Paracetamol Dosing Guidelines for Infants

Introduction to Paracetamol Dosing

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends administering paracetamol 10-15 mg/kg per dose every 4-6 hours for an 8-month-old infant weighing 11.7 kg, which equals 117-175 mg per dose (maximum 4-5 doses per 24 hours, not exceeding 75 mg/kg/day or approximately 880 mg/day total) 1

Specific Dose Calculation

• For an 8-month-old infant weighing 11.7 kg, the weight-based calculation is 11.7 kg × 10-15 mg/kg = 117-175 mg per dose 1
• The practical dosing for this infant is 120-160 mg per dose for ease of measurement with standard syrup formulations 1
• The frequency of dosing should be every 4-6 hours as needed, with a minimum 4-hour interval between doses 1
• The maximum daily dose should not exceed 75 mg/kg/day (approximately 880 mg/day for this child) 1

Syrup Formulation and Administration

• Paracetamol syrup typically comes as 120 mg/5 mL (24 mg/mL) or 160 mg/5 mL (32 mg/mL) 1
• For the 120 mg/5 mL formulation, the dose is 5-6.5 mL per dose (120-156 mg) 1
• For the 160 mg/5 mL formulation, the dose is 3.75-5 mL per dose (120-160 mg) 1

Critical Safety Parameters

• The maximum single dose is 15 mg/kg (175 mg for this child) 1
• The maximum daily doses is 4-5 doses per 24 hours 1
• The minimum dosing interval is 4 hours between doses 1

Practical Prescribing Example

• The prescription for paracetamol syrup 120 mg/5 mL is to give 5 mL (120 mg) every 4-6 hours as needed for fever or pain 1
• The maximum number of doses is 5 doses in 24 hours 1
• The instructions are to measure the dose carefully with the provided syringe or measuring cup and never exceed the recommended dose 1