Prednisolone Pediatric Dose Calculator
Use this prednisolone pediatric dose calculator and prednisolone dose calculator 15 mg/5 mL reference to convert 1-2 mg/kg/day burst targets into mL for 15 mg/5 mL liquid, with common 60 mg/day maximum-dose checks.
Prednisolone dosage chart by weight for children (15 mg/5 mL, asthma burst)
For a short asthma burst in children 1 year and older: prednisolone 1-2 mg/kg per day, once a day or split into 2 doses, most often for 3 to 5 days (NAEPP allows 3 to 10), max 60 mg a day. Use the column that matches the dose your child's prescriber ordered, and the calculator above for other weights or bottle strengths.
- Give the mL on your pharmacy label. Differences of up to about 0.5 mL are just rounding; if it differs by more, call the pharmacist. Don't change the dose yourself.
- The chart shows one dose a day. If your label says twice a day, each dose is half the amount shown; never give the chart amount twice.
- This chart is only for 15 mg/5 mL. Prednisolone liquids also come in 5, 10, 20 and 25 mg/5 mL. Redipred and Predmix are 5 mg/mL, the same as 25 mg/5 mL: choose 25 mg/5 mL in the calculator above.
- Short asthma bursts only. Not for tapering courses, nephrotic syndrome or other long-term steroid plans. For croup, follow the prescription (dexamethasone is often used).
| Weight (kg) | Weight (lb) | 1 mg/kg/day (once a day)mL of 15 mg/5 mL oral solution per dose (mg it contains) | 2 mg/kg/day (once a day, max 60 mg)mL of 15 mg/5 mL oral solution per dose (mg it contains) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10check age: 1 year and older | 22 | 3.3 mL (9.9 mg) | 6.5 mL (19.5 mg) |
| 12 | 26 | 4 mL (12 mg) | 8 mL (24 mg) |
| 15 | 33 | 5 mL (15 mg) | 10 mL (30 mg) |
| 18 | 40 | 6 mL (18 mg) | 12 mL (36 mg) |
| 20 | 44 | 6.5 mL (19.5 mg) | 13.5 mL (40.5 mg) |
| 22 | 49 | 7.5 mL (22.5 mg) | 14.5 mL (43.5 mg) |
| 25 | 55 | 8.5 mL (25.5 mg) | 16.5 mL (49.5 mg) |
| 30 | 66 | 10 mL (30 mg) | 20 mL (60 mg) max dose |
| 35 | 77 | 11.5 mL (34.5 mg) | 20 mL (60 mg) max dose |
| 40 | 88 | 13.5 mL (40.5 mg) | 20 mL (60 mg) max dose |
- 1 mg/kg/day: lower end of the NAEPP asthma burst range, once a day.
- 2 mg/kg/day: upper end of the NAEPP asthma burst range, once a day, max 60 mg a day (reached at 30 kg).
- Under 1 year: ask the prescriber; this chart does not apply.
- 60 mg a day is the US (NAEPP) maximum; many other guidelines (GINA, UK BNFC) cap children at 40 mg a day or less. Follow your prescriber.
- Prednisone and prednisolone doses are the same in mg, but this chart's mL are only for prednisolone 15 mg/5 mL. Dexamethasone is much stronger: never swap it mg for mg.
- mL is rounded to 0.1 mL under 5 mL and to 0.5 mL from 5 mL (AAP metric dosing), never above the 60 mg daily maximum; use an oral syringe. For doses over 10 mL, fill a 10 mL syringe more than once.
Printable
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15 mg/5 mL burst-dose calculator
Prednisolone dose calculator details for short pediatric bursts
Prednisolone searches usually need fast mg/kg to mL conversion for the common 15 mg/5 mL liquid, plus a clear check on burst duration, timing, and maximum daily dose.
Formula
mL per dose = prescribed prednisolone mg per dose / (15 mg / 5 mL), which equals prescribed mg per dose / 3 mg per mL.
Worked example
For a 20 kg child prescribed 1 mg/kg once daily, the dose is 20 mg. With 15 mg/5 mL liquid, that is 6.7 mL per dose.
Safety checks before using the result
- Short bursts usually do not need a taper unless the prescriber says so.
- Do not extend or repeat bursts without reassessing symptoms and diagnosis.
- Call promptly for severe mood change, repeated vomiting, or worsening breathing.
Specific dosing support
Common formulation searches for Prednisolone
Practical dosing guide
Before you measure the dose
Use this page to confirm the burst dose, the exact liquid or tablet form, and whether the course needs any follow-up beyond a short steroid burst.
- Typical burst range
- Short outpatient courses are commonly 1-2 mg/kg/day, often capped around 60 mg/day, then matched to the child’s actual formulation.
