| Pseudoephedrine Dosage Table | Child's weight
(pounds) | 18-26 | 27-35 | 36-53 | 54-71 | 72-139 | 140+ | lbs | | Liquid 15 mg/1 teaspoon (tsp) | ½ | ¾ | 1 | 1½ | 2 | -- | tsp | | Liquid 15 mg/ 5 milliliters (ml) | 2.5 | 4 | 5 | 7.5 | 10 | -- | ml | | Chewable 15 mg | -- | -- | 1 | 1½ | 2 | 4 | tablets | | Tablets 30 mg | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1 | 2 | tablets | | Tablet 60 mg | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1 | tablet |
When to Use. Treatment of nasal congestion (stuffiness). Table Notes: - AGE LIMIT. Don't use under 4 years of age.
- Reason 1: Not approved by FDA.
- Reason 2: Risk of dosing 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). If under 6 years, don't give products with more than one ingredient in them. (FDA recommendations 10/2008)
- BEHIND THE COUNTER. Pseudoephedrine products are found behind the counter of pharmacies since 2006. Ask a pharmacist for help in finding these medicines.
- 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 more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. 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 hours as needed.
- ADULT DOSE. 60 mg.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Content Set: Child Symptom Checker
Child Symptom Checker
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