Dextromethorphan Dosage Table

 

Dextromethorphan Dosage Table

Child's weight (pounds) 16-31 32-47 48-63 64-79 80-95 96-129 130+ lbs
Liquid 5 mg/5 ml (tsp) ½ 1 2 3 -- tsp
Liquid 7.5 mg/5 ml (tsp) -- -- 1 1 2 3 tsp
Liquid 10 mg/5 ml (tsp) -- -- -- 1 1 2 tsp

Indication: Cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan (DM) is present in most cough syrups.

Table Notes:

  • AGE LIMIT: Don’t use under 4 years of age. Over 4 years of age: NOT recommended as primary treatment of cough. Use honey instead. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age. (Reason: FDA recommendations 10/2008).
  • DOSAGE: Determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table.
  • ADULT DOSE: 20 mg
  • FREQUENCY: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed

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

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker

Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker

Is Your Child Sick?

Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker is a parent guide for treating your child at home, calling your child's doctor or seeking immediate medical attention. Developed by Dr. Barton Schmitt, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician on staff at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Schmitt has developed other health tools for parents, including the 3rd edition of Your Child’s Health (available in bookstores) and KidsDoc, a new iPhone and Android app for parents (available online).

Are You Sick?

David A Thompson, MD is the author of Adult HouseCalls Symptom Checker. He is a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He has a national reputation in telephone triage, decision support tools, medical information technology and quality improvement. Adult HouseCalls Symptom Checker is a decision support tool for adults that has been reviewed and approved by adult physicians.

A Parent's Guide to Healthy, Happy Kids! Subscribe to have our quarterly newsletter mailed to your home.