SU
Reviewed by Dr Syed Usama Hussain, MBBS, BSc
MBBS, BSc — active medical practitioner in Pakistan. Graduated from Federal Medical & Dental College, Islamabad (2021) and completed a one-year clinical internship at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad (2022).
Frequently asked questions
How does this pediatric antibiotic dose calculator work?
Enter the child's weight (and optionally age), choose the antibiotic and indication, and it calculates the dose per administration in mg, the daily total, the per-kg dose, and the volume in mL for each common suspension strength — capped at the maximum so it never exceeds the adult dose.
Can I use it for newborns (under 1 month)?
No. Neonatal dosing depends on gestational and postnatal age and differs substantially. This tool is for infants and children aged 1 month and older; use a specialist neonatal reference for babies under 28 days.
Which weight should I enter?
Use the child's current, measured body weight in kilograms. For markedly obese children some antibiotics use an adjusted body weight — apply clinical judgement and your local guidance.
Are these doses safe to prescribe directly?
The calculator is decision-support only, not a prescription. Always check the result against your local formulary and the patient's clinical context — renal and hepatic function, allergies, infection severity and local resistance. The prescriber remains responsible for every dose.
What references are the doses based on?
Doses come from authoritative paediatric sources — the WHO Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children, Nelson's Pediatric Antimicrobial Therapy, the AAP Red Book, manufacturer Summaries of Product Characteristics and MSF guidelines — cross-checked and clinically reviewed. Each dose shows its specific source.
Does it adjust for kidney or liver impairment?
It flags when renal or hepatic adjustment is needed and shows guidance, but it does not auto-calculate the reduced dose. Adjust the dose and interval according to the child's renal function.
Why is a dose range shown instead of a single number?
Many antibiotics have a recommended mg/kg range — for example a higher dose for severe infection or meningitis. Choose the indication that matches your patient and the tool shows the corresponding range.
How do I work out the volume of syrup to give?
The calculator automatically shows the volume per dose in millilitres for each available suspension strength, so you can prescribe the exact mL.
Is the tool free, and how do I report an error?
Yes, it is completely free for medical practitioners. If you spot an error or have feedback, email contact@revisemrcem.com.