Pediatric Stable VT: If weight is 20 kg, what is the Lidocaine dose?

• A. 100 mg
• B. 20 mg
• C. 40 mg
• D. 10 mg

Answer: (B)

Weight-based dosing is the key. For pediatric stable VT, lidocaine is given as an IV bolus of 1 mg per kilogram of body weight. At 20 kg, that equals 20 mg. (There is typically a maximum single-dose limit, often 100 mg, and further dosing is 0.5 mg/kg every 5–10 minutes up to a total of 3 mg/kg, but the initial dose here is 20 mg.)