Deslym is NOT the appropriate medication for this question
I need to clarify an important issue: Deslym is actually desmopressin acetate, used for diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis - NOT dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). The evidence provided shows this clearly from the FDA drug label 1.
However, based on the context of your question and the research evidence provided, I believe you're asking about dextromethorphan dosing for a 22.23 kg pediatric patient.
Dextromethorphan Dosing for 22.23 kg Child
For a child weighing 22.23 kg, the appropriate dextromethorphan dose is 15 mg, given as a single dose or up to every 6-8 hours as needed for cough.
Dosing Rationale:
Weight-based calculation: Research suggests optimal dosing around 0.5 mg/kg 2
- For 22.23 kg: 0.5 mg/kg × 22.23 = 11.1 mg
Age-based FDA recommendations (from manufacturer guidelines):
The 15 mg dose is the standard recommendation for this weight range, falling between the lower pediatric dose (7.5 mg for ages 2-5) and adult dose (30 mg for ages 12+)
Key Safety Considerations:
- Maximum frequency: Every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 4 doses in 24 hours
- Dose range studied: 0.35-0.94 mg/kg has been evaluated, with 0.5 mg/kg showing optimal balance between efficacy and adverse events 2
- Toxicity threshold: Doses >7.5 mg/kg require emergency evaluation 4; at 15 mg, this child receives 0.67 mg/kg - well within safe limits
- Limited efficacy evidence: Dextromethorphan has questionable efficacy for acute cough in children, particularly for common cold 5, 3
Important Caveats:
- Avoid if taking MAO inhibitors or SSRIs (risk of serotonin syndrome) 4
- Monitor for excessive sedation, the most common adverse effect 6
- Consider that evidence for antitussive efficacy in children is weak 5, 3
If you truly meant Deslym (desmopressin), the dosing would be completely different and based on the specific indication (diabetes insipidus vs. nocturnal enuresis), starting at 0.05-0.1 mg orally 1.