General Pediatric Dosage Calculator
Calculate accurate medication dosages for children based on weight, dosage guidelines, and medication concentration.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the child's weight in either kilograms or pounds
- Input the prescribed dosage in mg/kg
- Select the frequency of administration
- Enter the medication concentration in mg/mL
- Optionally, enter the maximum recommended daily dose
Formula Used
Dose per administration = Weight (kg) × Dosage (mg/kg)
Volume per administration = Dose per administration ÷ Concentration (mg/mL)
Total daily dose = Dose per administration × Number of doses per day
Where:
- Weight = Child's weight in kilograms
- Dosage = Prescribed dosage in mg/kg
- Concentration = Medication concentration in mg/mL
- Number of doses = Frequency of administration per day
Example Calculation
Real-World Scenario:
A pediatrician prescribes amoxicillin for a 2-year-old child weighing 25 lbs with an ear infection. The prescription is for 40 mg/kg/day divided into two doses. The amoxicillin suspension available is 250 mg/5 mL.
Given:
- Weight = 25 lbs (11.36 kg)
- Dosage = 40 mg/kg/day
- Frequency = Twice daily
- Concentration = 250 mg/5 mL (50 mg/mL)
Calculation:
Total daily dose = 11.36 kg × 40 mg/kg = 454.4 mg
Dose per administration = 454.4 mg ÷ 2 = 227.2 mg
Result: 4.5 mL of amoxicillin suspension twice daily
Why This Calculation Matters
Practical Applications
- Ensures accurate medication dosing for children
- Prevents underdosing which may lead to treatment failure
- Avoids overdosing which can cause toxicity and side effects
Key Benefits
- Reduces medication errors in pediatric patients
- Provides quick reference for healthcare providers
- Helps parents administer medications correctly at home
Common Mistakes & Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before administering medication to children. The creators of this calculator are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the calculations.
References
- CDC Growth Charts - For reference on pediatric weight ranges
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children - Standard pediatric dosage guidelines
- NeoFax - Comprehensive pediatric drug reference
Accuracy Notice
While this calculator provides accurate mathematical calculations based on the inputs provided, it does not account for individual patient factors such as organ function, comorbidities, or drug interactions. Always verify calculations with appropriate references and clinical judgment.
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.