OHSU

Pseudoephedrine Dosage Table

Indications: Treatment of nasal congestion (stuffiness).

Child's weight (pounds)

18-26

27-35

36-53

54-71

72-139

140+

lbs

Infant Drops 7.5 mg./0.8 ml

0.8

1.2

1.6

--

--

--

ml

Liquid 15mg/5ml (tsp)

½

¾

1

1½

2

--

tsp

Chewable 15 mg.

--

--

1

1½

2

4

tablets

Tablets 30 mg.

--

--

--

--

1

2

tablets

Tablet 60 mg.

--

--

--

--

--

1

tablet


Table Notes:

  • AGE LIMIT: Don't use under 4 years of age.
  • Reason 1: Not approved by FDA because dosage not studied in this age range
  • Reason 2: Risk of dosage 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). Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age (AAP recommendations 10/2008)
  • REFERENCE: Srinivasan A, et. al. Infant deaths associated with cough and cold medications—two states, 2005. MMWR Weekly,January 12, 2007:56(01);1-4. Available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr.
  • AVAILABILITY: Pseudoephedrine products are found behind the counter of pharmacies in response to legislation enacted in 2006. Ask a pharmacist for assistance in obtaining these medications.
  • PSEUDOEPHEDRINE DOSAGE: determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table.
  • ADULT DOSAGE: 60 mg maximum
  • FREQUENCY: Repeat every 6 hours as needed

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker

Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker