Adderall Pediatric Dosing
Calculate starting and maximum recommended daily doses for Adderall immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (XR) formulations using weight-based guidance.
Increase by 5 mg once weekly as needed. Rarely exceed 40 mg/day in children.
Dose Guidance
Starting dose
8.4 mg/day
≈ 7.5 mg tablet/capsule. Split into 2–3 doses (morning + noon ± afternoon).
Maximum titrated dose
28.0 mg/day
Do not exceed 40 mg/day for immediate-release tablets/capsules without specialist oversight.
How to Use This Calculator
Obtain accurate weight
Dosing is weight dependent prior to titration; reweigh every follow-up visit.
Select formulation
Immediate-release allows more flexible titration; extended-release improves adherence for school-day coverage.
Titrate based on response
Increase weekly by 5–10 mg while monitoring symptom improvement and adverse events. Document blood pressure and heart rate each visit.
Formula
Starting dose (mg/day) = weight (kg) × starting mg/kg (0.3 IR or 0.5 XR).
Derived from ADHD treatment guidelines (AAP, AACAP) and FDA labeling recommendations for amphetamine salts.
About Adderall Dosing
Adderall combines amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. It is FDA-approved for ADHD in children ≥3 years (IR) and ≥6 years (XR). Weight-based dosing helps guide starting therapy, but titration to clinical response is essential. Maximum benefit occurs when combined with behavioral interventions and school accommodations.
Screen for contraindications: marked anxiety, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, or history of drug misuse. Obtain baseline blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac history, and growth parameters. Counsel families on morning dosing, secure storage, and avoiding evening doses to prevent insomnia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I titrate?
Increase every 7 days based on response and tolerability. Monitor vitals and appetite at each adjustment.
What if the child misses a dose?
Skip the missed dose; do not double. Resume at the next scheduled time. XR doses should not be taken late in the day.
Can doses exceed 40 mg/day?
Rarely, and only with specialist supervision. Most children respond at ≤30–40 mg/day IR or ≤30 mg/day XR.
How do I convert between IR and XR?
Total daily IR dose ≈ XR dose. Example: 10 mg IR twice daily ≈ 20 mg XR once daily. Adjust for individual response.
What monitoring is required?
Baseline and periodic blood pressure/heart rate, height, weight, appetite, sleep, and mood. Consider ECG if cardiac history.