Fusco et al listed dosing guidelines for intravenous acetaminophen. Proper dosing improves effectiveness and minimizes the risk for toxicity. The authors are from the University of Buffalo, Loma Linda University and the University of Maryland.
Patient selection: healthy patient with normal renal and hepatic function and good nutrition.
Age Group
Body Weight
Dose
>= 12 years of age
>= 50 kg
1,000 mg q6h OR
650 mg q4h
>= 12 years of age
< 50 kg
15 mg/kg q6h OR
12.5 mg/kg q4h
2 to 11.99 years of age
NA
15 mg/kg q6h OR
12.5 mg/kg q4h
3 to 23.99 months
NA
10 mg/kg q6h
< 3 months
NA
7.5 mg/kg q6h
Age Group
Body Weight
Maximum 24 hour Dose
>= 12 years of age
>= 50 kg
4,000 mg
>= 12 years of age
< 50 kg
75 mg/kg
2 to 11.99 years of age
NA
75 mg/kg
3 to 23.99 months
NA
40 mg/kg
< 3 months
NA
30 mg/kg
IV acetaminophen may not be appropriate (or the dose may need to be adjusted) for a patient with:
(1) liver disease
(2) kidney disease
(3) malnutrition
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