Is the order safe? help!

Question

The physician orders prednisone 10 mg oral every 12 hours for a child weighing 22 lb. The prednisone syrup is available in a 5 mg/5 mL concentration. The recommended dose is 0.5 to 2 mg/kg/24 h.

Is the order safe?

Answer 1

Let's evaluate all that is given:

1. Recommended dose = 0.5-2mg/kg/24hrs
2. Child's weight = 22lbs = 10kg
3. Order of 10mg q12hrs = 20mg in 24hrs
4. Available concentration of syrup = 5mg/5mL (1mg/mL)

Based on child's given weight of 10kgs, the child can get anywhere between 5mg to 20mg dose in 24hrs

(0.5mg * 10kg/24hrs to 2mg * 10mg/24hrs)

So, the physician's order is on the higher side of the recommended dose. But, it is safe.