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
Specialty: Pharmacology, clinical
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