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Young’s Rule, Age-Based Pediatric Dose Calculator

Use this Youngs Rule Formula to calculate pediatric drug doses for 1yr – 12yr of age childern! (Young’s Rule Calculator).

Young’s Rule

Youngs Rule is an equation used to calculate pediatric medication dosage based on the patient’s age and the known recommended adult dose.

The definition of Young’s Rule is  the age of the patient, divided by the age added to twelve, all multiplied by the recommended adult dose.

Youngs Formula is used to calculate pediatric drug dose of 1yr – 12yr of age child.

Young’s Rule Formula

Formula: Youngs Rule is expressed as the child’s age in years divided by child’s age in years + 12, multiplied by the adult drug dose, to equal the pediatric drug dose.

Young's Rule Formula, Age-Based Pediatric drug dose calculator
Young’s Rule Formula

Child’s Rule = [Age / (Age + 12)] x Adult Dose

Steps to Calculate Pediatric Drug Dose Using Young’s Rule

Step 1: Identify the Age of the Child

Determine the age of the child in years.

Step 2: Obtain the Adult Dose of the Medication

Find out the recommended adult dose of the medication in question.

Step 3: Apply Young’s Formula

Use the Youngs formula to calculate the pediatric dose:

Pediatric Dose = (Age of the Child / (Age of the Child + 12)) × Adult Dose

Step 4: Perform the Calculation

Substitute the age of the child and the adult dose into the formula and perform the calculation step-by-step.

Example Calculation

Example:

Let’s say you need to calculate the dose for a 6-year-old child and the adult dose of the medication is 200 mg.

Age of the Child: 6 years

Adult Dose: 200 mg

Apply Young’s Rule Formula:

Pediatric Dose = (6 / (6 + 12)) × 200

Pediatric Dose = (6 / 18) × 200

Perform the Calculation:

Pediatric Dose = (1 / 3) × 200 = 200 / 3 = 66.67 mg

So, the pediatric dose for a 6-year-old child would be approximately 66.67 mg.

Calculation Examples 2

A seven year old pediatric patient is admitted to hospital. If the adult dose is 100mg and the child weighs forty kilogram, what dose should the child is administered by using young’s formula?

Answer:

Child dosage= [7/(7+12)] x 100mg =7/19 x 100mg

Child dosage =37mg of medicine

Calculation Examples 3

The pediatric dose for a 9-year old child who weighs 63lbs needs to be determined. You learn that the adult dose for the same drug is 200mg. Using Youngs rule, what dose should the child be given?

Answer:

Child’s dose = [9/(9+12)] x 200mg =9/21 x 200mg

Child’s dose =86mg of medicine

General  Tips

  • Check that your answer makes sense clinically.
  • Triple check your work.
  • Ask a colleague or pharmacist to check your work.
  • Know general therapeutic drug doses for commonly administered medications.




How to Use Young’s Rule Calculator?

Age-Based Pediatric Drug Dose Calculator:

  • Enter age in years.
  • Enter adult drug dose
  • Click on “Calculate” button.
  • The calculator displays the child’s drug dose below.

Click here to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).

To calculate your Body Surface Are (BSA) click here.

Check our resources if you are interested in different measurements related to Child’s Drug Dose:

FAQs

1. What is Young’s Rule?

Youngs Rule is a formula used in pediatric medicine to calculate the appropriate drug dosage for children based on their age. It helps determine a safe and effective dose for children when the adult dose is known.

2. What is the formula for Young’s Rule?

The formula for Youngs Rule is:

Young's Rule Calculator
Young’s Rule Formula

This formula adjusts the adult dosage to a child’s appropriate dose based on their age.

3. How do I use Young’s Rule to calculate a pediatric dose?

  1. Identify the age of the child in years.
  2. Determine the adult dose of the medication.
  3. Apply Young’s Rule formula:
    Young's Rule Calculator
  4. Perform the calculation by substituting the values into the formula.

4. When should I use Young’s Rule?

Youngs Rule is typically used when an adult dose of a medication is known, but the appropriate dose for a child needs to be calculated. It is particularly useful when other pediatric dosing guidelines are not available.

5. Is Young’s Rule the only method for calculating pediatric doses?

No, Youngs Rule is one of several methods that healthcare providers use to calculate pediatric doses. Other methods include Clark’s Rule, which is based on a child’s weight, and the Body Surface Area (BSA) method. The choice of method depends on the specific circumstances and available information.

6. What are the limitations of Young’s Rule?

Youngs Rule assumes that the dose for a child is directly proportional to their age relative to an adult. However, this may not always account for variations in metabolism, organ function, or developmental differences. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dose for a child.

7. Why is it important to use a proper pediatric dosing method?

Children have different metabolic rates, organ functions, and body compositions compared to adults. Using a proper pediatric dosing method ensures that children receive safe and effective doses of medication, avoiding underdosing or overdosing.