Hydrocortisone — paediatric dose

Weight-based dosing for Hydrocortisone in children. Category: Respiratory.

Dose	2–4 mg/kg 6H; adrenal crisis 2 mg/kg (max 100)
Per kg	2–4 mg/kg
Maximum	100 mg
Route	IV
Frequency	6H

Clinical notes

Max ~100 mg/dose.

2–4 mg/kg 6H; adrenal crisis 2 mg/kg (max 100). That is 2–4 mg/kg per dose.

The maximum single dose is 100 mg. Weight-based calculation should never exceed this ceiling.

Hydrocortisone is given by IV, 6H.

Reviewed by Dr Santanu Ghosh — MBBS, MD Paediatrics (Army), IDPCCM (IAP, ICH Kolkata). Paediatrician and paediatric critical care specialist.

Compiled from standard paediatric references. Verify against a current formulary and your local protocol.

Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page — corrections from clinicians are welcome and are reviewed before any change is published.

Last reviewed 2026-08-12.