What is the recommended dosage of amoxicillin (amoxicillin) for treating an ear infection?

From the Guidelines

The recommended dosage of amoxicillin for treating an ear infection is 80-90 mg/kg/day divided into two doses for children, as stated in the 2013 Pediatrics study 1. This dosage is weight-based, with infants and smaller children receiving proportionally adjusted amounts. The medication should be taken with or without food at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to maintain consistent blood levels. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing the prescription. Amoxicillin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, effectively treating the most common bacteria that cause ear infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. If symptoms don't improve within 48-72 hours, or if they worsen, contact your healthcare provider as a different antibiotic may be needed. Some patients may require a higher dose or the addition of clavulanate (Augmentin) if bacterial resistance is suspected, as recommended in the 2013 Pediatrics study 1 and supported by the 2017 Otolaryngology study 1. Key factors to consider when diagnosing and managing acute otitis media include the use of pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry, and treating pain, as outlined in the 2017 Otolaryngology study 1. The 2013 Pediatrics study 1 provides a comprehensive guideline for the diagnosis and management of acute otitis media, including recommended first-line treatments and alternative treatments for patients with penicillin allergy. It's crucial to follow the recommended dosage and treatment guidelines to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of complications, as emphasized in both the 2013 Pediatrics study 1 and the 2017 Otolaryngology study 1.

Some key points to consider when treating ear infections with amoxicillin include:

• The importance of completing the full course of antibiotics to ensure effective treatment and prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• The need to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as necessary, as outlined in the 2013 Pediatrics study 1
• The potential for alternative treatments, such as cefdinir or cefuroxime, for patients with penicillin allergy, as recommended in the 2013 Pediatrics study 1 and supported by the 2017 Otolaryngology study 1
• The importance of treating pain and using pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry to diagnose and manage acute otitis media, as outlined in the 2017 Otolaryngology study 1.

Overall, the recommended dosage of amoxicillin for treating an ear infection is 80-90 mg/kg/day divided into two doses for children, and it's essential to follow the recommended treatment guidelines and monitor symptoms to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of complications.

From the FDA Drug Label

Table 1 Ear/Nose/Throat Mild/ Moderate 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours

The recommended dosage of amoxicillin for treating an ear infection is 25 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for mild to moderate infections in pediatric patients aged 3 months and older and weight less than 40 kg 2.

From the Research

Amoxicillin Dosing for Ear Infection

• The recommended dosage of amoxicillin for treating an ear infection is not explicitly stated in the provided studies as 25 mg/kg divided twice daily.
• However, according to the study 3, a high-dose amoxicillin regimen of 80 to 90 mg/kg/day is recommended for the treatment of recurrent and persistent acute otitis media.
• Another study 4 suggests that amoxicillin at conventional or high doses (80-90 mg/kg/day) remains an appropriate choice for first-line therapy for acute otitis media.
• The study 5 compared the effectiveness of one or two daily doses with three or four daily doses of amoxicillin, with or without clavulanate, for the treatment of acute otitis media in children, and found that the results were comparable between the two groups.

Dosage Frequency

• The study 5 found that once or twice daily doses of amoxicillin, with or without clavulanate, were comparable with three doses for the treatment of acute otitis media.
• The study 6 used a twice-daily dosing regimen of 20 mg/kg of amoxicillin as a control group, but did not specifically address the dosing frequency for amoxicillin in the treatment of ear infections.

Treatment of Acute Otitis Media

• The study 4 provides consensus recommendations for the management of acute otitis media, with a focus on antimicrobial therapy, and suggests that amoxicillin at conventional or high doses (80-90 mg/kg/day) remains an appropriate choice for first-line therapy.
• The study 3 recommends a high-dose amoxicillin regimen of 80 to 90 mg/kg/day for the treatment of recurrent and persistent acute otitis media, and suggests that other antibiotics, such as cefuroxime axetil and ceftriaxone, may also be effective.