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Pseudophedrine Dosage Table

Pseudophedrine Dosage Table


Pseudophedrine 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 2 -- tsp
Chewable 15 mg. -- -- 1 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

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.


Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 3/15/2008

Last Revised: 12/1/2007

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online

Copyright 1994-2008 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

St. Louis Children's Hospital is affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine.

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