Using the Formulary - Maximum doses where dose is calculated by weight or age-weight banding

Where a maximum dose is stated immediately after a dose per kg the phrase maximum dose should be interpreted as “dose not to exceed regardless of patient age or weight”. Similarly, where a maximum dose is stated immediately after a dose range per kg, this the maximum dose, regardless of patient age or weight, and does not imply drug can be titrated. This is standardised wording in other key formularies including the BNF for children. For example: Hyoscine hydrobromide By subcutaneous or intravenous infusion: • Child 1 month-17 years: 40-60micrograms/kg/24hours, maximum 2.4mg in 24 hours. A child weighing 10kg should receive 400micrograms/24hours increasing if required to a maximum of 600micrograms/24hours. But a child weighing 50kg should receive 2mg/24hours increasing if required to a maximum of 2.4mg/24hours (rather than 3mg/24hours).