What is the appropriate dose of Paracetamol (PCM) syrup for a 1 year 11 month old child weighing 9.780 kg?

Paracetamol Syrup Dosing for a 1 Year 11 Month Old Child Weighing 9.780 kg

For this child, administer 100-150 mg of paracetamol per dose (approximately 4-6 mL of 120 mg/5 mL syrup or 3-4.5 mL of 160 mg/5 mL syrup) every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours. 1

Weight-Based Calculation

• The recommended dose is 10-15 mg/kg per dose every 4-6 hours 1
• For a child weighing 9.780 kg: 9.780 kg × 10-15 mg/kg = 98-147 mg per dose 1
• Round to 100-150 mg per dose for practical measurement 1

Syrup Formulation and Volume

For 120 mg/5 mL concentration (24 mg/mL):

• Give 4-6 mL per dose (96-144 mg) 1
• Practical dose: 5 mL (120 mg) is easiest to measure 1

For 160 mg/5 mL concentration (32 mg/mL):

• Give 3-4.5 mL per dose (96-144 mg) 1
• Practical dose: 3.75 mL (120 mg) 1

Critical Safety Parameters

• Minimum dosing interval: 4 hours between doses 1
• Maximum frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed 1, 2
• Maximum doses per day: 4-5 doses in 24 hours 1
• Maximum daily dose: 75 mg/kg/day (approximately 735 mg/day for this child) 1
• Maximum single dose: 15 mg/kg (147 mg for this child) 1

Practical Prescription Example

Paracetamol syrup 120 mg/5 mL:

• Dose: 5 mL (120 mg) orally every 4-6 hours as needed for fever or pain 1
• Maximum: 5 doses in 24 hours 1
• Instructions: Measure carefully with provided syringe or measuring cup; maintain minimum 4-hour interval between doses 1

Important Caveats

• The FDA label recommends consulting a doctor for children under 2 years, though weight-based dosing guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics provide clear parameters for this age group 2, 1
• Never exceed the maximum daily dose of 75 mg/kg/day, as hepatotoxicity can occur with overdosage 3, 4
• Use the measuring device provided with the medication to ensure accurate dosing 1
• Paracetamol is well-tolerated in children and is the first-line analgesic/antipyretic in this age group 4, 5