What is the appropriate dosage of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for a 65 kg male?

From the Guidelines

For a 65 kg male, the recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is 875 mg/125 mg taken orally twice daily, as this dose is effective against many common bacterial infections and has a favorable balance of efficacy and safety 1. When considering the treatment of bacterial infections, it's essential to choose an antibiotic that is effective against the suspected or confirmed pathogen.

• The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in Augmentin provides a broad spectrum of activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, making it a suitable choice for various infections, including respiratory, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue infections.
• The dosage of 875 mg/125 mg twice daily is recommended for adults, including a 65 kg male, as it achieves adequate tissue and serum concentrations to effectively combat bacterial infections.
• It's crucial to take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, which are common with many antibiotics, including Augmentin.
• Completing the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before finishing, is vital to ensure the complete eradication of the infection and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
• Augmentin works by combining amoxicillin, which disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis, with clavulanic acid, which prevents bacterial enzymes from inactivating the amoxicillin, thereby enhancing its effectiveness against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
• Common side effects of Augmentin include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, but severe diarrhea could indicate a C. difficile infection, necessitating prompt consultation with a healthcare provider.
• Storage of Augmentin at room temperature, away from moisture, is recommended to maintain its potency. The most recent and highest quality study supporting this recommendation is from 2014, which provides guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections, including the use of amoxicillin-clavulanate for the treatment of such infections 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Pediatric patients 3 months and older Based on the amoxicillin component (600 mg/42. 9 mg per 5 mL), the recommended dose of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium for Oral Suspension 600 mg/42.9 mg per 5 mL is 90 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours, administered for 10 days Body Weight (kg)Volume of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium for OralSuspension 600 mg/42.9 mg per 5 mLproviding 90 mg/kg/day ... Pediatric patients weighing 40 kg and more Experience with Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium for Oral Suspension (600 mg/42. 9 mg per 5 mL formulation) in this group is not available.

For a 65 kg male, the FDA label does not provide a direct recommendation for the dose of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium for Oral Suspension 600 mg/42.9 mg per 5 mL, as the information provided is for pediatric patients weighing 40 kg and more where experience with this formulation is not available, and there is no information for adults who can swallow tablets. The dose for pediatric patients is 90 mg/kg/day, but this patient's weight is above the range where experience with this formulation is available. Given the lack of direct information, no conclusion can be drawn for the dose of Augmenton (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium) for a 65 kg male 2.

From the Research

Augmentin for a 65 kg Male

• The dosage of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) for a 65 kg male is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but we can look at the properties and usage of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid to understand how it might be used 3.
• Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is often used as empiric therapy for various infections, and its effectiveness depends on the type of infection and the susceptibility of the pathogens involved 4, 5.
• The choice of antibiotic therapy should be based on the clinical presentation of the patient, the probability of a bacterial infection, and the potential for pathogens to be susceptible to various oral antimicrobial agents 4.

Susceptibility of Pathogens to Augmentin

• According to a 2004 study, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was effective against a wide range of pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis 4.
• The study found that 91.6% of S. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin, and 92.1% were susceptible to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 4.
• Another study published in 2019 found that amoxicillin/clavulanic acid + aminoglycoside was an effective empirical antibiotic treatment in severe community-acquired infections with diagnostic uncertainty 5.

Properties and Usage of Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid

• Amoxicillin has been in use since the 1970s and is the most widely used penicillin, both alone and in combination with clavulanic acid 3.
• Clavulanic acid is more protein-bound and less heat-stable than amoxicillin, with primarily hepatic metabolism, and is associated with gastrointestinal side effects, including Clostridium difficile infection 3.
• The choice of combination ratio for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid depends on various factors, including the type of infection and the susceptibility of the pathogens involved 3.