A 4-year-old child weighing 20 kg is prescribed paracetamol oral suspension 250 mg/5 mL with a dosing guidance of 15 mg/kg per dose every 6 hours, up to four doses in 24 hours. What is the maximum total volume of paracetamol the child can receive in 24 hours?

• A. 24 mL
• B. 12 mL
• C. 32 mL
• D. 48 mL

Answer: (A)

The key is converting the suspension strength to mg per mL, then applying the weight-based dose and the four-dose limit in 24 hours.

The suspension is 250 mg/5 mL, which is 50 mg/mL. The dose per administration for a 20 kg child is 15 mg/kg × 20 kg = 300 mg per dose. At 50 mg/mL, 300 mg requires 300 ÷ 50 = 6 mL per dose. With a maximum of four doses in 24 hours, the total volume is 4 × 6 mL = 24 mL.

So, the maximum total volume in 24 hours is 24 mL.