🌡️ How to Calculate the Correct Paracetamol Dose for Your Child

A comprehensive practical guide to calculating a safe paracetamol dose for children by weight, with common concentration tables and mistakes to avoid.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the most widely used fever reducer and pain reliever for children worldwide. Despite its high safety margin, dosing errors — whether under- or over-dosing — are among the most common causes of pediatric medication-related emergency visits. This guide explains how to calculate the correct dose accurately.

The Golden Rule: Dose by Weight, Not Age

The most common mistake is dosing based on the child's age. The medically correct approach is to calculate based on the child's weight in kilograms.

> Standard dose: 15 mg per kilogram of body weight, every 4 to 6 hours.

Example: A child weighing 20 kg → dose = 15 × 20 = 300 mg per administration.

Safe Daily Maximum

The total amount a child takes over 24 hours must not exceed:

• Maximum single dose: should not exceed 1000 mg
• Maximum daily dose: 75 mg/kg or 4000 mg (whichever is lower)
• Number of doses: no more than 4 to 5 doses per day

Common Concentration Table

Syrup concentration varies between products, which is a major source of errors. Always check the concentration printed on the package:

| Preparation | Concentration | Convert to mL |

|---|---|---|

| Children's syrup | 120 mg / 5 mL | dose (mg) ÷ 120 × 5 |

| Concentrated syrup | 160 mg / 5 mL | dose (mg) ÷ 160 × 5 |

| Infant drops | 100 mg / mL | dose (mg) ÷ 100 |

| Suppositories | 125 or 250 mg | based on child weight |

Practical Calculation Steps

1. Weigh the child accurately (do not rely on guessing)

2. Multiply weight × 15 to get the dose in mg

3. Check the concentration of the package you have

4. Convert mg to mL using the table above

5. Confirm you have not exceeded the daily maximum

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing two different concentrations: using a 120 mg calculation with a 160 mg product gives the wrong dose.
• Repeating the dose before 4 hours when fever persists.
• Combining multiple products containing paracetamol (some cold medicines contain it too).
• Giving an adult dose to a large child without weight-based calculation.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

• If the child is under 3 months old with a fever.
• If fever persists for more than 3 days despite medication.
• If an overdose is suspected (call poison control immediately).

Disclaimer: This content is for general education and does not replace consulting a doctor or pharmacist. Use the [Paracetamol Dose Calculator](https://www.medclac.com/#open=master_paracetamol_dosing) on our site for an accurate calculation based on your child's weight.