Children’s phenylephrine dosage
Every chart below is transcribed from a real FDA drug-facts label, and grouped by the strength printed on the bottle. We calculate nothing.
Check the strength on your bottle first
The same medicine is sold at more than one concentration, and a chart is only correct for the bottle it was printed on. Find the “active ingredient” line on your package and match it to the heading above a chart below. If it does not match any of them, use the chart on your own box and ask a pharmacist if it is unclear.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Guaifenesin 100 mg Phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg”.
The same chart appears on 12 products, including Childrens Multi-Symptom Cold, AMAZON Childrens Multi Symptom Cold, Childrens Mucinex Multi Symptom Cold and Childrens Mucinex Night Time Multi Symptom Cold.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 to under 6 years of age | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
10 mg per 15 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Dextrometho”.
The same chart appears on 3 products, including Vicks DayQuil Kids Honey and Vicks NyQuil Kids Honey COLD and COUGH plus, Vicks NyQuil Kids Honey Cold Cough Congestion, Walgreens Nighttime Kids Honey Cold Cough Congestion.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| adults & children 12 yrs & over | 30 mL every 4 hrs |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 yrs | 15 mL every 4 hrs |
| children 4 to under 6 yrs | do not use unless directed by a doctor |
| children under 4 yrs | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active Ingredient (in each 5 mL or 1 teaspoon) Purpose Dextromethorphan HBr, 5 mg Cough Suppressant Guaifenesin, 50 mg Expectorant Phenylephrine HCl, 2.5 mg Nas”.
The same chart appears on 2 products, including Tukol Children Cough and Congestion, Mucosan Childrens Multi-Symptom Grape.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years | 2 teaspoons (10 mL) every 4 hours |
| children 4 to under 6 years | 1 teaspoon (5 mL) every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
12.5 mg per 15 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Diphenhydramine HCl 12.5 mg Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg Purpose Antihistamine/Cough suppressant Nasal decongestant”.
The same chart appears on 2 products, including Vicks childrens Cough Congestion Night, VICKS CHILDRENS COUGH CONGESTION.
| adults & children 12 yrs & over | 30 mL every 4 hrs |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 yrs | 15 mL every 4 hrs |
| children 4 to under 6 yrs | do not use unless directed by a doctor |
| children under 4 yrs | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
2.5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredient (in each 5 mL) Phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg”.
From the label for Childrens Sudafed PE NASAL DECONGESTANT.
| Age (yr) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| under 4 years | do not use |
| 4 to 5 years | 5 mL |
| 6 to 11 years | 10 mL |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 2.5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients & Purposes . Active ingredients (in each 2.5 mL) Purposes Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg......................Cough suppressant Guaifenesin 50 mg.”.
From the label for Broncolito Children.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years | take 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children 2 to under 6 years | take 2.5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 2 years | consult a doctor |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
10 mg per 10 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 10 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 10 mg Guaifenesin, USP 100 mg Phenylephrine HCl, USP 5 mg”.
From the label for Childrens Robitussin Cough and Cold CF.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| children under 4 years | do not use |
| children 4 to under 6 years | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children 6 to under 12 years | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| adults and children 12 years and over | 20 mL every 4 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
325 mg per 10 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 10 mL) Purposes Acetaminophen 325 mg Pain reliever/fever reducer Diphenhydramine HCl 12.5 mg Antihistamine/cough suppressant Phenyle”.
From the label for Mucinex Childrens Day Time Multi-Symptom Cold and Mucinex Childrens Night Time Multi-Symptom Cold Triple Pack.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 to under 6 years of age | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
2 mg per 10 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 10 ml) Purposes Brompheniramine maleate, USP 2 mg Antihistamine Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 10 mg Cough Suppressant Phenylephrine HCl,”.
From the label for Pediacare Childrens Cough and Cold Grape.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| adults and children 12 years and over | 20 mL every 4 hours |
| children 6 to under 12 years | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 6 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
10 mg per 15 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg Guaifenesin 100 mg Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg Purpose Cough suppressant Expectorant Nasal decongestant”.
From the label for Vicks DayQuil Kids Cold Cough plus Mucus.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| adults & children 12 yrs & over | 30 mL every 4 hrs |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 yrs | 15 mL every 4 hrs |
| children 4 to under 6 yrs | ask a doctor |
| children under 4 yrs | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
7.5 mg per 2.5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 2.5 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 7.5 mg Guaifenesin 150 mg Phenylephrine HCI 5 mg”.
From the label for Giltuss Childrens Cough and Cold.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| children under 2 years | Consult a doctor |
| children 2 to under 6 years of age | 1.25 mL every 4 hours |
| children 6 to 12 years of age | 2.5 mL every 4 hours |
| children 12 years and over | 5 mL every 4 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 2.5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 2.5 mL) Purpose Dextromethorphan HBr, 5 mg Cough suppressant Guaifenesin, 50 mg Expectorant Phenylephrine HCl, 2.5 mg Nasal deconges”.
From the label for Tukol Honey Children Cough and Congestion.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 to under 6 years | 2.5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL teaspoonful) Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Guaifenesin 75 mg Phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg”.
