Pediatrics

Pediatric Medication Dosing Rules (Weight-Based, Clark's & Young's)

Calculates pediatric mg/kg/dose, liquid volume (mL), and classical Clark's/Young's rule comparisons.

Enlarge

Parameters

Pediatric Medication Dosing Rules (Weight-Based, Clark's & Young's) Result

Formula

Weight-Based Dose = Weight (kg) × mg/kg/day ÷ Dosing Frequency
Liquid Volume (mL) = Single Dose (mg) ÷ Liquid Concentration (mg/mL)
Clark's Rule = (Weight in lbs / 150) × Adult Dose
Young's Rule = [Age in years / (Age + 12)] × Adult Dose

Clinical Pearls

Prevents catastrophic pediatric dosing and tenfold calculation errors in neonatal and pediatric inpatient and outpatient prescribing.

Limitations

In obese children, calculate hydrophilic medications (aminoglycosides) using Adjusted Body Weight (AdjBW) or Ideal Body Weight (IBW) to prevent nephrotoxicity.