Pseudoephedrine Dosage Table
Pseudoephedrine Dosage Table
Pseudoephedrine Dosage Table |
|||||||
Child's weight(pounds) |
18-26 |
27-35 |
36-53 |
54-71 |
72-139 |
140+ |
lbs |
Liquid 15 mg/1 teaspoon (tsp) |
½ |
¾ |
1 |
1½ |
2 |
-- |
tsp |
Liquid 15 mg/ 5 milliliters (ml) |
2.5 |
4 |
5 |
7.5 |
10 |
-- |
ml |
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)
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.
DOSAGE: Determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table.
MEASURING the DOSAGE: Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medication. If not, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Regular spoons are not reliable. Also, remember that 1 level teaspoon equals 5 ml and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 ml.
FREQUENCY: Repeat every 6 hours as needed
ADULT DOSAGE: 60 mg maximum
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Updated:
March 22, 2017