From the label for ACTINEL DM Pediatric.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 10 mL (2 tsp) every 4 hours |
| children 2 to under 6 years of age | 5 mL (1 tsp) every 4 hours |
| children under 2 years of age | consult a doctor |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
160 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Acetaminophen 160 mg Chlorpheniramine maleate 1 mg Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg”.
From the label for Childrens Plus Multi Symptom Cold.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Weight (lb) | Age (yr) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 48-95 | 6-11 | 10 mL |
| 36-47 | 4-5 | do not use unless directed by a doctor |
| under 36 | under 4 | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
325 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Acetaminophen 325 mg Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg Dextromethorphan HBr 6.5 mg Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg”.
From the label for Giltuss Childrens MultiSymptom Cold and Flu.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| children under 6 years of age | Do not use |
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 5 mL every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 5 doses in 24 hours |
| children 12 years and over | 10 mL every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
2 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Chlorpheniramine maleate USP, 2 mg Dextromethorphan HBr USP, 10 mg Phenylephrine HCl USP, 5 mg”.
From the label for Giltuss Childrens Allergy Plus Cough and Congestion.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| children under 6 years | Consult a Doctor |
| children 6 to under 12 years | 5 mL every 4 to 6 hours |
| adults and children 12 years and over | 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
160 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Purpose Acetaminophen 160 mg Pain reliever/fever reducer Chlorpheniramine maleate 1 mg Antihistamine Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg”.
From the label for Childrens TYLENOL COLD Plus FLU.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Weight (lb) | Age (yr) | Dose (mL) or as directed by a doctor |
|---|---|---|
| under 36 | under 4 years | do not use |
| 36-47 | 4 to 5 years | do not use unless directed by a doctor |
| 48-95 | 6 to 11 years | 10 mL |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Purposes Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Cough suppressant Guaifenesin 100 mg Expectorant Active ingredients (in each 10 mL) Purpose”.
From the label for Childrens Delsym Cough Plus Chest Congestion DM and Delsym Cough Plus Cold Night Time.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age (year) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 5 mL – 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 to under 6 years of age | 2.5 mL – 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Purposes Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Cough suppressant Phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg Nasal decongestant”.
From the label for Childrens SUDAFED PE Cold plus Cough.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age (yr) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| under 4 years | do not use |
| 4 to 5 years | 5 mL |
| 6 to 11 years | 10 mL |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
12.5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Purposes Diphenhydramine HCl 12.5 mg Antihistamine Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg Nasal decongestant”.
From the label for Childrens Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion.
| Age (yr) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| children under 4 years | do not use |
| children 4 to 5 years | do not use unless directed by a doctor |
| children 6 to 11 years | 5 mL |
| adults and children 12 years and over | 10 mL |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
100 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Purposes Guaifenesin 100 mg Expectorant Phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg Nasal decongestant”.
From the label for Mucinex Childrens Stuffy Nose and Chest Congestion.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 to under 6 years of age | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
250 mg per 10 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients in each 10mL 2 teaspoonful Acetaminophen 250mg Dextromethorphan HBr 13.33mg Guaifenesin USP 200mg Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg Purpose Pain relieve”.
From the label for Pentrexcilina Children TOTAL RELIEF Multi-Symptom.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Children 6 to under 12 years of age | 10 mL or 2 tsp provided every 4 hours |
| Children under 6 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
325 mg per 10 mL
On the bottle this reads “Drug Facts Active ingredients (in each 10 mL = 2 teaspoonful) Acetaminophen 325 mg Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg Guaifenesin 200 mg Phenylephrine HCL 5 mg”.
From the label for Childrens Tukol Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 2 teaspoons (10 mL) every 4 hours |
| children under 6 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
Frequently asked questions
How much phenylephrine can I give my child?
Read it off the chart for the bottle you are holding, above. There is more than one strength of children's phenylephrine on sale, and each has its own chart — that is why this page shows them separately rather than giving one number. Dose by weight where the chart offers weight; the label itself says to use weight if you know it, and age only otherwise.
Why does the chart say "ask a doctor" for babies under 2?
Because the label does. The FDA drug-facts chart stops at the youngest age the product was approved to be self-administered for, and below that the manufacturer directs you to a clinician rather than printing a dose. We reproduce that row exactly and do not fill it in — a paediatrician dosing an infant is working from weight and a clinical picture that a chart cannot carry.
Can I use a children's chart with an infants' bottle?
No, and this is the mistake that causes real harm. The same drug is sold at different concentrations: infants' ibuprofen is 50 mg per 1.25 mL, children's is 100 mg per 5 mL. Reading one chart against the other bottle gives the wrong amount of medicine. Check the "active ingredient" line on your bottle against the strength shown above each chart here.
Can I use a kitchen spoon to measure it?
No. Use the syringe or cup that came with that specific product — labels say so explicitly, and household spoons vary enough to matter at these volumes. If the dosing device is lost, ask a pharmacist for one rather than estimating.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each table is transcribed cell for cell from that product's FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed, linked under every chart. We calculate nothing and we merge nothing across products.
More on phenylephrine
These charts are reproduced from FDA drug-facts labels for reference. They are not medical advice and cannot account for your child’s other medicines or conditions. Always read the label on the product you are giving, never exceed the stated number of doses in 24 hours, and call a doctor, pharmacist or poison control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) if you are unsure or think too much has been given.