Paracetamol 120 mg/5 mL suspension for a 2-month-old who has just received a MenB vaccination: what is the most suitable dose?

• A. 2.5 mL every 4–6 hours, maximum three doses in 24 hours
• B. 1 mL every 6 hours
• C. 5 mL every 4–6 hours
• D. 2.5 mL every 8 hours

Answer: (A)

Dosing paracetamol in infants is weight-based and given in small, regular amounts to relieve fever or pain without risking overdose. A common rule is about 10–15 mg per kilogram per dose, given every 4–6 hours as needed, with a daily maximum to prevent toxicity.

The suspension concentration is 120 mg per 5 mL, so a 2.5 mL dose delivers 60 mg. For a 2‑month‑old baby, this amount corresponds to roughly 12–15 mg/kg per dose depending on weight, which fits the standard per-dose range. The 4–6 hour interval matches typical dosing schedules, and limiting to three doses in 24 hours helps keep the total daily amount within safe limits for infants of this age.

The other options either give too little per dose, too much per dose, or an interval that doesn’t align with the usual 4–6 hour dosing window, making them less appropriate for this scenario.