Pediatric Weight-Based Dose Calculator
Enter patient weight and drug — get the calculated dose in mg or mcg with standard dosing guidance. Designed for pediatric emergency, NICU, and general pediatric use.
Weight-based dosing formula
For doses in mcg/kg, convert the result: 1 mg = 1,000 mcg. Always check the maximum safe dose (adult cap) — pediatric weight-based calculations can exceed adult doses in larger children.
Common pediatric drug caps
| Drug | Dose per kg | Max single dose |
|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | 15 mg/kg | 1,000 mg |
| Ibuprofen | 10 mg/kg | 600 mg |
| Morphine | 0.05–0.1 mg/kg | 5 mg (non-opioid naive) |
| Ondansetron | 0.1 mg/kg | 4 mg |
| Dexamethasone | 0.6 mg/kg (croup) | 10 mg |
Doses are approximate references. Confirm with current formulary and clinical guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
What age range does this calculator cover?
Neonates through adolescents. For neonates <1 kg, dosing should be reviewed by neonatology as renal and hepatic drug clearance differs significantly.
How do I handle estimated vs. actual weight?
Use actual weight when available. If unknown, use Broselow tape length-based weight estimation. Enter the estimated weight and note it as estimated in your documentation.
Does this calculator account for maximum doses?
Yes. The calculator flags when weight-based calculations exceed standard adult maximum doses for supported drugs.