Calculators

Children's dose calculators

Weight-based dosing for paracetamol and ibuprofen. Always check the product label and confirm with your pharmacist before giving any medicine.

15 kg
225 mg
= 9.4 mL of 120 mg/5 mL liquid, given every 4–6 hours
Daily maximum: 900 mg (60 mg/kg/day) in 24 hours, in no more than 4 doses
Before giving paracetamol: Do not give to babies under 1 month. For babies 1–3 months, check with a doctor or pharmacist first. Never exceed 4 doses in 24 hours or the daily maximum. Do not give if your child has already had a paracetamol-containing product (e.g. a cold and flu remedy) in the last 4–6 hours.
Standard dose: 15 mg/kg per dose (max 1000 mg/dose), every 4–6 hours, max 60 mg/kg or 4000 mg per day — whichever is lower. Source: New Zealand Formulary for Children.
15 kg
75 mg
= 3.75 mL of 100 mg/5 mL liquid, every 6–8 hours
Daily maximum: 1.6 g (or 40 mg/kg/day, whichever is lower) in 24 hours
Before giving ibuprofen: Do not give to babies under 3 months, or to any child who is dehydrated, has asthma triggered by NSAIDs, or has had a reaction to ibuprofen or aspirin before. Give with food. Check with your pharmacist if your child is unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea.
Dose range: 5–10 mg/kg per dose (max 400 mg/dose), every 6–8 hours, max 40 mg/kg/day up to 1.6 g/day. Source: New Zealand Formulary for Children.
This tool is a general guide only and does not replace advice from your pharmacist or doctor. Calculations should always be double-checked before giving any medicine.