Children's Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) Dosing for a 9-Year-Old, 90 lbs
For a 9-year-old male weighing 90 pounds (approximately 41 kg), the recommended dose of Children's Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is 30 mg every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 120 mg in 24 hours. 1
Dosing Algorithm
Age-Based Dosing (FDA-Approved):
- Children ages 6 to 11 years: 1 tablet (30 mg) every 4 to 6 hours 1
- Maximum: 4 tablets (120 mg) in 24 hours 1
- Do not use in children under 6 years of age 1
Key Clinical Considerations
Timing and Administration:
- Administer every 4 to 6 hours as needed for nasal congestion 1
- The 60 mg adult dose has demonstrated efficacy with objective measures of nasal airway resistance, but this dose is only appropriate for children 12 years and older 2
- Single doses show peak decongestant effect within 3-4 hours 2
Safety Profile:
- Pseudoephedrine is generally safe when used at recommended doses 2
- Expected cardiovascular effects include a heart rate increase of 2-4 beats per minute above baseline 2
- Serious adverse events are rare at therapeutic doses but can occur unpredictably, even in patients without pre-existing conditions 3
Important Warnings and Pitfalls
Common Dosing Errors to Avoid:
- Do not give multiple pseudoephedrine-containing products simultaneously—7.5% of pediatric users inadvertently take more than one product containing pseudoephedrine in the same week 4
- Verify that combination cold products do not contain additional pseudoephedrine to prevent exceeding the maximum daily dose 4
- Avoid extended use beyond what is necessary for symptom relief—25% of pediatric users continue pseudoephedrine for more than one week, which is typically unnecessary 4
Absolute Contraindications:
- Children under 6 years of age should not receive this product 1
- The French Society of Otorhinolaryngology recommends against use in patients under age 15 due to unpredictable cardiovascular and neurological adverse events 3
When to Reconsider Use: