What is the typical dosing for acetaminophen in a pediatric patient?

• A. 10–15 mg/kg per dose every 4–6 hours as needed; max 75 mg/kg per day.
• B. 5–10 mg/kg per dose every 8 hours; max 60 mg/kg per day.
• C. 20–25 mg/kg per dose every 6 hours; max 100 mg/kg per day.
• D. 15–20 mg/kg per dose every 12 hours; max 80 mg/kg per day.

Answer: (A)

Dosing acetaminophen in children is based on weight and uses a safe per-dose amount with a strict daily maximum to prevent liver toxicity. The standard approach is 10–15 mg per kilogram per dose, given every 4–6 hours as needed, not to exceed 75 mg/kg in 24 hours. This pattern provides effective fever and pain relief while keeping total exposure within a safe limit.

For example, a child who weighs 20 kg would receive roughly 200–300 mg per dose, spaced at least 4 hours apart, with a daily maximum around 1,500 mg. Always check that other medicines your child takes don’t also contain acetaminophen, to avoid accidental overdose.

The other options either use inappropriate per-dose amounts or dosing intervals that would lead to under-treatment or exceeding safe daily limits. Doses like 5–10 mg/kg every 8 hours deliver far less total daily acetaminophen; 20–25 mg/kg every 6 hours could push the daily total above the safe 75 mg/kg ceiling; and 15–20 mg/kg every 12 hours would under-treat by providing only about 30–40 mg/kg per day.