ADHD Dose Calculator

The ADHD Dose Calculator estimates appropriate medication dosages in milligrams based on patient weight, age, and specific drug selection. This tool helps healthcare providers quickly determine starting doses and titration schedules to optimize therapeutic levels. Whether you are initiating a new prescription, adjusting current treatment, or managing side effects, this calculator supports safe clinical decision-making.

Enter patient's weight in kilograms
Enter patient's age in years
Leave blank if this is a new prescription

How Medication Dosage Is Calculated

Medication dosage represents the precise amount of a drug required to manage ADHD symptoms effectively while minimizing risks. The calculation relies on a standard weight-based formula to determine the initial therapeutic amount.

Starting Dose = Weight (kg) × Dose Factor (mg/kg/day)

Where:

  • Weight = Patient's body weight in kilograms
  • Dose Factor = Medication-specific constant varying by drug type and age
  • Adjustments = Multipliers for formulation and symptom severity

First, the tool calculates a base dose using the patient's weight to ensure the amount is proportional to body size. Next, it refines this number by applying specific factors for the chosen medication and its formulation, such as extended release. Finally, adjustments are made for symptom severity and age-specific maximum limits to ensure safety and efficacy.

What Your Medication Dosage Means

This result indicates the recommended daily amount of medication needed to effectively control symptoms based on current clinical guidelines. It serves as a foundational starting point that should be tailored to individual responses over time.

New Patient Initiation
For new prescriptions, start with the calculated low dose to assess tolerance. For example, a child might begin at 5-10 mg of a stimulant, increasing gradually to minimize side effects.

Titration for Optimization
If symptoms persist but the dose is well-tolerated, increase the dosage by the suggested titration step every week. Adults often require higher total daily doses than children to reach the optimal therapeutic window.

Managing Side Effects
If adverse effects occur, the calculated target dose may need to be lowered rather than increased. Always prioritize tolerability to ensure long-term adherence to the treatment plan.

Important: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before prescribing or changing ADHD medications.

Monitor the patient closely during the first few weeks of treatment and adjust the plan based on their specific response and feedback.