From the Guidelines
For the treatment of pneumonia, the recommended dose of Augmentin is 625 mg taken orally three times a day, or 1.2 g intravenously three times a day for severe cases, as indicated in the guidelines from the British Infection Society, British Thoracic Society, and Health Protection Agency 1.
Key Considerations for Augmentin Dosage
- The dosage may vary depending on the severity of the pneumonia and whether the patient is being treated in a hospital setting.
- For non-severe pneumonia, oral administration of 625 mg three times a day is preferred, while for severe cases, intravenous administration of 1.2 g three times a day may be necessary 1.
- It's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before finishing, to ensure complete recovery and prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Administration and Side Effects
- Augmentin should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, but if severe diarrhea, allergic reactions, or no improvement after 3 days occurs, patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
- Adequate hydration and rest are important adjuncts to antibiotic therapy for pneumonia recovery.
Clinical Decision Making
- The choice of antibiotic, including Augmentin, should be based on local microbiological surveillance and the patient's specific circumstances, such as intolerance to penicillins or the presence of certain bacteria 1.
- In cases where patients are at high risk of complications or secondary infection, antibiotics like Augmentin may be considered even in the presence of lower respiratory features.
From the FDA Drug Label
2.2 Dosage for Adults and Pediatric Patients Aged 3 Months (12 weeks) and Older ... Lower Respiratory Tract Mild/ Moderate or Severe 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours
The recommended dose of amoxicillin for pneumonia is:
- 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours for adults
- 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours for pediatric patients aged 3 months and older and weight less than 40 kg 2
From the Research
Augmentin Dose for Pneumonia
- The recommended dose of Augmentin for pneumonia is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the studies suggest various dosing regimens for community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia.
- A study from 2004 3 mentions the development of two new high-dose amoxicillin/clavulanate formulations: Augmentin XR (2000/125 mg twice daily) for adult respiratory tract infection and Augmentin ES-600 (90/6.4 mg/kg/day in two divided doses) for pediatric use.
- Another study from 2000 4 compares the effectiveness of oral levofloxacin versus intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanate (1.02 g every 8 hours) and ceftriaxone in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia that requires hospitalization.
- A study from 2007 5 compares levofloxacin with a combination of amoxicillin/clavulanate (500 mg/100 mg IV every 8 hours) and clarithromycin for the treatment of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia.
- A study from 1997 6 found that dosing amoxicillin/clavulanate every 12 hours (875/125 mg) is as effective as dosing every 8 hours (500/125 mg) for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infection.
Dosing Regimens
- Augmentin XR: 2000/125 mg twice daily for adult respiratory tract infection 3
- Augmentin ES-600: 90/6.4 mg/kg/day in two divided doses for pediatric use 3
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate: 1.02 g every 8 hours for community-acquired pneumonia that requires hospitalization 4
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate: 500 mg/100 mg IV every 8 hours for hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia 5
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate: 875/125 mg every 12 hours or 500/125 mg every 8 hours for lower respiratory tract infection 6