What is the recommended dose of Cephalexin (Keflex) for a 2-year-old child weighing 12.9 kilograms?

From the Guidelines

For a 2-year-old child weighing 12.9 kg, the recommended dose of Keflex (cephalexin) is 20 mg per kg per dose twice daily, with a maximum of 500 mg per dose, as indicated by the IDSA guideline update for managing group A streptococcal pharyngitis 1. This translates to approximately 258 mg per dose, given twice daily. The typical duration of treatment depends on the infection being treated, usually 10 days for group A streptococcal pharyngitis, as recommended by the IDSA guideline update 1. Some key points to consider when administering Keflex to a child include:

• Giving the medication with food to reduce stomach upset
• Using the oral suspension formulation, which is available in concentrations of 125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL
• Refrigerating the suspension and shaking it well before each dose
• Completing the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing It's essential to consult the child's healthcare provider for the exact dosing appropriate for their specific condition, as dosing may vary based on the type and severity of infection. The IDSA guideline update provides strong, high-quality evidence for the recommended dose of Keflex in children 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Pediatric Patients The usual recommended daily dosage for pediatric patients is 25 to 50 mg/kg in divided doses For streptococcal pharyngitis in patients over 1 year of age and for skin and skin structure infections, the total daily dose may be divided and administered every 12 hours. Cephalexin Suspension Weight125 mg/5 mL250 mg/5 mL 10 kg (22 lb)1/2 to 1 tsp q.i.d.1/4 to 1/2 tsp q.i.d. 20 kg (44 lb)1 to 2 tsp q.i.d.1/2 to 1 tsp q.i.d. 40 kg (88 lb)2 to 4 tsp q.i.d.1 to 2 tsp q.i. d. or Weight125 mg/5 mL250 mg/5 mL 10 kg (22 lb)1 to 2 tsp b.i.d.1/2 to 1 tsp b.i.d 20 kg (44 lb)2 to 4 tsp b.i.d.1 to 2 tsp b.i.d. 40 kg (88 lb)4 to 8 tsp b.i.d.2 to 4 tsp b.i. d.

The recommended dose for a child 2 years old weighing 12.9 kg is between 25 to 50 mg/kg in divided doses.

• The total daily dose would be between 322.5 mg (12.9 kg x 25 mg/kg) and 645 mg (12.9 kg x 50 mg/kg).
• This dose can be divided and administered every 12 hours for streptococcal pharyngitis or skin and skin structure infections.
• For a child weighing 12.9 kg, the dose is between the recommended dose for a 10 kg child and a 20 kg child, so the dose would be between 1 to 2 tsp of the 125 mg/5 mL suspension or 1/2 to 1 tsp of the 250 mg/5 mL suspension, given every 12 hours or every 6 hours for more severe infections 2.

From the Research

Keflex Dosing for Children

To determine the appropriate dose of Keflex (cephalexin) for a 2-year-old child weighing 12.9 kg, we must consider the standard dosing guidelines for children.

• The typical dose of cephalexin for children is 25-50 mg/kg per day, divided into 2-4 doses 3.
• However, the provided studies do not specifically address the dosing of cephalexin for children.
• Study 4 mentions cephalexin in the context of antimicrobial susceptibility, but does not provide dosing information.
• The other studies 5, 6, 7 discuss antibiotic use and prescribing practices, but do not provide specific guidance on cephalexin dosing for children.

Considerations for Dosing

When determining the dose of cephalexin for a child, it is essential to consider the following factors:

• The child's weight and age
• The severity of the infection being treated
• The potential for antibiotic resistance
• The risk of side effects and adverse reactions

Available Information

Unfortunately, the provided studies do not offer direct guidance on the appropriate dose of cephalexin for a 2-year-old child weighing 12.9 kg. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional or a reliable medical resource to determine the correct dose and treatment plan for the child.