Using the reference literature

Question

Using the reference literature, determine the average and the highest therapeutic doses of atropine sulphate, morphine, codeine, metamizole, diazepam for adults. Determine the average and the highest therapeutic doses of carbamazepine, clemastine and paracetamol for children of different ages

Answer 1

Maximum doses vary based on indication, route of administration, and patient-specific factors. Many medications (e.g., morphine, diazepam) are titrated to clinical effect rather than a fixed maximum dose.

Atropine : Typical dose: 0.5–1 mg IV every 3–5 min (e.g., bradycardia) Maximum: 3 mg total (ACLS standard)

Morphine : Typical dose: 2–4 mg IV every 2–4 hours PRN Maximum: No strict absolute max; titrated to effect **Clinically limited by respiratory depression**

Codeine : Typical dose: 15–60 mg every 4–6 hours Maximum: 360 mg/day

Metamizole (Dipyrone) : Typical dose: 500–1000 mg every 6–8 hours Maximum: 4000 mg/day

Diazepam : Typical dose: 2–10 mg PO/IV depending on indication Maximum: Variable by indication. Common upper range: ~40 mg/day (oral)

Pediatric Therapeutic Doses

Carbamazepine : Typical dose: 10–20 mg/kg/day divided doses. Maximum: Children: up to ~35 mg/kg/day (or ~1000 mg/day depending on age/weight)

Clemastine : 2–6 years: 0.5 mg twice daily. 6–12 years: 0.5–1 mg twice daily. Maximum: 2 mg/day (younger children), up to 2 mg BID in older children depending on reference

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) : Typical dose: 10–15 mg/kg/dose every 4–6 hours. Maximum: Standard: 60–75 mg/kg/day. **Do not exceed adult max of 4000 mg/day