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 |
1½ |
2 |
-- |
tsp |
| Chewable 15 mg. |
-- |
-- |
1 |
1½ |
2 |
4 |
tablets |
| Tablets 30 mg. |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
1 |
2 |
tablets |
| Tablet 60 mg. |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
1 |
tablets |
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
