Paracetamol Pediatric Dose Calculator
Weight-based paracetamol dosing for children, with maximum doses, age limits and sources. Enter age and weight for the dose in mg and syrup mL, tablets or injection volume.
Pediatric dosing
Fever or pain (oral)
IV infusion (hospital) Hospital
Paracetamol dose chart by age and weight
Fever or pain (oral). Weights are WHO/IAP reference medians for age — always dose on the measured weight.
| Age | Weight | Dose (mg) | Oral drops 100 mg/mL | Suspension 120 mg/5 mL | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 days | 3.8 kg | 38 mg | 0.38 mL | 1.6 mL | Every 6–8 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 1 month | 4.3 kg | 64.5 mg | 0.65 mL | 2.7 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 3 months | 6.1 kg | 91.5 mg | 0.92 mL | 3.8 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 6 months | 7.6 kg | 114 mg | 1.1 mL | 4.8 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 9 months | 8.6 kg | 129 mg | 1.3 mL | 5.4 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 1 year | 9.3 kg | 139.5 mg | 1.4 mL | 5.8 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 18 months | 10.6 kg | 159 mg | 1.6 mL | 6.6 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 2 years | 11.8 kg | 177 mg | 1.8 mL | 7.4 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 3 years | 14.1 kg | 211.5 mg | 2.1 mL | 8.8 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 4 years | 16.2 kg | 243 mg | 2.4 mL | 10 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 5 years | 17.5 kg | 262.5 mg | 2.6 mL | 11 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 6 years | 19 kg | 285 mg | 2.9 mL | 12 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 8 years | 24.4 kg | 366 mg | 3.7 mL | 15.5 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 10 years | 31.1 kg | 466.5 mg | 4.7 mL | 19.5 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
| 12 years | 39.4 kg | 591 mg | 5.9 mL | 24.5 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) |
Strengths in the calculator
- Oral drops 100 mg/mL (Oral)
- Suspension 120 mg/5 mL (Oral)
- Syrup 125 mg/5 mL (Oral)
- Suspension 160 mg/5 mL (Oral) — Standard children's strength in the US and Canada.
- Suspension 250 mg/5 mL (forte) (Oral)
- Tablet 325 mg (Oral)
- Tablet 500 mg (Oral)
- Tablet 650 mg (Oral)
- IV infusion 10 mg/mL (1 g/100 mL) (Intravenous)
Different strength on your bottle? Use “Different strength on the bottle?” under the result.
Safety
Contraindications and cautions
- Severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease — avoid or reduce the dose.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Legacy FDA category B. Preferred analgesic and antipyretic in pregnancy at recommended doses. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Compatible with breastfeeding.
Clinical notes
First-line antipyretic and analgesic. Treat discomfort rather than the number on the thermometer. Always ask about other paracetamol-containing products (cold and cough combinations) to avoid accidental overdose.
Adult and adolescent (≥40 kg) dose
500 mg–1 g — Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 g/day) (max 1 g per dose, 4 g per day).
Max 3 g/day if <50 kg, hepatic impairment, chronic alcohol use or malnutrition.
Other names and brands
Also known as Acetaminophen, PCM, APAP.
- India: Calpol, Crocin, Dolo, Metacin
- UK: Calpol
- USA: Tylenol
Brand examples only — products and strengths vary by country. Always check the label.
Frequently asked questions
What is the paracetamol dose for children?
Fever or pain (oral): <1 month: 10–15 mg/kg/dose · every 6–8 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h); ≥1 month: 10–15 mg/kg/dose · every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h) · max 1 g/dose, 4 g/day. Usual duration: As needed. Always use the child's measured weight and check the strength on the bottle.
How many mL of suspension 120 mg/5 mL for an 11.8 kg child?
For fever or pain (oral), an 11.8 kg child (about 2 years) needs 177 mg per dose — 7.4 mL of Suspension 120 mg/5 mL, every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 doses in 24 h). Recalculate with the child's actual weight.
From what age can paracetamol be given?
Age range in PediaRx: Birth – adult. Each indication can have its own age and weight limits, shown with its regimen.
Is paracetamol safe in pregnancy?
Legacy FDA category B. Preferred analgesic and antipyretic in pregnancy at recommended doses. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Sources and editorial process
- BNF for Children — Paracetamol — NICE / BMJ Group / Royal Pharmaceutical Society
- Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children, 2nd edition (2013) — World Health Organization
- Paracetamol 10 mg/mL solution for infusion — Summary of Product Characteristics — electronic Medicines Compendium (UK)
Dosing data last updated 2026-09-27. PediaRx is built and maintained by Dr. Shounak Pal, MBBS (Medical Officer, Government of West Bengal, India — founder and developer of PediaRx). Every regimen is encoded with explicit units, maximum doses and age/weight limits and is checked by automated tests before publication. Report an error: hello@pediarx.com.
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Clinical disclaimer: reference tool for qualified health professionals. Verify every dose against current guidance and the product label before prescribing.
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