Zerodol P Dosage for a 50 kg Child
For a child weighing 50 kg, administer Zerodol P (paracetamol 325 mg + aceclofenac 100 mg) one tablet twice daily, which provides paracetamol 650 mg/day and aceclofenac 200 mg/day.
Paracetamol Component Dosing
The standard paracetamol dose is 10-15 mg/kg per dose every 4-6 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 60 mg/kg/day 1, 2, 3.
For a 50 kg child, this translates to 500-750 mg per dose, with a maximum of 3000 mg/day 1.
Children weighing more than 40 kg should receive adult dosing 1, which is 650 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 4000 mg in 24 hours 2.
The paracetamol component in one Zerodol P tablet (325 mg) given twice daily provides 650 mg/day, which is well within safe limits and appropriate for mild-to-moderate pain 1.
Aceclofenac Component Considerations
The FDA label states that dosage and indication for aceclofenac is not established for children less than 6 years old 4.
For children over 6 years and weighing 50 kg, the typical adult dose of aceclofenac is 100 mg twice daily (200 mg/day total) 4.
One Zerodol P tablet twice daily provides aceclofenac 200 mg/day, which matches standard adult dosing appropriate for this weight 4.
Important Safety Considerations
Never exceed the maximum paracetamol dose of 60 mg/kg/day or 5 doses in 24 hours to prevent hepatotoxicity 1.
In children with chronic malnutrition, fasting >8 hours, or those on cytochrome P450-inducing medications (e.g., isoniazid), reduce paracetamol to 10 mg/kg per dose 1.
For children with pre-existing liver disease, use a reduced paracetamol dose of 10 mg/kg, though paracetamol remains safer than NSAIDs in this population 1.
Oral formulations are preferred over rectal due to more consistent absorption 1, 5.
Practical Dosing Algorithm
Step 1: Confirm the child's weight is ≥50 kg and age is >6 years 4.
Step 2: Assess for contraindications (hepatic insufficiency, known hypersensitivity, active peptic ulcer disease) 1, 5.
Step 3: Screen for risk factors requiring dose reduction (malnutrition, fasting, enzyme-inducing medications, liver disease) 1.
Step 4: If no contraindications or risk factors exist, prescribe one Zerodol P tablet twice daily (morning and evening) 2, 4.
Step 5: Monitor for adverse effects including gastrointestinal upset, hepatotoxicity, and renal impairment 1, 5.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not use aceclofenac in children under 6 years as safety and efficacy are not established 4.
Avoid combining Zerodol P with other paracetamol-containing products to prevent inadvertent overdose and hepatotoxicity 1, 2.
Do not exceed 3000 mg/day of paracetamol in this weight range when using combination products 1, 2.
Ensure adequate hydration when using NSAIDs like aceclofenac to minimize renal risk 5.