Children’s Tylenol: Pain and Fever Relief
Children’s Tylenol pain and fever products can be used for fever and minor aches and pains from a cold, flu, headache, sore throat, or toothaches. The main ingredient in all of them is acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen works for pain by blocking pain signals in the body. It is thought to help reduce fever by affecting the part of your brain that controls body temperature.
Side effects and important warnings
Stop taking the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Always check the label before giving any over-the-counter medicine. Do not give more than the recommended dose.
The dose depends on your child’s weight or age. When possible, use your child’s weight because it is the most accurate way to find the correct dose.
Do not give your child any other medicine that contains acetaminophen while they are taking a Tylenol product. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.
Stop using a Tylenol product and contact a health care provider if any of the following happen:
- Pain gets worse or lasts longer than five days.
- Fever gets worse or lasts longer than three days.
- Your child develops redness, swelling, or new symptoms.
- A sore throat becomes severe or lasts longer than two days.
- A sore throat is accompanied by a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.
How to use Tylenol pain and fever products
Children's Tylenol comes as oral liquids (syrups), chewable tablets, and powders that dissolve in the mouth.
If using oral liquid products, shake the bottle well before measuring each dose.
Always use the dosing cup or oral syringe that comes with the product to measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon, as it is not accurate and can cause you to give the wrong dose.
Chewable tablets must be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing them.
Which Tylenol product is right for my child’s symptoms?
All of these products contain only acetaminophen and help with fever and pain.
| Age (Weight) | Recommended Product |
|---|---|
| Under 2 years (Under 24 pounds) | Ask a health care provider |
| 2-3 years (24-35 pounds) | Infant's Tylenol Oral Suspension |
| 2 years and older (24-95 pounds) | Children's Tylenol Oral Suspension Children's Tylenol Chewables Tylenol Family Oral Suspension |
| 6 years and older (48-95 pounds) | Children’s Tylenol Dissolve Powder Packs |