Calculate safe paracetamol (acetaminophen) doses for children and adults based on weight. Includes liquid suspension options with 120 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL concentrations.
A child weighing 10 kg needs paracetamol at the standard dose of 10 mg/kg every 6 hours.
Single dose: 10 kg × 10 mg/kg = 100 mg
Using 120 mg/5 mL suspension: (100 mg ÷ 24 mg/mL) = ~4.2 mL per dose
Max daily: 100 mg × 4 doses = 400 mg/day (well under 600 mg/day limit)
Give 4 mL of infant paracetamol suspension (120 mg/5 mL) every 6 hours as needed.
A child weighing 22 kg needs paracetamol at 12.5 mg/kg for moderate pain every 6 hours.
Single dose: 22 kg × 12.5 mg/kg = 275 mg
Using 250 mg/5 mL suspension: (275 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL) = ~5.5 mL per dose
Max daily: 275 mg × 4 doses = 1100 mg/day (under 1320 mg/day limit)
Give 5.5 mL of 250 mg/5 mL suspension every 6 hours. Max 4 doses in 24 hours.
An adult weighing 70 kg needs paracetamol for pain relief. Standard adult dosing is 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours.
Standard dose: 500-1000 mg per administration
Using 250 mg/5 mL suspension: For 500 mg dose → (500 ÷ 50) = 10 mL
Max daily: 4000 mg/day (do not exceed 4000 mg in 24 hours)
Adults can take 1-2 tablets (500-1000 mg) every 4-6 hours. Max 8 tablets (4000 mg) in 24 hours.
A child weighing 30 kg with severe pain. Calculate the maximum safe dose.
Max single dose (15 mg/kg): 30 kg × 15 mg/kg = 450 mg
Max daily dose (60 mg/kg): 30 kg × 60 mg/kg = 1800 mg/day
Using 250 mg/5 mL: 450 mg ÷ 50 mg/mL = 9 mL per dose
Maximum 4 doses per day at 450 mg each = 1800 mg/day. Always use the lowest effective dose.
Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen in the US and Japan, brand names including Tylenol, Panadol, Calpol) is one of the most commonly used medications for pain relief (analgesic) and fever reduction (antipyretic) in both children and adults.
| Concentration | mg per mL | Typical Use | Common Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 mg/5 mL | 24 mg/mL | Infants & Young Children (3 months - 5 years) | Calpol Infant, Panadol Baby |
| 250 mg/5 mL | 50 mg/mL | Children 6-12 years | Calpol 6+, Panadol Children |
| 500 mg tablets | N/A | Adults & Children ≥12 years | Panadol, Tylenol |
| Suppositories (various) | N/A | When oral route not possible | Various brands |
Paracetamol overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure. Never exceed 60 mg/kg/day in children or 4000 mg/day in adults. Check all other medications for hidden paracetamol content.
Infant drops (120 mg/5 mL) and children's suspension (250 mg/5 mL) have different concentrations. Always check the label carefully — a tenfold error can occur if you use the wrong one.
Wait at least 4 hours between doses. Do not give more than 5 doses in 24 hours for children. Setting a timer can help prevent accidental double-dosing.
Many cold and flu remedies contain paracetamol. Taking a paracetamol tablet plus a combination cold remedy may result in an accidental overdose. Always check active ingredients.
A Paracetamol Dosage Calculator helps parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals determine the safe and effective dose of paracetamol (acetaminophen) for children and adults based on body weight. Getting the dose right is crucial — too little may not relieve symptoms, while too much can cause liver damage, especially in children.
This calculator uses the standard medical guideline of 10-15 mg per kilogram of body weight for children, given every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of 60 mg/kg/day. For adults, the standard dose is 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 4000 mg in 24 hours. It also calculates the exact volume of liquid suspension needed based on common concentrations.
Paracetamol is safe when used correctly, but overdose is a medical emergency and a leading cause of acute liver failure worldwide. Accidental overdoses often occur when caregivers use the wrong concentration of liquid medication (e.g., using 250 mg/5 mL when 120 mg/5 mL was intended), or when multiple paracetamol-containing products are given simultaneously.
Children's doses must be calculated by weight, not age, because children of the same age can vary significantly in size. A dose based on age alone may be too high for a small child or too low for a large child. Always use the child's most recent weight for the most accurate dosing.
Using this calculator is simple. Follow these steps:
Choose "Child" for weight-based dosing (10-15 mg/kg) or "Adult" for standard adult dosing with the 4000 mg/day maximum.
Enter the patient's weight in kilograms. For children, this is the most important value — use a recent, accurate weight.
Select the desired dose strength (10, 12.5, or 15 mg/kg) and the available liquid suspension concentration.
Choose how often the dose will be given and click "Calculate Paracetamol Dosage" for complete results.
⚠️ Important Medical Disclaimer: This Paracetamol Dosage Calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or pediatrician before administering any medication, especially to children. Never exceed the recommended maximum dose. If overdose is suspected, contact emergency services immediately.