What is the appropriate intravenous paracetamol (acetaminophen) dose for a 10‑kg child? | Rounds What is the appropriate intravenous paracetamol (acetaminophen) dose for a 10‑kg child? | Rounds
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What is the appropriate intravenous paracetamol (acetaminophen) dose for a 10‑kg child?

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Last updated: July 14, 2026 · View editorial policy

Intravenous Acetaminophen Dosing for a 10-kg Child

Intravenous acetaminophen dosing is weight-based and depends on age. [1]

Dose per Administration for Children 2 to 12 Years

The recommended dose is 15 mg/kg IV every 6 hours or 12.5 mg/kg IV every 4 hours (minimum dosing interval 4 hours). [1]

For a 10-kg child:

  • 15 mg/kg = 150 mg per dose. [1]
  • 12.5 mg/kg = 125 mg per dose. [1]

The maximum daily dose is 75 mg/kg/day (including all routes and all acetaminophen-containing products). [1] For a 10-kg child, this maximum is 750 mg/day. [1]

Dose per Administration for Infants 29 Days to 2 Years

The recommended dose is 15 mg/kg IV every 6 hours (minimum dosing interval 6 hours). [1]

For a 10-kg infant:

  • 15 mg/kg = 150 mg per dose. [1]

The maximum daily dose is 60 mg/kg/day (including all routes and all acetaminophen-containing products). [1] For a 10-kg infant, this maximum is 600 mg/day. [1]

Infusion Administration Timing

Intravenous acetaminophen should be administered as a 15-minute IV infusion. [1]

Maximum Single-Dose and Safety Limits

For children 2 to 12 years, the maximum single dose is 15 mg/kg. [1] For infants 29 days to 2 years, dosing is also 15 mg/kg per dose on a q6h schedule, with a lower daily maximum. [1]

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