Ondansetron Dosing for a 26-Month-Old Child Weighing 31 Pounds
Recommended Dose
For this 26-month-old patient weighing 31 pounds (14.1 kg), administer ondansetron 0.15 mg/kg per dose, which equals approximately 2.1 mg per dose, with a maximum single dose of 16 mg. 1
Weight-Based Calculation
- The standard pediatric dose is 0.15 mg/kg per dose for children in this age range 1
- For a 31-pound (14.1 kg) child: 14.1 kg × 0.15 mg/kg = 2.1 mg per dose 1
- This dose can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally depending on clinical context 1
Age-Specific Safety Considerations
- Ondansetron has been studied and used safely in children as young as 6 months of age, making it appropriate for this 26-month-old patient 1
- Standard weight-based dosing of 0.15 mg/kg (maximum 16 mg) applies for children 2-12 years 1
Clinical Context-Specific Dosing
For Acute Gastroenteritis with Vomiting
- 0.2 mg/kg orally (approximately 2.8 mg for this patient) can be given at 8-hour intervals if treating gastroenteritis-related vomiting 2
- This higher dose of 0.2 mg/kg has demonstrated significant reduction in vomiting episodes compared to placebo 2
For Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea
- Use the standard 0.15 mg/kg dose (2.1 mg for this patient) 1
- Combination with dexamethasone significantly improves antiemetic efficacy in chemotherapy settings 1
Formulation and Administration
- Oral suspension is available at 6 mg/mL concentration, so for a 2.1 mg dose, administer approximately 0.35 mL 1
- Can be administered without regard to meals, though food may improve GI tolerability 1
Critical Safety Warnings
- Special caution is warranted in children with heart disease due to potential QT interval prolongation 1
- The maximum single dose is 16 mg regardless of weight 1
- Severe toxicity including seizures has been reported in infants following overdose, emphasizing the importance of accurate weight-based dosing 3