PediRounds

Phenytoin — paediatric dose

Weight-based dosing for Phenytoin in children. Category: Anticonvulsant.

Dose20 mg/kg load, rate ≤1 mg/kg/min (max 50 mg/min)
Per kg20 mg/kg
Maximum1000 mg
RouteIV
Frequencyload

Clinical notes

Cardiac monitoring. Max 1 g. Not in same line as glucose.

Common questions

What is the dose of Phenytoin in children?

20 mg/kg load, rate ≤1 mg/kg/min (max 50 mg/min). That is 20 mg/kg per dose.

What is the maximum Phenytoin dose for a child?

The maximum single dose is 1000 mg. Weight-based calculation should never exceed this ceiling.

How is Phenytoin given?

Phenytoin is given by IV, load.

About this page

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.