Paracetamol Dosing for a 30kg Child
For a 30kg child, administer 15ml of paracetamol 250mg/5ml syrup (750mg dose) every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 60ml (3000mg) in 24 hours.
Dose Calculation
The standard pediatric dosing for paracetamol is 15 mg/kg per dose, administered every 4-6 hours 1, 2, 3.
For this 30kg child:
- Target dose: 15 mg/kg × 30 kg = 450mg per dose
- However, practical dosing often uses 10-15 mg/kg, and for a 30kg child, 15 mg/kg (450mg) is appropriate 2
- Using the 250mg/5ml concentration: 450mg ÷ 250mg × 5ml = 9ml per dose
Alternative higher-range dosing:
- Some guidelines support up to 15-20 mg/kg for adequate analgesia 4
- At 20 mg/kg: 20 × 30 = 600mg = 12ml per dose
- At 25 mg/kg (loading dose): 25 × 30 = 750mg = 15ml per dose 4
Dosing Frequency and Maximum Daily Dose
- Frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed 1, 2
- Maximum daily dose: 60-90 mg/kg/day, with most guidelines recommending 60 mg/kg/day as the safe upper limit 1, 3, 5
- For 30kg child: 60 mg/kg × 30 = 1800mg/day maximum (36ml of syrup)
- At higher dosing (15 mg/kg per dose × 4 doses): 2400mg/day (48ml of syrup) is acceptable 1
Practical Recommendation
Standard dosing approach:
- Give 10ml (500mg) every 4-6 hours for routine fever/pain control 2
- Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours = 40ml total daily 1
For more severe pain or fever:
- Give 12-15ml (600-750mg) every 4-6 hours 4
- Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours = 48-60ml total daily
Critical Safety Considerations
- Avoid exceeding 90 mg/kg/day (2700mg for 30kg child = 54ml), as this increases risk of hepatotoxicity 5
- Cumulative toxicity can occur with chronic dosing above 140 mg/kg/day for several days 1
- Single toxic doses are typically >150 mg/kg (4500mg for 30kg child = 90ml) 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Underdosing: Many dosing schedules recommend inadequate amounts; 10 mg/kg may be insufficient for adequate analgesia 2, 4
- Confusion with concentration: Always verify the concentration (250mg/5ml in this case) before calculating volume 6
- Frequency errors: Maintain at least 4-hour intervals between doses 1, 2