Paracetamol Dosing for a 47kg Pediatric Patient
For a 47kg pediatric patient, administer 705 mg (15 mg/kg) of paracetamol every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 2820 mg per day (60 mg/kg/day) or 5 doses in 24 hours. 1
Weight-Based Dosing Calculation
- The standard pediatric dose is 10-15 mg/kg per dose, with administration every 4-6 hours 1
- For a 47kg patient:
Practical Administration Guidelines
- Use the 15 mg/kg dosing for optimal analgesic and antipyretic effect, as this has been demonstrated to provide consistent therapeutic benefit in children 2, 3
- Administer every 4-6 hours as needed 1
- Never exceed 5 doses in a 24-hour period 1, 4
- Oral syrup formulation is absorbed more rapidly and provides more consistent response compared to rectal suppositories 1
Transition to Adult Dosing
- Children weighing more than 40 kg should receive adult dosing 1
- Since this patient is 47kg, adult dosing guidelines apply:
- However, the weight-based calculation of 705 mg (15 mg/kg) remains appropriate and safer for this transitional weight, staying well below adult maximum doses while providing adequate analgesia 1
Critical Safety Considerations
- The maximum daily dose must never exceed 60 mg/kg/day or 5 doses in 24 hours to prevent hepatotoxicity 1
- For this 47kg patient, the absolute maximum daily dose is 2820 mg 1
- Monitor for signs of overdose, particularly with chronic use exceeding 140 mg/kg/day for several days, which carries risk of serious hepatic toxicity 5
- Paracetamol is contraindicated in patients with hepatic insufficiency 3
Route of Administration
- Oral administration is strongly preferred due to rapid and consistent absorption 1, 3
- Rectal administration should be avoided due to erratic absorption patterns 1
- If oral intake is not possible (active vomiting, perioperative restrictions), rectal administration can be considered but expect inconsistent therapeutic response 1