Chlorpheniramine (chlorphenamine) Pediatric Dose Calculator
Age-based chlorpheniramine dosing for children, with maximum doses, age limits and sources. Enter age and weight for the dose in mg and syrup mL or tablets.
Pediatric dosing
Allergic symptoms
Chlorpheniramine (chlorphenamine) dose chart by age and weight
Allergic symptoms. Weights are WHO/IAP reference medians for age — always dose on the measured weight.
| Age | Weight | Dose (mg) | Syrup 2 mg/5 mL | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 9.3 kg | 1 mg | 2.5 mL | Twice daily |
| 18 months | 10.6 kg | 1 mg | 2.5 mL | Twice daily |
| 2 years | 11.8 kg | 1 mg | 2.5 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 6 mg/day) |
| 3 years | 14.1 kg | 1 mg | 2.5 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 6 mg/day) |
| 4 years | 16.2 kg | 1 mg | 2.5 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 6 mg/day) |
| 5 years | 17.5 kg | 1 mg | 2.5 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 6 mg/day) |
| 6 years | 19 kg | 2 mg | 5 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 12 mg/day) |
| 8 years | 24.4 kg | 2 mg | 5 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 12 mg/day) |
| 10 years | 31.1 kg | 2 mg | 5 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 12 mg/day) |
| 12 years | 39.4 kg | 4 mg | 10 mL | Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 24 mg/day) |
Strengths in the calculator
- Syrup 2 mg/5 mL (Oral)
- Tablet 4 mg (Oral)
Different strength on your bottle? Use “Different strength on the bottle?” under the result.
Safety
Contraindications and cautions
- Avoid over-the-counter cough and cold combinations in children under 6 years.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Legacy FDA category C. Long experience of use; avoid in the third trimester (neonatal effects).
May reduce milk supply and sedate the infant — prefer a non-sedating antihistamine.
Clinical notes
Sedating antihistamine — paradoxical excitation can occur in young children. Prefer cetirizine or levocetirizine for allergic rhinitis.
Adult and adolescent (≥40 kg) dose
4 mg — Every 4–6 hours if needed (max 4 mg per dose, 24 mg per day).
Other names and brands
Also known as Chlorphenamine, CPM, Chlorpheniramine maleate.
- India: Piriton
- UK: Piriton
Brand examples only — products and strengths vary by country. Always check the label.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chlorpheniramine dose for children?
Allergic symptoms: 1 year to <2 years: 1 mg per dose · twice daily; 2 years to <6 years: 1 mg per dose · every 4–6 hours if needed (max 6 mg/day) · max 6 mg/day; 6 years to <12 years: 2 mg per dose · every 4–6 hours if needed (max 12 mg/day) · max 12 mg/day; ≥12 years: 4 mg per dose · every 4–6 hours if needed (max 24 mg/day) · max 24 mg/day. Usual duration: Short course. Always use the child's measured weight and check the strength on the bottle.
How many mL of syrup 2 mg/5 mL for an 11.8 kg child?
For allergic symptoms, an 11.8 kg child (about 2 years) needs 1 mg per dose — 2.5 mL of Syrup 2 mg/5 mL, every 4–6 hours if needed (max 6 mg/day). Recalculate with the child's actual weight.
From what age can chlorpheniramine be given?
Age range in PediaRx: ≥1 year – adult. The calculator does not calculate a dose below 1 year. Each indication can have its own age and weight limits, shown with its regimen.
Is chlorpheniramine safe in pregnancy?
Legacy FDA category C. Long experience of use; avoid in the third trimester (neonatal effects).
Sources and editorial process
- BNF for Children — Chlorphenamine maleate — NICE / BMJ Group / Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Dosing data last updated 2026-09-27. PediaRx is built and maintained by Dr. Shounak Pal, MBBS (Medical Officer, Government of West Bengal, India — founder and developer of PediaRx). Every regimen is encoded with explicit units, maximum doses and age/weight limits and is checked by automated tests before publication. Report an error: hello@pediarx.com.
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Clinical disclaimer: reference tool for qualified health professionals. Verify every dose against current guidance and the product label before prescribing.
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