Paracetamol Dose Calculator
for Children
Calculate oral paracetamol 15 mg/kg/dose from infancy to 12 years, with age-appropriate frequency, daily maximum and practical syrup mL conversion.
Oral paracetamol
Age up to 2 months
KKM ATUCU5 classifies fever ≥37.5°C axillary in a sick young infant up to 2 months as a VERY SEVERE DISEASE sign requiring urgent referral to hospital.
Paracetamol may reduce temperature but must not delay assessment or referral when fever is present.
Preterm 28–32 weeks corrected gestational age
The MOH Paediatric Pain Management Guideline gives a lower paracetamol maximum of 30 mg/kg/day for this group.
This calculator does not automate the repeat schedule for this preterm group. Use an appropriate neonatal dosing reference and clinical assessment.
Paracetamol paediatric dosing
Weight-based oral dosing from the MOH Paediatric Pain Management Guideline.
| Patient | Dose | Frequency | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 15 mg/kg/dose | Every 6–8 hours |
60 mg/kg/day Preterm 28–32 weeks CGA: 30 mg/kg/day |
| >3 months–12 years | 15 mg/kg/dose | Every 4–6 hours | 75 mg/kg/day or 4 g/day |
The dose per administration remains 15 mg/kg. The dosing interval and maximum daily dose differ for infants aged 0–3 months compared with older children.
Paediatric Dose Calculator Demo
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Important prescribing points
Paracetamol paediatric-dose FAQ
What is the usual oral paracetamol dose for a child?
The MOH Malaysia Paediatric Pain Management Guideline gives 15 mg/kg/dose. At age 0–3 months it is given every 6–8 hours; above 3 months to 12 years it is given every 4–6 hours.
What is the maximum daily paracetamol dose in children?
At age 0–3 months, the MOH maximum is 60 mg/kg/day, or 30 mg/kg/day if preterm 28–32 weeks corrected gestational age. Above 3 months to 12 years, the maximum is 75 mg/kg/day or 4 g/day.
What should I do if a 1-month-old infant has fever?
KKM ATUCU5 classifies axillary fever ≥37.5°C in a sick young infant up to 2 months as a very severe disease sign requiring urgent referral to hospital. Giving paracetamol should not delay assessment or referral.
What about a preterm infant at 28–32 weeks corrected gestational age?
The MOH paediatric pain guideline gives a lower maximum of 30 mg/kg/day for this group. This calculator therefore does not automate the repeat schedule and directs the clinician to neonatal dosing guidance.
How much is 15 mg/kg with 120 mg/5 mL syrup?
With 120 mg/5 mL syrup, 15 mg/kg corresponds to 0.625 mL/kg per dose. The calculator performs this conversion automatically.
How much is 15 mg/kg with 250 mg/5 mL syrup?
With 250 mg/5 mL syrup, 15 mg/kg corresponds to 0.3 mL/kg per dose. This concentration is available in the calculator for children older than 3 months up to 12 years.
Clinical references
- Ministry of Health Malaysia — Paediatric Pain Management Guideline — oral paracetamol 15 mg/kg/dose and age-specific frequency/maximum.
- Ministry of Health Malaysia — FUKKM: Paracetamol — 120 mg/5 mL syrup age-banded dosing and 250 mg/5 mL syrup reference.
- Ministry of Health Malaysia — ATUCU5 Training Manual — fever ≥37.5°C in a sick young infant up to 2 months is a very severe disease sign requiring urgent hospital referral.
- Malaysia Medicines Price Guide — current Malaysian listings include both 120 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL paracetamol liquid products.
For healthcare professionals. This calculator supports but does not replace clinical judgement. Confirm age, weight, formulation, cumulative daily dose, duplicate paracetamol exposure and relevant hepatic risk before prescribing.