Pediatric steroid dosing calculator
Steroid dosing varies by condition and protocol. This hub summarizes common pediatric steroid dosing patterns and links to medication-specific calculators to compute the exact dose and check maximum limits.
Clinical disclaimer
Quick links
Printable
Seasonal steroid dosing printables (1-page)
Screen-readable quick references with separate disclaimer/download flows for print copies.
Condition-based steroid dosing (quick reference)
This table is intentionally high-level to avoid duplicating the medication pages. Use the linked medication pages to calculate exact doses.
| Condition | Common choice | Typical dosing pattern | Max / cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asthma exacerbation (outpatient/ED) | Prednisolone | Common regimens include 1–2 mg/kg/day PO (often divided) for a short course | max varies by protocol (often 40–60 mg/day) | Use the med page to compute the exact dose and check age/formulation details. |
| Croup | Dexamethasone | Common regimen: single dose (e.g., 0.6 mg/kg) PO/IM/IV | often capped (e.g., 10 mg) | Use Westley score to stratify severity and follow local pathways. |
| Allergic reaction (adjunct) | Prednisolone | Adjunct dosing varies; prioritize epinephrine for anaphylaxis and use H1/H2 as indicated | — | Steroids are not an immediate rescue med for anaphylaxis. |
| Antiemetic adjunct (selected cases) | Dexamethasone | Used in specific settings (e.g., post‑op) per local protocol | — | For nausea/vomiting, ondansetron is often first-line depending on context. |
Tapering basics
- Many short courses do not require a taper, but duration and chronic exposure matter.
- Document total duration and follow-up plan (especially if symptoms recur).
- If you need a schedule template, use the dose interval planner.
Related tools
FAQs
This page is a hub. It summarizes common pediatric steroid dosing patterns by condition and links to medication-specific dose calculators for exact dosing, max dose checks, and formulation details.
Many short courses do not require a taper, but tapering depends on duration, dose, indication, and chronic steroid exposure. Follow local guidance and consider endocrinology input for prolonged courses.
Dexamethasone is commonly used for croup due to longer duration. Follow local protocols and use severity scoring where available.
Prednisolone/prednisone are commonly used for asthma exacerbations. Exact dosing depends on severity, age, and local guidelines.
Confirm indication, check for red flags (e.g., infection concerns), verify units, consider comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension), and document duration and follow-up. Use medication pages for contraindication and interaction context.