What is the appropriate dose of Meftal P syrup (mefenamic acid) for a child weighing 26.8 kg who is at least 6 months old?

Meftal P Syrup Dosage for a 26.8 kg Child

For a child weighing 26.8 kg who is at least 6 months old, administer Meftal P syrup (mefenamic acid) at a dose of 6-7 mg/kg per dose, which equals approximately 160-188 mg per dose, given every 8 hours as needed for fever or pain.

Weight-Based Dosing Calculation

• The standard pediatric dose of mefenamic acid is 4-6 mg/kg per dose for antipyretic and analgesic effects 1, 2
• For a 26.8 kg child, this translates to 107-161 mg per dose using the 4-6 mg/kg range 1
• However, studies demonstrate optimal antipyretic efficacy at 6 mg/kg per dose, which equals 161 mg per dose for this child 1
• The maximum single dose should not exceed 500 mg 3

Practical Administration with Meftal P Syrup

• Meftal P syrup typically contains 50 mg/5 mL concentration of mefenamic acid
• For a 161 mg dose (6 mg/kg), administer approximately 16 mL of syrup 1
• Alternatively, using a conservative 4 mg/kg approach yields 107 mg, requiring approximately 10.7 mL of syrup 2
• The dose can be repeated every 8 hours as needed, not exceeding 3 doses in 24 hours 3

Clinical Efficacy Considerations

• Mefenamic acid at 6 mg/kg demonstrates 2.5 times greater antipyretic effect compared to standard-dose paracetamol (15 mg/kg) 4
• Time to fever reduction averages 84.90±30.42 minutes with mefenamic acid 6 mg/kg 1
• Duration of antipyretic action extends to 8.82±3.83 hours before next fever spike 1
• The medication provides effective analgesia for pain conditions including vaccination-related needle pain 2

Safety Profile and Monitoring

• Mefenamic acid is safe for children ≥6 months of age at the recommended dosing 2
• Adverse effects are negligible at therapeutic doses, with excellent safety profile in pediatric populations 1
• The drug has a reported half-life of 2 hours, supporting the every 8-hour dosing interval 5
• Monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms, though these are rare at recommended pediatric doses 1

Critical Prescribing Caveats

• Do not use in children under 6 months of age due to insufficient safety data 2
• Reserve mefenamic acid for fever unresponsive to paracetamol or when anti-inflammatory effects are specifically needed 1
• Avoid concurrent use with other NSAIDs to prevent additive toxicity 1
• Ensure adequate hydration, as NSAIDs can affect renal function in dehydrated states 1
• Consider paracetamol as first-line antipyretic, using mefenamic acid when paracetamol proves inadequate 1