Dexamethasone Pediatric Dose Calculator

Weight-based dexamethasone dosing for children — 0.15–0.6 mg/kg/dose · single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours) · max 10 mg/dose. Enter age and weight for the dose in mg and oral solution mL, tablets or injection volume.

Category: CorticosteroidAges: Birth – adultUpdated: 2026-09-27For: cliniciansHospital use

Pediatric dosing

Croup (single dose)

0.15–0.6 mg/kg/dose · single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours) · max 10 mg/dose

Duration: Single dose · 0.15 mg/kg is effective for mild–moderate croup; 0.6 mg/kg (max 10–16 mg) is used for severe croup. IM/IV if the child is vomiting.

Asthma exacerbation (alternative to prednisolone)

0.3–0.6 mg/kg/dose · once daily · max 16 mg/dose

Duration: 1–2 days

Bacterial meningitis adjunct — IV (hospital) Hospital

0.15 mg/kg/dose · every 6 hours · max 10 mg/dose

Duration: 4 days (2–4 days) · Start with or shortly before the first antibiotic dose (Hib / pneumococcal meningitis). Not recommended in neonates.

Eligibility: ≥3 months

Dexamethasone dose chart by age and weight

Croup (single dose). Weights are WHO/IAP reference medians for age — always dose on the measured weight.

Computed with the PediaRx dose engine from the regimen above; caps and age limits applied.
Age	Weight	Dose (mg)	Oral solution 0.5 mg/5 mL	Injection 4 mg/mL (IV/IM; may be given orally)	Frequency
15 days	3.8 kg	0.57 mg	5.7 mL	0.14 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
1 month	4.3 kg	0.645 mg	6.5 mL	0.16 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
3 months	6.1 kg	0.915 mg	9.2 mL	0.23 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
6 months	7.6 kg	1.14 mg	11.5 mL	0.29 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
9 months	8.6 kg	1.29 mg	13 mL	0.32 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
1 year	9.3 kg	1.4 mg	14 mL	0.35 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
18 months	10.6 kg	1.59 mg	16 mL	0.4 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
2 years	11.8 kg	1.77 mg	17.5 mL	0.44 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
3 years	14.1 kg	2.11 mg	21 mL	0.53 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
4 years	16.2 kg	2.43 mg	24.5 mL	0.61 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
5 years	17.5 kg	2.63 mg	26.5 mL	0.66 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
6 years	19 kg	2.85 mg	28.5 mL	0.71 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
8 years	24.4 kg	3.66 mg	36.5 mL	0.92 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
10 years	31.1 kg	4.67 mg	46.5 mL	1.2 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)
12 years	39.4 kg	5.91 mg	59 mL	1.5 mL	Single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours)

Strengths in the calculator

Oral solution 0.5 mg/5 mL (Oral)
Tablet 0.5 mg (Oral)
Tablet 4 mg (Oral)
Injection 4 mg/mL (IV/IM; may be given orally) (Intravenous / Intramuscular / Oral)

Different strength on your bottle? Use “Different strength on the bottle?” under the result.

Safety

Contraindications and cautions

Untreated systemic fungal infection.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Legacy FDA category C. Use when clinically indicated.

Short courses are compatible.

Clinical notes

Potent, long-acting corticosteroid (0.75 mg ≈ 5 mg prednisolone). Confirm the indication and route.

Adult and adolescent (≥40 kg) dose

4–10 mg (indication-dependent) — As indicated (max 10 mg per dose).

Other names and brands

India: Dexona, Decdan
USA: Decadron

Brand examples only — products and strengths vary by country. Always check the label.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dexamethasone dose for children?

Croup (single dose): 0.15–0.6 mg/kg/dose · single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours) · max 10 mg/dose. Usual duration: Single dose. Always use the child's measured weight and check the strength on the bottle.

How many mL of oral solution 0.5 mg/5 mL for an 11.8 kg child?

For croup (single dose), an 11.8 kg child (about 2 years) needs 1.77 mg per dose — 17.5 mL of Oral solution 0.5 mg/5 mL, single dose (may repeat after 12–24 hours). Recalculate with the child's actual weight.

From what age can dexamethasone be given?

Age range in PediaRx: Birth – adult. Each indication can have its own age and weight limits, shown with its regimen.

Is dexamethasone safe in pregnancy?

Legacy FDA category C. Use when clinically indicated.

Sources and editorial process

BNF for Children — Dexamethasone — NICE / BMJ Group / Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children, 2nd edition (2013) — World Health Organization
Dexamethasone for acute asthma exacerbations in children: a meta-analysis (Keeney et al., Pediatrics 2014) — American Academy of Pediatrics

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.

Related calculators

Clinical disclaimer: reference tool for qualified health professionals. Verify every dose against current guidance and the product label before prescribing.

Open Dexamethasone in the full calculator →