A 4-month-old boy has been prescribed paracetamol 120 mg/5 mL for post-immunisation fever. What is the appropriate dose per administration?

• A. One 2.5 mL spoonful
• B. One 5 mL spoonful
• C. Two 5 mL spoonfuls
• D. Three 2.5 mL spoonfuls

Answer: (A)

Paracetamol dosing in infants is based on body weight and the strength of the suspension. This preparation contains 120 mg of paracetamol in every 5 mL, which means 24 mg per milliliter. A single dose of 2.5 mL delivers 60 mg.

The usual approach is 10–15 mg per kilogram of body weight per dose, given every 4–6 hours as needed, not exceeding the recommended number of doses per day. For a 4‑month‑old baby, 60 mg per dose falls within that typical range, depending on the infant’s exact weight. Giving a full 5 mL spoonful (120 mg) would be more than the standard per-dose amount for an infant of this age, and larger doses or more frequent dosing increase the risk of liver toxicity. Therefore, 2.5 mL is the appropriate single dose.