosing your child’s medicine.
If you forget a dose, give it as soon as possible. Then wait the recommended time before giving the next dose.

Always on call

Rely on TYLENOL® and MOTRIN® , the pain and fever relief brands that pediatricians recommend most.* See our Dosing + Use page for dosages.

TYLENOL^®

Active ingredient: Acetaminophen
Starts to reduce fever quickly
Reduces pain and fever while being gentle on tummies
For children 2 years and younger, talk to your healthcare professional

MOTRIN^®

Active ingredient: Ibuprofen
Relieves pain + fever
Works fast and lasts up to 8 hours
Children’s MOTRIN®: Talk to a doctor if your child is under 2 years old
Infants’ MOTRIN®: Talk to a doctor if your child is under 6 months

Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers! Aspirin use in children and teenagers is linked to a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.¹

*TYLENOL® is the #1 pediatrician recommended pain and fever brandand MOTRIN® is the #1 pediatrician recommended brand of ibuprofen.^{2, 3}