Paracetamol Dosage Calculator
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Paracetamol dosage for children by weightHow does the paracetamol calculator work?FAQsThis paracetamol dosage calculator can help you determine the safe paracetamol dosage for a child by their weight. It works similarly to our dosage calculator, but the equation already has the recommended pediatric dose of paracetamol.
If your child is sick, you might also be interested in alleviating their pain with ibuprofen. In that case, check out our ibuprofen dosage calculator.
We try our best to make our Omni Calculators as precise and reliable as possible. However, this tool can never replace a professional doctor's assessment. If any health condition bothers you, consult a physician.
Paracetamol dosage for children by weight
The regularly prescribed analgesic and antipyretic oral or rectal dose of paracetamol for children over 3 months is:
10 to 15 mg per 1 kilogram of body weight
It can be administered every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 5 doses in 24 hours. The maximal daily pediatric dose of paracetamol is:
60 mg/kg
According to some sources, rectal administration of drugs is less effective, but it's been proven that the same oral and rectal paracetamol dosages have comparably effective antipyretic properties. That's why the recommended doses of the drug are identical in both liquid form and as a suppository. Read more about it .
If you think your child needs more than the maximal dose, it's possible to use paracetamol and ibuprofen alternately. Please consult your pediatrician before administering more drugs to your child.
How does the paracetamol calculator work?
Let's assume that your child is four years old and weighs 20 kg. First, the paracetamol dosage calculator will estimate these figures:
- The single pediatric dose of paracetamol:
20 kg × 15 mg/kg = 300 mg - The maximum daily dose for your child:
20 kg × 60 mg/kg = 1200 mg
Pills are hard to swallow for children, so paracetamol for pediatric use is usually found in liquid form. You can choose either from Infant solution, Six-plus solution, Tablet or Custom solution.
If you decide on the last option, it's very important to determine the dosage precisely, especially with small children. Check the solution strength in mg/mL on the drug packaging, type it in, and the paracetamol calculator will calculate these values:
- Single-dose solution amount:
300 mg / 10 mg/mL = 30 mL - Maximum daily amount of solution:
1200 mg / 10 mg/mL = 120 mL
Make sure you measure the liquid form of paracetamol with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup. It's a great help in pediatric medication dosing. It would be unwise to rely on a tablespoon, as they come in all shapes and sizes.
How do I calculate the paracetamol dosage for a child of 19 kg?
A single paracetamol dose for a child of 19 kg is 285 mg.
To calculate paracetamol dosage:
- You need to know the child's weight. In this case, weight = 19 kg.
- The standard paracetamol dose for children is 15 mg/kg of body weight.
- Multiply the child's weight by 15 mg.
- A single dose = 19 × 15 mg = 285 mg.
How do I calculate paracetamol syrup dosage for a child?
To calculate paracetamol syrup dosage for a child:
- Weigh the child.
- Calculate the dose you need: multiply the child's weight in kg by 15 mg.
- Dose = weight [kg] × 15 mg.
- Read the syrup concentration on the package. Let's assume it's 120 mg/5 ml.
- Calculate the syrup amount with the equation amount of syrup [ml] = (5 × dose) / 120
- If your syrup strength is 250 mg/5 ml, the equation will look like this: amount of syrup [ml] = (5 × dose)/250
What dosage of paracetamol can I take when pregnant?
When pregnant, you can take a standard 500 mg of an adult paracetamol dose. You should limit your paracetamol intake to the situations you need it and use the smallest effective amount for as short as possible.
Omni Calculator is not a doctor. If any health condition bothers you, consult a physician.
What is the maximum dosage of paracetamol?
The maximum dosage of paracetamol depends on the clinical situation. See the table below:
Patient | Timing | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
Adult | One dose | 1g/dose |
Adult | One day | 4 g/day |
Adult | One day (chronic use) | 2.5 g/day |
Child | One dose | 20 mg/kg/dose |
Child | One day | 65 mg/kg/day |