Methods Used in

Calculating
Pediatric Doses
1.Body Surface Area (BSA)
Method –
also called the dosage-per-
kilogram-of-body-weight
method; considered to be the
most accurate and safest
Body Surface Area (BSA)
Method
We will have to use the
nomogram to determine a
child's BSA then setup an
equation using the formula.
Average adult BSA = 1.73 m²
Sample:
• We have to compute for a child's dose
who weighs 40 lbs. and 36" tall. What
is the safe drug dose if the average
adult dose is 500mg. Using the
nomogram, the child's BSA is 0.72m².
500mg ( 0.72 m² ÷ 1.73 m² ) = child's dose
in mg
500mg ( .42 ) = child's dose
500mg ( .42 ) = 210mg
child's dose = 210mg
2. Clark's Rule –
uses child's weight to
calculate approximate
dosage
• Clark's Rule uses
Weight in lbs.,
NEVER in kg.
Simple Sample:
• We have to compute for a 2-
year old child's dose who
weighs 28 lbs. wherein the
adult dose is 500mg.
500mg ( 28 ÷ 150 ) = approximate
child's dose
500mg ( .19 ) = approximate child's
dose
500mg ( .19 ) = 95mg
approximate child's dose = 95mg
3. Young's Rule
- normally used for
children who are two years
of age or more
• Young’s Rule for Children
from 1 to 12 years old
• Young’s Rule uses age in
years.
(which makes it easier to
remember, the word young
refers to age)
Same Simple Sample:
• We have to compute for a 2-
year old child's dose who
weighs 28 lbs. Wherein the
adult dose is 500mg.

• Note that the weight has no

500mg [ 2 ÷ ( 2 + 12 ) ] = approximate child's
dose
500mg ( 2 ÷ 14 ) = approximate child's dose
500mg ( .14 ) = approximate child's dose
500mg ( .14 ) = 70 mg
Approximate child's dose = 70 mg
4. Fried's Rule
- normally used for
children who are two years
of age or less
Still the Same Simple Sample:
• We have to compute for a 2-year old
child's dose who weighs 28 lbs.
wherein the adult dose is 500mg.

• Note that the weight has no bearing

using Fried's Rule.
500mg [ ( 2 x 12 months ) ÷ 150 ] =
approximate child's dose
500mg ( 24 ÷ 150 ) = approximate child's
dose
500mg ( .16 ) = approximate child's dose
500mg ( .16 ) = 80 mg
Approximate child's dose = 80 mg