Guaifenesin Dosing for a 6-Year-Old Child Weighing 31 kg
For a 6-year-old child weighing 31 kg, the recommended dose of guaifenesin is 200-400 mg every 4 hours, not to exceed 2400 mg per day.
Dosing Guidelines
Immediate-Release Formulation
- For children weighing >40 kg or aged >10 years: 200-400 mg every 4 hours, up to 6 times daily (maximum 2400 mg/day) 1
- For children weighing <40 kg (like this 31 kg child): Dosing should be weight-based at approximately 5 mg/kg/dose 2
- For this 31 kg child: 155 mg per dose would be calculated (31 kg × 5 mg/kg), but practically rounded to 200 mg per dose 1
Extended-Release Formulation
- Extended-release guaifenesin offers a convenient 12-hour dosing alternative 3
- For a child of this weight, approximately 400 mg every 12 hours would be appropriate 3
Administration Considerations
- Guaifenesin works by loosening mucus in the airways and making coughs more productive 1
- The medication can be taken with or without food, though food may delay the time to maximum concentration (Tmax) 3
- Multiple daily doses are needed to maintain 24-hour therapeutic effect with immediate-release formulations 1
- Extended-release formulations provide convenience with 12-hourly dosing 3
Safety Considerations
- Guaifenesin has a well-established and favorable safety profile in pediatric populations 1
- Side effects are generally mild at recommended doses 4
- Overdose can potentially cause central nervous system depression, though this is rare at therapeutic doses 4
- No dosage adjustment is needed based on renal function for children at standard doses 1
Clinical Efficacy
- Most effective for relief of wet cough and chest congestion due to common cold or other upper respiratory tract infections 1
- Works through a dual mechanism: systemic absorption and stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract 5
- Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated most widely in chronic respiratory conditions, but it's also effective for acute respiratory infections 1
Remember that guaifenesin is an expectorant only and does not suppress cough. If cough suppression is also needed, a separate medication would be required.