Which of the following represents the correct dosing for cough-free dosing of paracetamol in infants after vaccination?

• A. 2.5 mL every 4–6 hours, maximum three doses per 24 hours
• B. 5 mL every 4 hours
• C. 2.5 mL every 8 hours
• D. 7.5 mL every 6 hours

Answer: (A)

Dosing paracetamol in infants must be weight-based, with a per-dose amount given at regular intervals and a strict limit on total daily intake to avoid liver toxicity. For the common 120 mg/5 mL suspension, a typical single dose for infants is about 60 mg (which is 2.5 mL). Administering this every 4–6 hours as needed aligns with the usual guideline of 10–15 mg/kg per dose and keeps the daily total within the safe range (roughly up to 60 mg/kg per day, depending on the infant’s weight).

The option describing 2.5 mL every 4–6 hours with a maximum of three doses in 24 hours fits this pattern: it provides a safe, appropriate per-dose amount and a dosing interval that supports fever relief without surpassing the daily limit. The other schedules would either give too much per dose (for example, 5 mL yields about 120 mg per dose, which quickly raises the daily total) or dose too infrequently (8-hour intervals) or exactly exceed safe daily totals (7.5 mL per dose would be far beyond what’s appropriate even with spacing).

So, the safe approach after vaccination is 2.5 mL every 4–6 hours as needed, up to three doses in 24 hours. Always verify the concentration on the bottle and use a proper dosing device, and avoid giving other products containing paracetamol.