Recommended Promethazine Dosage for a 17.24 kg Child
For a child weighing 17.24 kg (38 lb), the recommended dose of promethazine for nausea and vomiting is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, which equals approximately 8.6 mg per dose, administered every 4-6 hours as needed.
Dosage Calculation
- According to the FDA drug label for promethazine, the recommended dosage for nausea and vomiting in children is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight 1
- For a child weighing 17.24 kg (38 lb), this calculates to approximately 19 lb × 0.5 mg/lb = 8.6 mg per dose 1
- This dose can be repeated every 4-6 hours as necessary for symptom control 1
Administration Considerations
- Promethazine can be administered orally as a tablet or liquid formulation 1
- For children who cannot tolerate oral medication, rectal suppository administration may be considered as an alternative route 1
- The medication may be administered before meals and at bedtime if needed for ongoing symptoms 1
Important Safety Warnings
- Promethazine is contraindicated in children under 2 years of age due to the risk of respiratory depression 1, 2
- The FDA has issued a black box warning regarding the use of promethazine in pediatric patients due to potential serious adverse effects 1
- Common side effects include sedation, which may be beneficial when treating nausea but requires monitoring 1
Clinical Considerations
- When treating motion sickness, promethazine should be administered 30-60 minutes before anticipated travel and may be repeated 8-12 hours later if necessary 1
- For sedation purposes, the dose remains the same (0.5 mg per pound of body weight) 1
- The medication should be used with caution in children with respiratory conditions due to its potential sedative effects 2
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor for excessive sedation, particularly when initiating therapy 2
- Watch for potential adverse reactions including agitation, hallucinations, or dystonic reactions 2
- Assess the child's respiratory status regularly, especially during initial dosing 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid exceeding the recommended dose, as higher doses increase the risk of adverse effects 1, 2
- Do not administer promethazine for vomiting of unknown etiology in children, as it may mask symptoms of underlying conditions 1
- Be cautious when combining with other sedating medications, as this may increase the risk of respiratory depression 1