Free Tool
Pediatric Safe Dose Calculator
Verify whether an ordered pediatric dose falls within the safe per-kilogram range.
Formula
max safe dose = weight (kg) × max mg/kg per dose | compare with: ordered dose
Convert pounds to kg: divide by 2.2
From a drug reference (per single dose)
What the prescriber wrote (single dose)
Result
Enter values above to calculate.
Worked example
Scenario: Order: Acetaminophen 350 mg PO every 4 hours PRN fever. Child weighs 22 lb. Max safe dose per reference: 15 mg/kg/dose.
- 1Convert weight to kg: 22 lb ÷ 2.2 = 10 kg.
- 2Calculate max safe dose: 10 × 15 = 150 mg.
- 3Compare with ordered dose: 350 mg vs 150 mg max.
Hold and contact prescriber — ordered dose exceeds safe range.
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When to use this calculation
Pediatric medication safety depends on validating every order against the child's weight before administering. The same dose that's appropriate for one child can be toxic to a smaller one. Always check the order against a pediatric drug reference — the recommended range is usually given in mg/kg/dose (single administration) and mg/kg/day (total over 24 hours); both must be checked separately.
This calculator handles the per-dose check. If the ordered dose exceeds the calculated maximum, the order is unsafe even if it 'looks reasonable' — hold the medication and call the prescriber. Do not split or reduce a pediatric dose on your own authority; the prescriber needs to write a new order. Also check for liquid concentration safety: some pediatric drugs have multiple concentrations on the market (e.g. infant vs. children's acetaminophen drops) and confusing them is a common high-harm error.