PEDIATRIC CALCULATIONSExample: A child weighing 76 lbs. is ordered to receive 150 mg of Clindamycin every six (6) hours. The recommended pediatric dose is 8-20 mg / kg / day in four divided doses. The Clindamycin is supplied in 100 mg scored tablets.1. What is the weight in kg

Complete question: A child weighing 76 lbs. is ordered to receive 150 mg of Clindamycin q6h.

The pediatric drug handbook states the recommended dose is 8-20 mg/kg/day in four divided doses.

The Clindamycin is supplied in 100 mg scored tablets.

1.) What is the weight in kg?

2.) What is the safe total daily dose?

3.) Is the prescribed dose safe?

4.) Calculate the number of tablets to give.

1.) 34.55 kgs

2.) 276.36 - 690.91 mg/day

3.) YES

4.) 1.5 tablets

Explanation:

Paediatric calculations are performed by medical personnel using the child's weight to avoid medication errors. Clindamycin is a broad spectrum antibiotics which is used for the treatment of different infections both in adult and children. It's dosage should be properly calculated by the medical personnel to avoid drug abuse and serious adverse effects.

1.) To calculate the body weight of the child from pound( lbs) to Kilogram ( kg):

1 kg = 2.2 lbs

Therefore 76 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 34.55 kgs

2.) To determine the safe total daily dose:

The recommended pediatric dose is 8-20 mg / kg / day in four divided doses.

Therefore, safe total daily dose: 34.55 x 8 = 276.36 mg

34.55 x 20 = 690.91 mg

safe dosage range: 276.36 - 690.91 mg/day

3.) To determine if the prescribed dose is safe is:

150 mg x 4 doses/day = 600 mg/day;

Since 600 mg/day is within the safe dosage range which is 276.36 - 690.91 mg/day, the prescribed dose is SAFE.

4.) To determine the number of tables to give:

Note that the Clindamycin is supplied in 100 mg scored tablets. But the child is ordered to receive 150mg of Clindamycin. Therefore the number of tablets to receive is;

150 ÷ 100 = 1.5 tablets.