What is the pediatric dosage for Atropine?

• A. 0.02 mg/kg
• B. 0.1 mg/kg
• C. 0.04 mg/kg
• D. 0.01 mg/kg

Answer: (A)

Dosing in children is based on weight because their bodies handle medications differently, and the goal with atropine is to counteract excessive vagal tone that can slow the heart. The standard pediatric dose is 0.02 mg per kilogram given IV or IO, with a minimum single dose of 0.1 mg to ensure a meaningful amount is delivered and typically a maximum of about 0.5 mg per dose to avoid toxicity. Doses can be repeated every 3–5 minutes if bradycardia or signs of poor perfusion persist. For example, a 10 kg child would receive about 0.2 mg, a 5 kg infant about 0.1 mg, and a 20 kg child about 0.4 mg. In adults, atropine is given as a fixed dose (0.5 mg) rather than per kilogram.