Never combine multiple medicines containing paracetamol/acetaminophen unless your clinician tells you to. If overdose is possible, seek urgent care or poison center help immediately (U.S. Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222).
How this paracetamol dosage calculator works
Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) is commonly dosed by body weight in children and by standard dose range in adults. This tool estimates a reasonable single dose and daily maximum based on typical outpatient guidance:
- Single dose: 10–15 mg/kg
- Common practical dose: about 15 mg/kg per dose
- Children: usually do not exceed 60 mg/kg/day without clinical direction
- Adults: usually 500–1000 mg per dose, not over 4000 mg/day total
The calculator also converts milligrams into mL (for liquid) or tablets based on the formulation you select.
Quick reference dosing table (weight-based)
| Weight | Single Dose Range (10–15 mg/kg) | Approx Daily Max (60 mg/kg/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kg | 100–150 mg | 600 mg/day |
| 15 kg | 150–225 mg | 900 mg/day |
| 20 kg | 200–300 mg | 1200 mg/day |
| 30 kg | 300–450 mg | 1800 mg/day |
| 40 kg | 400–600 mg | 2400 mg/day |
| 50+ kg | 500–1000 mg (adult range) | Up to 4000 mg/day |
Important safety points
1) Check all medicine labels
Many cold/flu combination products contain paracetamol. Accidental double-dosing is a common cause of overdose.
2) Be careful with infants
For infants under 3 months, always contact a clinician before giving paracetamol unless specifically directed.
3) Liver risk matters
Use extra caution (and get professional guidance) if there is liver disease, frequent alcohol intake, malnutrition, or prolonged fasting.
4) Space doses properly
Typical intervals are every 4–6 hours. Do not give doses too close together, and keep a written log of timing and amount.
Frequently asked questions
Is paracetamol the same as acetaminophen?
Yes. “Paracetamol” and “acetaminophen” are different names for the same active ingredient.
Can I round liquid doses?
Small rounding is common for practicality, but avoid large rounding changes. Use an oral syringe for accuracy.
What if someone already took too much?
Do not wait for symptoms. Contact emergency care or your local poison center immediately. Early treatment is very important.