What is the appropriate dosage of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) for a 12-year-old pediatric patient weighing 51.7 kilograms (114 pounds)?

From the Guidelines

For a 12-year-old child weighing 114 pounds (approximately 52 kg), the recommended Augmentin dosage is typically 90 mg/kg/day divided into two doses, as per the most recent guidelines 1. This translates to approximately 4,680 mg total daily dose for this child, or about 2,340 mg per dose given twice daily. Augmentin is commonly available in several formulations, and for this weight, Augmentin 875 mg (500 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate) tablets twice daily would be appropriate, but a more suitable option would be Augmentin 1000 mg (875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate) tablets twice daily, considering the child's weight and the recommended dosage. The medication should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset, and the full course prescribed by the doctor (usually 7-10 days) should be completed even if symptoms improve before then. It's essential to space the doses approximately 12 hours apart for consistent blood levels of the antibiotic. Augmentin works by combining amoxicillin, which kills bacteria by interfering with cell wall formation, with clavulanate, which protects amoxicillin from being broken down by bacterial enzymes. Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and skin rash. If severe diarrhea or allergic reactions occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Some key points to consider when prescribing Augmentin for this patient include:

• The dosage should not exceed the adult dose, as stated in the guidelines 1.
• The patient's weight and age should be taken into account when determining the appropriate dosage, as seen in the provided evidence 1.
• The medication should be taken as directed, and the full course should be completed to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of resistance.
• Potential side effects and interactions should be monitored and addressed promptly.

In terms of specific dosage recommendations, the guidelines suggest that for children over 5 years old, the dosage of amoxicillin/clavulanate should be 90 mg/kg/day divided into two doses, with a maximum dose of 4000 mg/day 1. This recommendation is based on the most recent evidence and should be followed to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Overall, the recommended Augmentin dosage for a 12-year-old child weighing 114 pounds is 90 mg/kg/day divided into two doses, with a suitable formulation being Augmentin 1000 mg tablets twice daily. This dosage should be taken with food, and the full course should be completed as directed by the doctor. By following these guidelines and considering the patient's individual needs, effective treatment can be achieved while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.

From the Research

Augmentin Dosage for a 12-Year-Old

To determine the appropriate Augmentin dosage for a 12-year-old weighing 114 pounds, we need to consider the following factors:

• The child's weight
• The severity of the infection
• The type of infection being treated

Available Dosage Information

Unfortunately, the provided studies do not offer specific dosage recommendations for Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) in children based on weight. However, we can look at the general information about Augmentin's efficacy and spectrum of activity:

• Amoxicillin/clavulanate is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis 2, 3
• It is often used to treat respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infections 2, 4

Considerations for Pediatric Patients

When prescribing Augmentin to pediatric patients, the dosage is typically based on the child's weight and the severity of the infection. The usual recommended dosage for children is:

• 25-45 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin, divided into 2-3 doses 5

However, without more specific information about the child's condition and the desired dosage, it is difficult to provide a precise recommendation.

Summary of Findings

In summary, while the provided studies do not offer specific dosage recommendations for Augmentin in children based on weight, they do provide information about the drug's efficacy and spectrum of activity:

• Amoxicillin/clavulanate is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against many types of bacteria 2, 4, 3
• It is often used to treat various infections, including respiratory tract infections and skin and soft tissue infections 2, 4
• The dosage for pediatric patients is typically based on the child's weight and the severity of the infection 5