Pediatric Dosage Guide: Medicines for Children Made Simple

Why Is Pediatric Dosing Different?

Children require different medication doses than adults because:

• Their bodies are smaller and lighter
• Their organs (liver, kidneys) are not fully developed
• Their metabolism works differently
• Their ability to process and eliminate drugs is reduced
• They have different body composition (more water, less fat)

Common Pediatric Dosing Methods

1. Weight-Based Dosing

Most commonly used method. Dose is calculated based on the child's body weight:

Formula: Dose = Dose per kg × Child's weight in kg

Example: If a drug is 10mg/kg and a child weighs 20kg:
Dose = 10mg × 20 = 200mg

2. Age-Based Dosing

Based on age ranges, though less precise than weight-based:

• Infants (0-1 year)
• Toddlers (1-3 years)
• Preschool (3-6 years)
• School age (6-12 years)
• Adolescents (12-18 years)

3. Body Surface Area (BSA) Dosing

More complex, used for certain medications like chemotherapy drugs. Calculated using height and weight.

Common Pediatric Medicines and Dosages

Fever (Paracetamol/Acetaminophen)

Dose: 10-15 mg/kg per dose

Frequency: Every 4-6 hours (max 5 doses per day)

Example: 20kg child = 200-300mg per dose

Pain (Ibuprofen)

Dose: 5-10 mg/kg per dose

Frequency: Every 6-8 hours

Maximum: 40 mg/kg/day or 2400mg/day

Cough/Cold (Dextromethorphan)

Age 4-6 years: 2-3mg every 4 hours

Age 6-12 years: 5-10mg every 4 hours

Important: Recommended by WHO to avoid in children under 4 years

Antibiotics (Amoxicillin)

Dose: 20-40 mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses

Example: 15kg child = 300-600mg/day or 100-200mg per dose

Important Pediatric Dosing Safety Rules

• Never round up: Always calculate exact doses
• Double-check calculations: Have another person verify
• Use appropriate measuring devices: Use syringes or dosing cups, not household spoons
• Don't skip doses: Follow the complete course even if child feels better
• Watch for age restrictions: Some medicines are not recommended for certain ages
• Never use adult medications: Even at reduced doses, unless specifically approved
• Keep records: Track when doses are given to avoid duplicates

Age-Specific Medication Forms

Age Group	Preferred Form	Why
Infants (0-6 months)	Liquids/Syrups	Cannot swallow pills
Toddlers (1-3 years)	Liquids/Syrups	Easier to give accurate doses
Preschool (3-6 years)	Chewable tablets/Liquids	Transition phase
School age (6-12 years)	Tablets/Capsules	Can swallow pills
Adolescents (12+ years)	Adult forms	Near adult dosing

Medication Administration Tips for Children

• Never force a child to take medication
• Mix bitter medicines with honey (not for infants under 1 year)
• Use pill crushers if medications can be crushed
• Give rewards after taking medicine
• Be honest about taste ("This tastes bad but helps you feel better")
• Never call medicine "candy"
• Allow child to choose liquid or tablet if both available