What is the maximum single dose of epinephrine 1:1000 given IM in pediatric patients?

What is the maximum single dose of epinephrine 1:1000 given IM in pediatric patients?

• A. 0.25 mg
• B. 1.0 mg
• C. 0.5 mg
• D. 2.0 mg

Answer: (C)

The amount is capped to protect small patients while still delivering an effective dose: epinephrine at 1:1000 is 1 mg per mL, and pediatric dosing is generally around 0.01 mg/kg per dose with a per‑dose maximum. For most pediatric patients, this per‑dose ceiling is 0.5 mg, so the maximum single IM dose is 0.5 mg (which is 0.5 mL of 1:1000 solution). The other options would either underdose many children (0.25 mg) or exceed safe per‑dose limits (1.0 mg, 2.0 mg).

The amount is capped to protect small patients while still delivering an effective dose: epinephrine at 1:1000 is 1 mg per mL, and pediatric dosing is generally around 0.01 mg/kg per dose with a per‑dose maximum. For most pediatric patients, this per‑dose ceiling is 0.5 mg, so the maximum single IM dose is 0.5 mg (which is 0.5 mL of 1:1000 solution). The other options would either underdose many children (0.25 mg) or exceed safe per‑dose limits (1.0 mg, 2.0 mg).