The following dosing tables can help you give your child the correct dosage in the event of a fever.

 

Keep these things in mind:

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• Never give a baby younger than 3 months these drugs without talking to your doctor first.

• Your child’s age is a guide, but his/her weight is always the factor in how much medicine to give.  Measure dosage by your child's weight if possible.

• Read the label first. There are different forms and concentrations. Be sure not to confuse tablespoons and teaspoons.

• Medicines with more than 1 ingredient (also called combination products): It is best not to give medicines with more than one ingredient to children less than 6 years of age. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age.

• Always use the measuring device that came with the medicine, whether it’s a syringe, dropper, or a dosing cup.
   

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that OTC cough and cold medicines not be given to infants and small children because they have not been proven effective and can be harmful. Call our office to discuss other ways to manage your child’s symptoms, such as saline nasal sprays or drops, and bulb suctioning of the nose for babies.