Asian mom giving medicine to young girl

What to do if you can’t find children’s Tylenol or Motrin

By Christina Varvatsis, PharmD, BCPS Jan 05, 2023 • 5 min


Respiratory viruses are hitting kids hard this year, especially the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Parents face an added challenge: bare shelves for some of the most common children’s medications to lower fevers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).

Consider these tips if you’re struggling to find medicine for your child:

1.       Try chewables or tablets

Liquid products might be your normal go-to, but depending on your child’s age and weight, they may be able to take a different form of your trusted medication.

·         For children who are at least 2 years old, try the chewable version.

·         Starting around ages 6–8, children may be able to take certain junior strength or regular strength adult tablets.

·         Review the charts below to find the proper dose of various product types based on your child’s age and weight. Be sure to talk with your pharmacist or pediatrician if you have any questions about dosing or choosing the right product.

·         Trouble swallowing pills? You may be able to crush certain products, but always ask your pharmacist first.

2.         Look for generics

We all have our preferred brands, but when it comes to medication, generics contain the exact same active ingredients. Acetaminophen is acetaminophen, whether it’s in a Tylenol-branded bottle or not, so you should feel comfortable purchasing whichever brand you can find.

3.       Combination cough & cold products aren’t always the best substitute

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are included in many over-the-counter combination cough, cold & flu preparations. But these products contain additional medicines that your child may not need. Only consider combination products if your child is experiencing symptoms that these additional medicines would help. And talk with your pharmacist or pediatrician first, since some ingredients may not be safe for younger children. 

Navigating shortages can be challenging, especially when caring for a sick child. Ask your Walgreens pharmacist if you have any questions about choosing the right relief product or dosing. You can also use the Pharmacy Chat feature in our app 24/7. 

Acetaminophen dosing table for fever and pain in children

Weight

Age

Infants’ drops (160 mg/5 mL)

Children’s liquid (160 mg/5 mL)

Children’s chewables (160 mg)

Children’s packets (160 mg)

Adults’ tablets (325 mg)

Adults’ tablets (500 mg)

6–11 lbs.

0–3 months

1.25 mL

 

 

 

 

 

12–17 lbs.

 

4–11 months

2.5 mL

 

 

 

 

 

18–23 lbs.

12–23 months

3.75 mL

 

 

 

 

 

24–35 lbs.

2–3 years

 

5 mL

 

 

 

 

36–47 lbs.

4–5 years

 

7.5 mL

1.5 tablets

 

 

 

48–59 lbs.

6–8 years

 

10 mL

2 tablets

2 packets

1 tablet

 

60–71 lbs.

9–10 years

 

12.5 mL

2.5 tablets

2 packets

1 tablet

 

72–95 lbs.

11 years

 

15 mL

3 tablets

3 packets

1.5 tablets

2 tablets

96 lbs. or more

12 or older

 

20 mL

4 tablets

 

2 tablets

1 tablet

Ibuprofen dosing table for fever and pain in children

Weight

Age

Infants’ drops (50 mg/1.25 mL)

Children’s liquid (100 mg/5 mL)

Children’s chewable tablets (50 mg)

Junior strength tablets (100 mg)

Adults’ tablets (200 mg)

0–11 lbs.

0–5 months

 

 

 

 

 

12–17 lbs.

 

6–11 months

1.25 mL

2.5 mL

 

 

 

18–23 lbs.

12–23 months

1.875 mL

4 mL

 

 

 

24–35 lbs.

2–3 years

2.5 mL

5 mL

2 tablets

 

 

36–47 lbs.

4–5 years

3.75 mL

7.5 mL

3 tablets

 

 

48–59 lbs.

6–8 years

5 mL

10 mL

4 tablets

2 tablets

1 tablet

60–71 lbs.

9–10 years

 

12.5 mL

5 tablets

2.5 tablets

1 tablet

72–95 lbs.

11 years

 

15 mL

6 tablets

3 tablets

1.5 tablet

96 lbs. or more

12 or older

 

20 mL

8 tablets

4 tablets

2 tablets

Published January 2023.