| Drug | Equianalgesic dose* | Oral dose and frequency¶ | IV dose and frequency¶ | |
| Oral (mg) | IV (mg) | |||
| MorphineΔ | 30 | 10 | 0.3 mg/kg every 3 to 4 hours | 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg every 2 to 4 hours |
| Hydromorphone | 7.5 | 1.5 | 0.03 to 0.06 mg/kg every 3 to 4 hours | 0.015 mg/kg every 2 to 4 hours |
| Oxycodone◊ | 20 | n/a | 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg every 4 to 6 hours | n/a |
| Hydrocodone◊ | 30 | n/a | 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg every 4 to 6 hours | n/a |
| Fentanyl | n/a | 0.1 (100 mcg) | n/a | 0.5 to 1 mcg/kg every 1 to 2 hours |
| Methadone | § | § | 0.1 mg/kg every 4 to 8 hours | 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg every 4 to 8 hours |
IV: intravenous; n/a: not available.
* Approximate equianalgesic dose for estimation when changing opioid agents.
¶ Doses are for individuals >6 months old with a maximum weight of 50 kg. Suggested dose ranges are for management of acute pain in opioid-naïve patients. Oral doses refer to immediate-release products.
Δ Dose adjustment for renal insufficiency may be required. Not recommended in severe renal insufficiency.
◊ If a combined opioid-acetaminophen product is prescribed, caregivers should be instructed not to give the child other acetaminophen-containing medications, as this can lead to acetaminophen overdose and hepatotoxicity.
§ Due to gradual drug accumulation at tissue sites, the dose and frequency of methadone differ for initial compared with repeated use; dose and interval given are usual after repeated use. Methadone should be initiated and titrated by a clinician experienced with its use.