This system is designed to be a readily available guide to
acceptable physiological variables, endotracheal tube sizes and
positions, and to doses of drugs and other therapies. It is not a
recipe - it is important that you think carefully if "standard"
doses of drugs are appropriate for any individual patient. Do not
just blindly follow the doses given here - think first.
Information presented here comes from several sources,
particularly Drug Doses by Frank Shann (10th edition
ISBN: ).
If you know the patient's weight - pick the closest age,
otherwise the actual age can be used.
Doses have been rounded where sensible to do so, and minimum and
maximum doses applied to some drugs.
For minimum systolic blood pressure, and heart and respiratory
rate - look at trends as well as absolute numbers.
Adrenaline dose is given in mls.
DC shock energy has been rounded to figures commonly found on
defibrillators. Use 2J/kg for first shock and 4j/kg
subsequently.
For Morphine, Fentanyl, and Thiopentone, it is important to
titrate the dose for its desired effect. Be very cautious of
hypotension in sick children and respiratory depression if not
ventilated.
Suxamethonium is based on 3mg/kg for newborn, 2mg/kg child,
1mg/kg adult.
I've done my best to ensure this information is accurate but it
is your responsibility to verify doses etc before using the card.
You are welcome to modify it in any way you like but please ensure
any changes are not attributed to me.
I would be pleased to receive feedback and suggestions for
improvement.
Dr Mike South, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville,
Victoria 3052, Australia.