Accurate children's medication dosing based on weight, age, and medication selection. Calculate safe single doses, daily totals, and liquid volumes.
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kg
years
mg/kg
mg/mL
Acetaminophen: 160 mg/5 mL (32 mg/mL) typical
mg
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Dose: 10-15 mg/kg per dose Frequency: Every 4-6 hours Max Daily: 75 mg/kg/day (max 4000 mg) Notes: Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours
Single Dose
0 mg
Per administration
Daily Dose
0 mg
Total per 24 hours
Volume to Administer
0 mL
Liquid form
Max Daily Dose
0 mg
Safety limit per day
Frequency
q4-6h
Every N hours
Dose per kg
0 mg/kg
Weight-adjusted dose
📝 Step-by-Step Calculation
Real-World Pediatric Dosing Examples
🧒 Acetaminophen for a 2-Year-Old (12 kg)
A 2-year-old child weighing 12 kg needs acetaminophen for fever.
Single Dose: 12 kg × 12.5 mg/kg = 150 mg
Volume: 150 mg ÷ 32 mg/mL = 4.7 mL
Frequency: Every 4-6 hours (max 5 doses/day)
Daily Max: 12 kg × 75 mg/kg = 900 mg/day
4.7 mL of infant acetaminophen suspension every 4-6 hours as needed.
👦 Ibuprofen for a 6-Year-Old (22 kg)
A 6-year-old child weighing 22 kg needs ibuprofen for pain.
Single Dose: 22 kg × 7.5 mg/kg = 165 mg
Volume: 165 mg ÷ 20 mg/mL = 8.25 mL
Frequency: Every 6-8 hours (max 4 doses/day)
Daily Max: 22 kg × 40 mg/kg = 880 mg/day
8.25 mL every 6-8 hours, not exceeding 4 doses per 24 hours.
👶 High-Dose Amoxicillin for a 3-Year-Old (15 kg)
A 3-year-old weighing 15 kg needs high-dose amoxicillin for otitis media.
Daily Dose: 15 kg × 90 mg/kg/day = 1350 mg/day
Per Dose: 1350 mg ÷ 2 = 675 mg every 12 hours
Volume: 675 mg ÷ 80 mg/mL = 8.4 mL
8.4 mL of amoxicillin 400 mg/5 mL suspension twice daily for 10 days.
👧 Custom Dosing: Prednisolone for an 8-Year-Old (30 kg)
An 8-year-old weighing 30 kg needs prednisolone 1.5 mg/kg/day.
Daily Dose: 30 kg × 1.5 mg/kg/day = 45 mg/day
Tablet Form: 45 mg ≈ 3 tablets of 15 mg each
Use Custom Dose mode to enter 1.5 mg/kg with q24h frequency.
Pediatric Dosing Principles & Formulas
Pediatric medication dosing is primarily weight-based, calculated as milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg). This approach ensures that each child receives a safe and effective dose based on their individual size and metabolic capacity.
Standard Pediatric Dosing Formulas
Single Dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × Dose per kg (mg/kg)
The base formula for all weight-based pediatric dosing.
Daily Dose (mg) = Single Dose × (24 ÷ Interval in hours)
Total daily dose depends on dosing frequency. q6h = 4 doses/day, q8h = 3 doses/day.
Pediatric dose calculation determines the appropriate medication amount for a child based on weight, age, and the specific drug. Unlike adult dosing, pediatric dosing must be individually calculated because children vary greatly in size and metabolism. The most reliable method is weight-based dosing (mg/kg), which ensures therapeutic levels without exceeding safe limits. Our calculator automates this process to reduce errors and help caregivers administer medications safely.
Why Weight-Based Dosing Matters
Children are not small adults — their organs, metabolic pathways, and body composition differ significantly from adults. A safe adult dose could be toxic for a child. Weight-based dosing accounts for these differences and is the standard of care in pediatric medicine worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is pediatric dose calculated?
Pediatric doses use the child's weight in kg × the recommended mg/kg dose. For example, acetaminophen 12.5 mg/kg for a 10 kg child = 125 mg per dose. Daily dose = single dose × doses per day.
Can I use this calculator for any medication?
This calculator includes 10 pre-loaded medications. For others, use Custom Dose mode to enter any mg/kg dose and frequency. Always verify the dose from a reliable source before administering.
What if my child's weight is in pounds?
Use the kg/lbs toggle — click "lbs" to enter weight in pounds. The calculator auto-converts to kg (÷ 2.2046) before calculating. Always use the child's current weight.
How do I measure liquid medication accurately?
Use an oral dosing syringe or the device that came with the medication. Kitchen teaspoons are inaccurate. Our calculator converts mg to mL based on concentration. Double-check you're using the correct concentration for your specific bottle.
What is the maximum daily dose for acetaminophen in children?
75 mg/kg/day (max 4,000 mg in 24 hours). Max 15 mg/kg per dose, not more than every 4 hours (5 doses/day). Account for all sources of acetaminophen including combination cold medicines.
Is this calculator a substitute for medical advice?
No. This tool is for educational purposes only — it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a pediatrician or pharmacist before giving any medication to a child.
⚠️ Important Medical Disclaimer: This Pediatric Dose Calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before administering any medication to a child. Verify all calculated doses with a pharmacist or prescriber. The creators of this tool assume no liability for errors, omissions, or damages arising from its use. Do not change a child's medication or dose based solely on the results from this calculator.