| Dextromethorphan Dose Table | | Child's weight (pounds) | 16-31 | 32-47 | 48-63 | 64-79 | 80-95 | 96-129 | 130+ | lbs | | Liquid 5 mg/ 1 teaspoon (tsp) | ½ | 1 | 1½ | 2 | 2½ | 3 | -- | tsp | | Liquid 5 mg/ 5 milliliters (ml) | 2.5 | 5 | 7.5 | 10 | 12.5 | 15 | -- | ml | | Liquid 7.5 mg/1 teaspoon (tsp) | -- | -- | 1 | 1 | 1½ | 2 | 3 | tsp | | Liquid 7.5 mg/ 5 milliliters (ml) | -- | -- | 5 | 5 | 7.5 | 10 | 15 | ml | | Liquid 10 mg/1 teaspoon (tsp) | -- | -- | -- | 1 | 1 | 1½ | 2 | tsp | | Liquid 10 mg/ 5 milliliters (ml) | -- | -- | -- | 5 | 5 | 7.5 | 10 | ml |
When to Use. Cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan (DM) is present in most cough syrups. Table Notes: - AGE LIMIT. Don’t use under 4 years of age. (FDA)
- Over 4 years of age. NOT advised as first treatment of cough. Use HONEY instead.
- If under 6 years, don't give products with more than one ingredient in them. (Reason: FDA recommendations 10/2008).
- DOSE. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.
- MEASURE the DOSE. Syringes and droppers are better to use than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at a drug store. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. (Reason: regular spoons are not reliable). Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 ml and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 ml.
- HOW OFTEN. Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.
- ADULT DOSE: 20 mg.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Content Set: Child Symptom Checker
Child Symptom Checker
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