Paracetamol Dosing for a 10-Year-Old Child with Fever
Give 15 mL (750 mg) of Fevergan suspension as a single dose, which can be repeated every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 4 doses in 24 hours.
Dosing Calculation
- The standard pediatric dose of paracetamol is 10-15 mg/kg per dose, given every 4-6 hours 1, 2, 3
- For this 50 kg child, the appropriate single dose is 15 mg/kg × 50 kg = 750 mg 1, 4
- With your suspension concentration of 250 mg/5 mL, 750 mg = 15 mL 1
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 60 mg/kg/day (3000 mg/day for this child) or 5 doses in 24 hours 1, 2
Dosing Interval and Administration
- Administer every 4-6 hours as needed for fever or discomfort 1, 2
- The oral syrup formulation is absorbed more rapidly and provides more consistent response compared to rectal suppositories 1
- Maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours is recommended to stay well within the safe daily limit 1, 2
Important Safety Considerations
- At 50 kg body weight, this child is heavier than typical for age (average 10-year-old weighs approximately 30-35 kg), but weight-based dosing remains appropriate 5, 3
- Never exceed 60 mg/kg/day (3000 mg/day for this 50 kg child) to prevent hepatotoxicity 1, 2
- If fever persists beyond 48-72 hours or the child appears more unwell, medical re-evaluation is necessary 6
- Keep a written record of all dose times to avoid accidentally exceeding the maximum recommended dose 6
High Fever Context (40°C)
- The fever of 40°C is significant but paracetamol dosing remains the same—do not increase the dose beyond 15 mg/kg 1, 4
- Paracetamol will improve comfort but the primary goal is symptom relief, not necessarily complete fever elimination 1, 6
- If ibuprofen is also available and the child is over 6 months old, it can be alternated with paracetamol for additional fever control, giving paracetamol every 4-6 hours and ibuprofen every 6-8 hours in a staggered pattern 1, 6