- Most common liquid
- A common pediatric suspension is 15 mg/5 mL, so the calculator is most useful when the prescription is written in mg/kg but the family needs mL.
- Best timing
- Once-daily bursts are usually given in the morning with breakfast to reduce stomach upset and limit evening restlessness or insomnia.
Prednisolone pediatric medication summary
Prednisolone is an oral corticosteroid used for asthma flares, croup, and allergic inflammation. Use the pediatric dose calculator to convert weight-based (mg/kg) bursts and the 15 mg/5 mL syrup into mL per dose.
Typical burst dosing: 1–2 mg/kg/day for 3–5 days (max 60 mg/day)
Give once daily or divided twice daily depending on tolerance and provider preference
Prednisolone indications and common pediatric uses
Prednisolone is used in children for short, indication-specific rescue treatment when rapid anti-inflammatory effect is needed and a clear stop plan is in place.
Acute asthma exacerbation
Acute asthma exacerbation: Short bursts reduce relapse and hospitalization risk.
Croup (alternative regimen)
Croup (alternative regimen): Dexamethasone remains preferred when available.
Allergic or inflammatory dermatitis flares
Allergic or inflammatory dermatitis flares: Use only for short rescue courses under supervision.
How to give Prednisolone
- Practical guidance for safe, effective prednisolone use in children.
- Dose 1–2 mg/kg/day (max 60 mg/day) once daily in the morning or divided twice daily for 3–5 days. Common syrup strength is 15 mg/5 mL; 20 mg/5 mL and 25 mg/5 mL liquids also exist, so check the bottle. Shake suspension well, measure with an oral syringe, and give with food to reduce stomach upset.
- Use morning-first routines, document each dose, and avoid extending or repeating bursts without clinician review.
Prednisolone side effects, contraindications, and interactions
Most short prednisolone bursts are tolerated well, with temporary stomach upset, mood changes, or sleep disturbance as the most common effects. Severe reactions are uncommon but need rapid recognition and escalation.
Common side effects
- GI effects (nausea/dyspepsia) are common and usually improve with food and hydration support.
- Mood and sleep changes are usually short-lived; morning dosing lowers nighttime disruption risk.
- Children with diabetes or obesity may need temporary glucose-monitoring intensification.
Safety checks
- Hypersensitivity to prednisolone or formulation components
- Untreated systemic fungal infections
- Active or suspected serious infection (consider antimicrobials and close monitoring)
- Recent exposure to varicella or measles without immunity
- Significant immunosuppression
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
Drug interactions
- Review the full medication list with a clinician or pharmacist before combining therapies.
Prednisolone mechanism and clinical pearls
Prednisolone is an active glucocorticoid that binds cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors and reduces inflammatory signaling through genomic and non-genomic pathways. In practice, this translates to lower airway edema and improved response to bronchodilators when therapy is timed and dosed consistently.
Administer once-daily bursts with breakfast to align with cortisol rhythms and limit evening restlessness.
Taking prednisolone with food or milk reduces stomach upset and metallic aftertaste.
Courses up to 7 days seldom suppress the HPA axis, so families can stop on schedule unless instructed otherwise.
Weight-based calculations above about 60 mg/day should be rounded down and reviewed before dispensing.
Prefer prednisolone liquid when swallowability or dose precision makes tablets unreliable in children.
Frequently asked questions about Prednisolone
For short bursts (3–5 days), a taper is usually not needed. Follow your clinician’s plan.
If once daily, give in the morning. If twice daily, avoid late evening dosing to help sleep.
If it happens soon after dosing, contact your clinician for advice on whether to repeat.
Acetaminophen is generally preferred for pain/fever during steroid bursts. If using an NSAID like ibuprofen, give with food and watch for stomach upset.
Stomach upset, mood changes, and sleep difficulty are most common. Seek care for severe agitation, persistent vomiting, or signs of infection.
Prednisolone bursts are weight-based and often given once daily for short courses. Enter the prescribed mg/kg target in the calculator to convert to mL or tablet doses.
A common syrup strength is 15 mg/5 mL, but 20 mg/5 mL and 25 mg/5 mL liquids are also sold, so check the mg per 5 mL on your bottle. The calculator converts the mg/kg target into the exact mL for this strength and helps families match short steroid bursts to a practical child dose.
Enter the child’s weight and the prescribed mg/kg target, then use the calculator to convert the total milligrams into mL for the 15 mg/5 mL liquid. This avoids manual math when the prescription is written by weight.
Dexamethasone is often preferred when the goal is a single-dose or very short croup-style steroid plan. Prednisolone is more often used when the prescription is written as a short burst over several days, such as after an asthma flare or other inflammatory condition.