Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

What is the maximum dose of Paracetamol for patients weighing less than 50kg?

1. 250mg QDS PO

2. 500mg QDS PO

3. 750mg QDS PO

4. 1000mg QDS PO

The correct answer is: 500mg QDS PO

The maximum dose of Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) for patients weighing less than 50kg should be carefully calculated to avoid the risk of toxicity. The recommended dosing for Paracetamol generally caps at 1g per dose and allows for various frequency schedules based on the clinical scenario and patient weight. For patients under 50kg, particularly children, the maximum recommended dose is often adjusted to approximately 15 mg/kg per administration, not exceeding the adult maximum of 1g for each single dose. Given this, if you calculate based on a patient weighing exactly 50kg, the maximum dose would be about 750mg. Thus, with a frequency of administration capped at four times per day (QDS, which stands for four times daily), an appropriate dose would be 500mg per administration for safety while still providing effective analgesia. This option reflects practice guidelines that prioritize both safety and efficacy, especially in populations at risk for adverse effects from higher doses.