Pediatric MLAD & Caudal Calculator

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Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only, based on common pediatric anesthesia guidelines. **MLAD (Minimum Local Anesthetic Dose)** is a concept, not an absolute. Always verify calculations, use professional clinical judgment, and dose based on patient-specific factors.

Caudal Block (Armitage Formula)

Inputs
Total Volume Required
-- mL
Total Dose Required
-- mg
Enter weight

MLAD Calculator

Guide: This calculator is for other blocks (PNB, Spinal) or for customized caudal dosing. The key dosing parameter (e.g., mL/kg or mg/kg) will appear for you to adjust.
Inputs
Total Dose Required
-- mg
Total Volume Required
-- mL
Enter weight
Max Safe Dose (Reference)
-- mg
Max Safe Volume (at this conc.)
-- mL

A Note on Dosing Strategies

MLAD stands for Minimum Local Anesthetic Dose. This app uses two different dosing strategies, which is why the inputs change.

1. Volume-Based Dosing (e.g., Caudal Blocks):
For caudal blocks, the primary goal is to achieve a physical "spread" of anesthetic to a specific sensory level. The Minimum Effective Volume (mL/kg) is the key parameter. The Armitage formula (0.5, 1.0, 1.25 mL/kg) is the classic example.
» The calculator asks you to input this **Volume (mL/kg)**. It then calculates the total dose (mg) and total volume (mL) required.

2. Dose-Based Dosing (e.g., PNBs, Spinal):
For peripheral nerve blocks or spinal anesthesia, the primary goal is to deliver a specific Minimum Effective Dose (mg/kg) to the nerve or CSF.
» The calculator asks you to input this **Dose (mg/kg)**. It then calculates the total dose (mg) and the total volume (mL) needed to deliver that dose.

Drug Reference Ranges (Pediatric)

Ropivacaine (Max: 3 mg/kg)
Caudal (Volume): 0.5 - 1.25 mL/kg (of 0.2%)
PNB (Dose): ~0.56 mg/kg
Spinal (Dose): ~0.8 mg/kg (Infants)
Bupivacaine (Max: 2.5 mg/kg)
Caudal (Volume): 0.5 - 1.25 mL/kg (of 0.125%)
PNB (Dose): ~0.5 mg/kg
Spinal (Dose): 0.8 - 1.0 mg/kg (Infants)
Lidocaine (Max: 5 mg/kg)
Max Dose w/ Epi: 7 mg/kg
Caudal (Volume): 0.5 - 1.25 mL/kg (of 1%)
PNB (Dose): ~1.5 mg/kg
Spinal (Dose): ~1.5 mg/kg (Infants)

References (Direct Links)