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Weight-Based Dosing
Enter the child's weight to calculate common pediatric medication doses with volumes and safety limits.
Enter the child's weight to calculate common pediatric medication doses with volumes and safety limits.
Weight-based dosing (mg/kg dosing) is the standard method for calculating pediatric medication doses. The formula is: Dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × Dose per kg (mg/kg). For example, acetaminophen at 15 mg/kg for a 10 kg child = 150 mg per dose.
To convert to a liquid volume: Volume (mL) = Dose (mg) ÷ Concentration (mg/mL). If the acetaminophen suspension is 160 mg/5 mL (32 mg/mL), then 150 mg ÷ 32 mg/mL = 4.7 mL. Always verify the maximum single dose and maximum daily dose are not exceeded.
The recommended dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for children is 10-15 mg/kg per dose, given every 4-6 hours as needed. The maximum single dose is 1000 mg and the maximum daily dose is 75 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 4000 mg/day).
Common formulations: Infant drops = 160 mg/5 mL; Children's suspension = 160 mg/5 mL; Children's chewable = 160 mg per tablet. Acetaminophen should not be given to infants under 2 months without pediatrician guidance. Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours.
The recommended dose of ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) for children is 10 mg/kg per dose, given every 6-8 hours as needed. The maximum single dose is 400 mg and the maximum daily dose is 40 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 1200 mg/day).
Common formulations: Infant concentrated drops = 50 mg/1.25 mL; Children's suspension = 100 mg/5 mL; Children's chewable = 100 mg per tablet. Ibuprofen should not be given to infants under 6 months. It is an NSAID and should be avoided in children with kidney disease, bleeding disorders, or active GI bleeding.
For acute otitis media (ear infection), amoxicillin is the first-line antibiotic. Standard dose is 40-45 mg/kg/day divided into 2 doses (every 12 hours). High-dose amoxicillin (80-90 mg/kg/day divided BID) is recommended for children under 2 years, those with severe symptoms, those who attend daycare, or those who have received amoxicillin in the past 30 days.
Available formulations: 125 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL, and 400 mg/5 mL suspensions. Treatment duration: 10 days for children under 2 years or with severe symptoms; 5-7 days for children 2+ years with mild symptoms. Maximum dose is typically 3000 mg/day.
While many pediatricians endorse alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen for persistent fever, the AAP notes there is limited evidence that this is more effective than using either drug alone. If alternating, a common approach is to give acetaminophen, then ibuprofen 3 hours later, alternating every 3-4 hours.
Important safety considerations: Alternating increases the risk of dosing errors and accidental overdose. Never give both medications at the same time. Keep a written log of what was given and when. The goal of treating fever is to improve the child's comfort, not to normalize the temperature. Fever itself is a natural immune response and is generally not harmful unless extremely high (> 105°F / 40.6°C).
Essential safety checks for pediatric dosing: (1) Use weight in kilograms — never dose by age alone; (2) Verify the concentration/formulation matches what you're calculating; (3) Check the maximum single dose and maximum daily dose; (4) Screen for allergies and drug interactions; (5) Consider renal and hepatic function for dose adjustments.
Common errors to avoid: confusing mg with mL, using adult formulations for children, exceeding the adult maximum dose when a weight-based calculation suggests it, and not accounting for combination products that may contain the same active ingredient (e.g., acetaminophen in combination cold medicines).