Azithromycin Dosing for 17.24 kg Child
For a child weighing 17.24 kg, administer 8.5 mL (170 mg) of azithromycin 100 mg/5 mL suspension once daily on Day 1, followed by 4.25 mL (85 mg) once daily on Days 2 through 5.
Dosing Calculation
The FDA-approved dosing regimen for pediatric patients is 10 mg/kg on Day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg once daily on Days 2-5 1. This is the standard regimen for community-acquired pneumonia, acute otitis media, and other respiratory infections in children.
Day 1 Dose:
- 17.24 kg × 10 mg/kg = 172.4 mg
- Using 100 mg/5 mL suspension: (172.4 mg ÷ 100 mg) × 5 mL = 8.6 mL
- Practical dose: 8.5 mL (170 mg)
Days 2-5 Dose:
- 17.24 kg × 5 mg/kg = 86.2 mg
- Using 100 mg/5 mL suspension: (86.2 mg ÷ 100 mg) × 5 mL = 4.3 mL
- Practical dose: 4.25 mL (85 mg)
Clinical Context
This dosing regimen is appropriate for 2, 1:
- Community-acquired pneumonia (presumed atypical)
- Acute otitis media
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (as second-line therapy)
- Acute bacterial sinusitis
Important Considerations:
For pharyngitis/tonsillitis specifically, a higher dose of 12 mg/kg once daily for 5 days is recommended due to higher recurrence rates with standard dosing 3, 1. This would be:
- 17.24 kg × 12 mg/kg = 206.9 mg daily
- 10.3 mL (approximately 10.5 mL) daily for 5 days
Alternative 3-day regimen: For acute otitis media or sinusitis, 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days is also FDA-approved 1, which would be 8.5 mL daily for 3 days.
Safety Profile
The calculated doses fall well within the therapeutic range of 10-30 mg/kg/day for children 3-11 months and older 4. Azithromycin is well-tolerated in pediatric patients, with gastrointestinal complaints being the most common adverse effects (occurring in approximately 9% of patients), which are typically mild to moderate 5.
Administration
Azithromycin suspension can be taken with or without food 1. The suspension should be shaken well before each dose.