Maximum Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Dosing for a 15kg Infant
The maximum dose of paracetamol for a 15kg infant is 225mg per dose (15mg/kg), with a maximum daily dose of 60mg/kg or 900mg per day, divided into 4-6 doses. 1
Recommended Dosing Schedule
Single dose recommendation: 10-15mg/kg per dose 2
- For a 15kg child: 150-225mg per dose
Maximum daily dose: 60mg/kg/day 1
- For a 15kg child: 900mg total daily maximum
Dosing frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 4-5 doses in 24 hours 1, 3
Administration Considerations
Oral route: Most common and preferred route for children 1
- Available as liquid suspension, tablets, or chewable tablets
- Liquid formulations allow for more precise dosing in young children
Rectal route: Alternative when oral administration is not possible 1
- Note that absorption via rectal route is slower and more irregular
- May need to adjust timing between doses due to slower absorption
Safety Considerations
Avoid exceeding recommended doses: Single ingestions of more than ten times the recommended dose (>150mg/kg) are potentially toxic 3
Risk of chronic overdosing: Exposures greater than 140mg/kg/day for several days carry a risk of serious hepatotoxicity 3
Monitoring: Watch for signs of liver toxicity with prolonged use, especially if maximum doses are being administered 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Underdosing: Many dosing schedules recommend inadequate amounts of paracetamol, leading to insufficient pain relief or fever reduction 2
Calculation errors: Always double-check weight-based calculations to ensure accurate dosing 4
Frequency errors: Administering doses too close together can lead to cumulative toxicity 4
Multiple formulations: Be cautious when using multiple paracetamol-containing products simultaneously (such as combination cold medicines) to avoid inadvertent overdosing 3
Special Situations
Fever with discomfort: When fever is associated with discomfort, paracetamol offers effective relief at the recommended doses 3
Pain management: For mild to moderate pain, paracetamol at the recommended doses is effective either alone or in combination with other analgesics 3
Prolonged use: For extended treatment courses, consider consulting with a healthcare provider to monitor for potential adverse effects 1