Parenteral and rectal paracetamol and NSAID drug regimens for acute nociceptive pain in children

If intravenous paracetamol is required for acute nociceptive pain in children older than 1 month, use:

paracetamol 15 mg/kg (for overweight children, use ideal body weight) up to 1 g intravenously, 6-hourly if required. Maximum of 60 mg/kg up to 4 g in 24 hours. acute pain, intravenous dosing (children) paracetamol

If rectal paracetamol is required for acute nociceptive pain in children, use:

paracetamol 15 to 20 mg/kg (for overweight children, use ideal body weight) up to 1 g rectally, 6-hourly if required. Maximum 60 mg/kg up to 4 g in 24 hours. acute pain, rectal dosing (children) paracetamol

Avoid intramuscular administration of NSAIDs in children because it is painful.

If a parenteral NSAID is required for acute nociceptive pain in children, refer to local protocols or seek expert advice.

If a rectal NSAID is required for acute nociceptive pain in children older than 1 year, use:

diclofenac 0.5 to 1 mg/kg (for overweight children, use ideal body weight) up to 50 mg rectally, 8-hourly if required. acute pain, rectal dosing (children) diclofenac