What is the maximum dose in milliliters (mL) of paracetamol (acetaminophen) syrup for a 15kg infant if 240mg is contained in 5mL?

Maximum Dose of Paracetamol Syrup for a 15kg Infant

For a 15kg infant, the maximum dose of paracetamol syrup containing 240mg in 5ml would be 7.5ml per dose, not to exceed 5 doses in 24 hours.

Dosage Calculation

The appropriate dosage calculation for paracetamol (acetaminophen) in children is based on weight and follows these principles:

• The recommended single dose of paracetamol for children is 10-15mg/kg 1
• For a 15kg child, this equals:
  • 15kg × 15mg/kg = 225mg per dose (using the upper recommended dose) 1, 2
• Since the syrup contains 240mg in 5ml:
  • 225mg ÷ (240mg/5ml) = 4.7ml
  • Rounded to a practical dose: 5ml per dose 3

Age-Based Dosing Considerations

• According to the FDA drug label, children 2-4 years (which typically includes 15kg infants) should receive 5ml (160mg) every 4 hours, not to exceed 5 doses in 24 hours 3
• However, the syrup concentration in the question (240mg/5ml) is higher than the standard pediatric formulation (160mg/5ml) referenced in the FDA label 3
• For the 240mg/5ml concentration:
  • For a 15kg child: 15mg/kg × 15kg = 225mg
  • 225mg ÷ (240mg/5ml) = 4.7ml (rounded to 5ml)

Maximum Daily Dose Considerations

• The maximum daily dose should not exceed 60-90mg/kg/day 4, 2
• For a 15kg child, this equals:
  • 60mg/kg/day × 15kg = 900mg/day (minimum safe ceiling)
  • 90mg/kg/day × 15kg = 1350mg/day (maximum safe ceiling) 4
• Using the 240mg/5ml concentration:
  • 900mg ÷ (240mg/5ml) = 18.75ml per day (minimum)
  • 1350mg ÷ (240mg/5ml) = 28.1ml per day (maximum)

Dosing Schedule

• Paracetamol should be administered every 4-6 hours 3, 2
• Maximum of 5 doses in a 24-hour period for children 3
• Therefore, for the 240mg/5ml concentration:
  • Each dose: 5ml (containing 240mg)
  • Maximum daily volume: 5 doses × 5ml = 25ml per day
  • This provides 1200mg total daily dose, which is within the safe range for a 15kg child 4, 2

Safety Considerations

• Exceeding recommended doses can lead to hepatic and renal damage 4
• Studies show that 17% of prescriptions exceed 95mg/kg/day, highlighting the importance of careful dosing 4
• Parents should carefully record all dose times to avoid accidentally exceeding the maximum recommended dose 5