Paracetamol Dosing for 7kg Pediatric Patient
For a 7kg pediatric patient, administer paracetamol 15 mg/kg per dose (105 mg), given every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours (total daily dose not exceeding 60 mg/kg/day or 420 mg/day). 1, 2
Specific Dosing Calculation
- Single dose: 15 mg/kg × 7 kg = 105 mg per dose 2
- Frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed 1, 2
- Maximum daily dose: 60 mg/kg/day = 420 mg/day (divided into 4 doses) 1, 3
- Do not exceed: 4 doses in any 24-hour period 1, 4
Dosing Rationale
The 15 mg/kg per dose recommendation is based on optimal pharmacokinetic data showing this achieves therapeutic concentrations while maintaining safety margins. 2 Lower doses of 10 mg/kg, while commonly used in some regions like the UK, may provide inadequate analgesia and antipyresis. 1, 5 The 15 mg/kg dosing has been validated across multiple studies as providing equivalent efficacy to other antipyretics with excellent safety. 1, 2
Critical Safety Considerations
- Cumulative toxicity threshold: Never exceed 90-95 mg/kg/day, as doses above this level carry risk of hepatic and renal damage. 3
- Dosing errors are common: Studies show 17% of prescriptions exceed safe limits, though actual administration rates are lower due to nursing oversight. 3 Parents must carefully record all dose times to prevent accidental overdosing. 4
- Age consideration: For this 7kg patient (likely 4-12 months old), the standard 15 mg/kg dosing is appropriate and well-established. 1, 2
Practical Administration
- Syrup concentration: Verify the concentration of your paracetamol syrup formulation (commonly 120 mg/5 mL or 160 mg/5 mL)
- Volume calculation example: If using 120 mg/5 mL concentration, give approximately 4.4 mL per dose
- Documentation: Advise caregivers to maintain a written log of all doses to prevent exceeding the maximum 4 doses per 24 hours 4