From the Guidelines
For a 10-year-old child weighing 83 pounds (approximately 37.7 kg) with strep throat, the recommended dose of chewable amoxicillin is 50 mg/kg/day, which equals approximately 1885 mg per day, and this can be divided into two doses of approximately 942.5 mg twice daily, but for ease of dosing with standard chewable tablet strengths, this can be rounded to 500 mg twice daily or 1000 mg once daily as the maximum dose is 1000 mg 1. The typical duration of treatment for strep throat is 10 days, even if symptoms improve before then, to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria. Chewable amoxicillin tablets should be taken with or without food, though taking with food may help reduce stomach upset. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent recurrence of infection and complications such as rheumatic fever. If the child has a penicillin allergy, alternative antibiotics like azithromycin or clindamycin would be needed instead, with dosages of 12 mg/kg once daily for azithromycin (maximum 500 mg) for 5 days 1 or 7 mg/kg per dose three times daily for clindamycin (maximum 300 mg per dose) for 10 days 1. Parents should ensure adequate fluid intake during the illness and may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain relief as needed. Given the potential for resistance and the importance of accurate diagnosis, it's crucial to follow guidelines and adjust treatment based on patient response and allergy status, as outlined in the most recent guidelines 1.
From the Research
Dosage of Chewable Amoxicillin for a 10-year-old with Strep
- The dosage of chewable amoxicillin for a 10-year-old weighing 83lb with strep is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, study 4 mentions that amoxicillin/clavulanate (43.8/6.2 mg/kg/day b.i.d.) for 5 days was used to treat group A streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis in children aged 2-16 years.
- To determine the appropriate dosage, we can calculate the child's weight in kilograms: 83lb / 2.2lb/kg = 37.7kg.
- Using the dosage from study 4, the calculated dosage would be: 43.8mg/kg/day * 37.7kg = 1653.6mg/day, divided into two doses: 826.8mg b.i.d.
- However, it is essential to note that this calculation is based on a study using amoxicillin/clavulanate, not chewable amoxicillin, and the dosage may vary depending on the specific formulation and manufacturer's instructions.
- Study 5 compares different antibiotic treatments for group A streptococcal pharyngitis, including amoxicillin, but does not provide specific dosage information for children.
- Study 6 discusses macrolide therapy for group A streptococcal pharyngitis, but does not provide information on amoxicillin dosages.