Salbutamol Syrup Dosing for a 2.5-Year-Old Child (12 kg)
For this 12 kg child, administer salbutamol syrup 1.2 mL (2 mg) three times daily, which provides the standard pediatric dose of 0.1-0.2 mg/kg per dose.
Weight-Based Dosing Calculation
- Standard pediatric dosing: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg per dose, given 3-4 times daily 1
- For this 12 kg child:
- Minimum dose: 1.2 mg per dose (0.1 mg/kg × 12 kg)
- Maximum dose: 2.4 mg per dose (0.2 mg/kg × 12 kg)
- Practical starting dose: 2 mg (1.2 mL) three times daily 1
Syrup Formulation Details
- Standard concentration: Salbutamol syrup is typically available as 2 mg/5 mL 1
- Volume calculation for 2 mg dose: 5 mL of syrup contains 2 mg, so administer 5 mL three times daily as the standard dose 1
- Alternative calculation: If using 0.15 mg/kg (middle range), this equals 1.8 mg per dose, which is approximately 4.5 mL three times daily 1
Dosing Frequency and Timing
- Standard frequency: Three to four times daily, spaced evenly throughout the day 1
- Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed 0.6 mg/kg/day (7.2 mg total for this 12 kg child) 1
- Administration: Can be given with or without food, though meals may improve gastrointestinal tolerability 1
Critical Safety Considerations
- Start conservatively: Begin with 2 mg (5 mL) three times daily and assess response before increasing 1
- Monitor for side effects: Watch for tachycardia, tremor, and palpitations, which are dose-related 2
- Avoid excessive dosing: Doses above 0.2 mg/kg increase systemic absorption and side effects without proportional bronchodilator benefit 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Concentration confusion: Always verify the syrup concentration (typically 2 mg/5 mL) before calculating volume 1
- Overdosing: The 3 mg dose used in nebulizers is NOT equivalent to oral dosing—oral bioavailability is much higher 2
- Ignoring weight: Never use age-based dosing alone; always calculate based on actual weight 1