Pediatric Dose Calculator

Calculate safe medication doses for children based on weight and prescription

Calculate Pediatric Dose

Child Information

Amount prescribed by healthcare provider

How the dose is prescribed

How often the medication is given

Drug Concentration

ml
Concentration
— mg/ml

Example: Paracetamol syrup "120 mg per 5 ml" → Drug Amount: 120 mg, Per Volume: 5 ml

Dosage Results

ml
Volume per Dose
Give 2 times daily
ml
Total Daily Volume
Per 24 hours

Example Calculation

Paracetamol for Fever 🤒

Child: 4.5 years old, weighs 20 kg

Prescription: 10 mg/kg per day

Frequency: BID (twice daily)

Medicine: Paracetamol syrup 120 mg/5 ml

Step-by-Step Calculation

1. Concentration: 120 mg ÷ 5 ml = 24 mg/ml

2. Total daily dose: 10 mg/kg × 20 kg = 200 mg

3. Volume per dose: 200 mg ÷ (24 mg/ml × 2) = 4.17 ml

Result: Give 4.2 ml twice daily (8.4 ml total per day)

⚠️ CRITICAL PEDIATRIC SAFETY WARNING

PEDIATRIC DOSING REQUIRES EXTREME CAUTION. This calculator is for educational purposes ONLY.

  • NEVER give medication to children without pediatrician approval
  • ALWAYS double-check calculations with healthcare provider
  • Children are NOT small adults - require specialized dosing
  • Age, weight, and organ development affect drug processing
  • Small errors can cause serious harm in children
  • Contact pediatrician or poison control if unsure about ANY dose

Frequency Abbreviations

qD1/day
BID2/day
TID3/day
QID4/day
q4hr6/day
q3hr8/day

Common Concentrations

Paracetamol
120 mg/5 ml
250 mg/5 ml
Ibuprofen
100 mg/5 ml
50 mg/1.25 ml
Amoxicillin
125 mg/5 ml
250 mg/5 ml

Pediatric Safety Tips

⚠️

Always use proper measuring tools (not kitchen spoons)

📏

Weigh child regularly - doses change with growth

📋

Keep medication log with times and amounts

Consult pediatrician before any medication

Understanding Pediatric Dosing

Why Special Pediatric Calculations?

Children are not simply small adults. Their bodies process medications differently due to:

  • Rapidly changing body weight and composition
  • Developing organ systems (liver, kidneys)
  • Different drug absorption and metabolism
  • Increased sensitivity to medication effects

Dosage Types Explained

mg/kg/day

Most common - total daily dose based on weight, divided by frequency

mg/kg/dose

Each individual dose based on weight

mg/day or mg/dose

Fixed amounts not based on weight

Critical Safety Considerations

Remember

  • • Pediatric dosing errors can be life-threatening
  • • Always verify calculations with healthcare providers
  • • Use only pediatric-specific medications when available
  • • Regular weight checks ensure accurate dosing
  • • This tool provides estimates - professional judgment is essential