| Pseudoephedrine Dosage Table | | Child's weight more than (pounds) | 18 | 27 | 36 | 54 | 72 | 140 | lbs | | Total amount (mg) | 7.5 | 12 | 15 | 22 | 30 | 60 | mg | | Infant Drops 7.5 mg./0.8 ml | 0.8 | 1.2 | 1.6 | -- | -- | -- | ml | | Liquid 15mg/5ml (tsp) | ½ | ¾ | 1 | 1½ | 2 | -- | tsp | | Chewable 15 mg. | -- | -- | 1 | 1½ | 2 | 4 | tablets | | Tablets 30 mg. | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1 | 2 | tablets | | Tablet 60 mg. | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1 | tablet |
Indications: Treatment of nasal congestion (stuffiness). Table Notes: - AGE LIMIT: Don't use under 4 years of age.
- Reason 1: Not approved by FDA because dosage not studied in this age range
- Reason 2: Risk of dosage error causing high blood pressure
- CAUTION: Never give 2 cough or cold medicines at the same time. (Reason: May share an ingredient and cause poisoning). Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age (AAP recommendations 10/2008)
- REFERENCE: Srinivasan A, et. al. Infant deaths associated with cough and cold medications—two states, 2005. MMWR Weekly,January 12, 2007:56(01);1-4. Available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr.
- AVAILABILITY: Pseudoephedrine products are found behind the counter of pharmacies in response to legislation enacted in 2006. Ask a pharmacist for assistance in obtaining these medications.
- PSEUDOEPHEDRINE DOSAGE: determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table.
- ADULT DOSAGE: 60 mg maximum
- FREQUENCY: Repeat every 6 hours as needed
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online
Pediatric HouseCalls Online
|