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ADHD Dose Calculator

Calculate appropriate ADHD medication dosages based on patient characteristics and medication type. This tool helps healthcare providers determine starting doses and titration schedules.

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

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the patient's weight and age
  2. Select the medication type and specific medication
  3. Choose the appropriate formulation
  4. Indicate symptom severity
  5. If applicable, enter current dose and previous response
  6. Click Calculate to see recommended dosing

Dosing Guidelines Used

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

Where:

  • Weight = Patient's weight in kilograms
  • Dose Factor = Medication-specific factor based on age and formulation
  • Maximum Dose = Weight-based or fixed maximum, whichever is lower
  • Titration = Gradual dose increase based on response and tolerability

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

A 10-year-old child weighing 35 kg with moderate ADHD symptoms is starting methylphenidate extended release.

Given:

  • Weight = 35 kg
  • Age = 10 years
  • Medication = Methylphenidate ER
  • Symptom Severity = Moderate

Calculation:

Starting dose: 35 kg × 0.3 mg/kg/day = 10.5 mg/day

Round to nearest available formulation: 10 mg once daily

Titration schedule: Increase by 10 mg every week if needed and tolerated

Result: Starting dose of 10 mg once daily, with weekly titration up to 54 mg/day maximum

Why This Calculation Matters

Clinical Applications

  • Optimizing therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects
  • Personalizing treatment based on patient characteristics
  • Following evidence-based dosing guidelines
  • Improving medication adherence and outcomes

Key Benefits

  • Reduces trial-and-error in medication management
  • Provides structured titration guidelines
  • Helps identify subtherapeutic or excessive dosing
  • Supports shared decision-making with patients

Common Mistakes & Tips

Many clinicians use fixed dosing rather than weight-based dosing for ADHD medications. For children and adolescents, weight-based dosing is particularly important to ensure appropriate therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects. Always consider the patient's weight when calculating starting doses and maximum doses.

Rushing titration or not titrating at all are common mistakes. ADHD medications typically require gradual dose increases to find the optimal therapeutic dose. Follow recommended titration schedules, allowing adequate time between dose adjustments to assess effectiveness and side effects.

Immediate release and extended release formulations have different dosing requirements and duration of action. Don't assume equivalent dosing between formulations. Extended release forms typically require higher total daily doses but offer more consistent symptom control with fewer dosing intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Titration speed depends on the medication and patient response. Generally, stimulant medications can be titrated every 3-7 days, while non-stimulants typically require 2-4 weeks between dose adjustments. Always assess for both therapeutic effects and side effects before increasing the dose.

Maximum doses vary by medication, age, and sometimes weight. For children, maximum doses are often weight-based (e.g., 1-2 mg/kg/day for methylphenidate). For adults, fixed maximum doses are typically used (e.g., 60 mg/day for amphetamine salts). Always consult prescribing information and clinical guidelines.

Yes, different ADHD presentations may require different dosing strategies. Patients with predominantly inattentive symptoms may respond well to lower doses, while those with hyperactive-impulsive symptoms might require higher doses. Patients with combined presentation often need more comprehensive treatment approaches, possibly including behavioral interventions alongside medication.

References & Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The dosing recommendations provided are based on general guidelines and should be adjusted based on individual patient factors, clinical judgment, and response to treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about medication dosing.

References

Accuracy Notice

This calculator provides general dosing recommendations based on current clinical guidelines. Individual patient factors such as comorbid conditions, medication interactions, metabolism variations, and previous treatment responses may require dose adjustments. The calculator may not account for all special populations or circumstances. Always verify dosing recommendations with current prescribing information and clinical guidelines.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

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health medical-clinical-calculators adhd dose medical body weight