when dosing a child, is age more important or is weight?

Question

when you look at a bottle of, f.ex, children's tylenol, there's a column for age and a column for weight.

i've been told by more than one pharmacist that not all meds should be calculated by weight because the development of the internal organs, such as the liver, is dependant on age, not size.

example:  my daughter was 51 lbs at 20mo.  if you look on the label for children's motrin, by weight she should've received a dosage more suited to a 7yr old while in the age column, it won't even give you any information, just tells you to consult your doctor.

it's not so bad now, she's 47-1/2lbs at 3yrs 9mo (wears size 6x and growing out of a size 13 shoe!  yikes!) but the disparity, although not as great, is still there.  so how do i know which medications should be done by age and which by weight?

twgolfer88 · Accepted Answer

ask your pharmacist

? · Answer

I always gave my kids Motrin berry flavor and always went by the weight.  My kids are big kids.  I gave a little less than what the bottle said.  I swear by that stuff.  The kids are 14 and 11 now.  Clearly too old for this Motrin but I keep it on hand for my nephew.  They smile when they see the bottle.  Brings back memories of it.  They didn't get sick alot but when they did, it was a life saver.

? · Answer

my doc gave me chart by weight for Tylenol and Motrin so I guess with those weight is more important.

Mama 2 a Rockstarr · Answer

My son is big to, and his ped. told me to use kids motrin ect. Or do double dosage of infant.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? · Answer

For both my sons our pediatrician has recommended doses based on their weight (not age).

Anonymous · Answer

i guess age is more important than a weight while dosing a child.

Annamaria F · Answer

i would phone n.h.s direct to be on the safe side.

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when dosing a child, is age more important or is weight?

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