Pediatric Drug Dose Calculator

Calculate appropriate medication dosages for children based on weight and recommended dosage per kilogram. This tool helps ensure safe and accurate pediatric medication administration.

Child's Weight Enter the child's weight in kilograms (kg)

Weight Unit

Dosage per kg Enter the recommended dosage in mg per kg

Medication Concentration Enter the medication concentration in mg/ml

Frequency

Maximum Daily Dose (mg) Optional: Enter the maximum recommended daily dose

Quick Examples:

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the child's weight in either kilograms or pounds
Input the recommended dosage per kilogram (mg/kg) as prescribed
Enter the medication concentration (mg/ml) from the bottle or packaging
Select how often the medication should be administered
Optionally enter the maximum daily dose if known
Click Calculate to see the recommended dose and volume to administer

Formula Used

Dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × Dosage (mg/kg)

Volume (ml) = Dose (mg) ÷ Concentration (mg/ml)

Daily Total (mg) = Dose (mg) × Frequency

Where:

Weight = Child's weight in kilograms
Dosage = Recommended medication dosage per kilogram
Concentration = Medication concentration in mg/ml
Frequency = Number of doses per day

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

A pediatrician prescribes amoxicillin for a 2-year-old child weighing 26.5 lbs. The recommended dosage is 20 mg/kg to be given twice daily. The medication comes in a 250 mg/5 ml concentration.

Given:

Weight = 26.5 lbs (12 kg)
Dosage = 20 mg/kg
Concentration = 250 mg/5 ml (50 mg/ml)
Frequency = Twice daily

Calculation:

Dose = 12 kg × 20 mg/kg = 240 mg

Volume = 240 mg ÷ 50 mg/ml = 4.8 ml

Daily Total = 240 mg × 2 = 480 mg

Result: Administer 4.8 ml of amoxicillin twice daily (total of 480 mg per day)

Why This Calculation Matters

Practical Applications

Ensures accurate dosing for children of different weights
Helps prevent medication errors and overdosing
Provides clear volume measurements for parents and caregivers

Key Benefits

Reduces calculation errors in pediatric medication
Provides quick reference for healthcare providers
Helps parents administer medication safely at home

Common Mistakes & Tips

Never use adult medication doses for children. Pediatric dosing is based on weight and metabolism, which differs significantly from adults. Always use weight-based calculations or pediatric-specific formulations.

Pay close attention to medication concentration units. A 250 mg/5 ml suspension is different from 250 mg/ml. Always double-check the concentration on the medication label before calculating the dose.

Children grow rapidly, and their medication needs change accordingly. Always use the most recent weight measurement when calculating doses, especially for chronic medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

For infants and toddlers, weigh them monthly or whenever there's a noticeable change in size. For school-age children, weighing every 2-3 months is usually sufficient. Always weigh before starting a new medication or if the child has experienced significant weight change.

If you don't have access to an accurate scale, visit your pediatrician's office or a pharmacy with a pediatric scale. For emergency situations, you can estimate weight using age-based formulas, but these are less accurate and should only be used when necessary.

No, kitchen spoons are not accurate for medication dosing. Always use the measuring device provided with the medication or a proper medication syringe or dosing cup marked in milliliters (ml). Household spoons can vary significantly in volume and may lead to under- or overdosing.

References & Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before administering medication to children. The creators of this calculator are not responsible for any errors in dosage calculation or adverse effects from medication use.

References

CDC - Medication Safety for Parents - Guidelines for safe medication administration to children
WHO - Pediatric Drug Dosage Guidelines - International standards for pediatric medication dosing
American Academy of Pediatrics - Pediatric Drug Information - Comprehensive resource on pediatric medications

Accuracy Notice

This calculator provides estimates based on the information entered. Individual medication needs may vary based on factors such as age, medical conditions, and other medications being taken. Always verify dosages with a healthcare professional and follow the specific instructions provided with the medication.

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 pediatrics-health-calculator pediatric drug dose medical body weight

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