Pseudoephedrine Dosage Table
| Pseudoephedrine Dosage Table |
Child's weight
(pounds) |
18-26 |
27-35 |
36-53 |
54-71 |
72-139 |
140+ |
lbs |
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)
- 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
- MEASURING the DOSAGE: Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medication. 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.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker |