What is the recommended dose of Ceftin (Cefuroxime) for a 16-month-old child with an ear infection?

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Last updated: June 11, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The recommended dose of Ceftin (Cefuroxime) for a 16-month-old child with an ear infection is 10-30 mg/kg, with 20 mg/kg being appropriate for most infections, given three times a day. According to the British Thoracic Society guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia in childhood 1, the dosage for Cefuroxime in children over 7 days old is 30 mg/kg, given three times a day. For a 16-month-old child, this would translate to a dose of 10-30 mg/kg, three times a day.

Key Considerations

  • The medication should be given with food to improve absorption and potentially reduce stomach upset.
  • It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
  • Parents should monitor for possible side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, or rash.
  • If the child develops severe diarrhea, a significant rash, or difficulty breathing, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Administration and Monitoring

  • Ceftin is available as an oral suspension (125 mg/5 mL) that should be shaken well before measuring.
  • The dosage should be adjusted based on the child's weight, with 20 mg/kg being a suitable dose for most infections.
  • Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure the infection is resolving and to address any concerns or side effects.

From the FDA Drug Label

Pediatric Patients Above 3 Months of Age: Administration of 50 to 100 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses every 6 to 8 hours has been successful for most infections susceptible to cefuroxime The higher dosage of 100 mg/kg/day (not to exceed the maximum adult dosage) should be used for the more severe or serious infections.

The recommended dose of Ceftin (Cefuroxime) for a 16-month-old child with an ear infection is 50 to 100 mg/kg/day in equally divided doses every 6 to 8 hours. For more severe infections, the higher dosage of 100 mg/kg/day can be used, not exceeding the maximum adult dosage 2.

From the Research

Ceftin Dose for 16-Month-Old Child with Ear Infection

  • The recommended dose of Ceftin (Cefuroxime) for a 16-month-old child with an ear infection is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
  • However, according to the study 3, a 5-day course of cefuroxime axetil (CAE) suspension, given twice daily at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day, was shown to be equivalent to amoxicillin/clavulanate (A/CA) suspension for the treatment of acute otitis media with effusion in children.
  • Another study 4 compared the efficacy and safety of cefuroxime axetil suspension and amoxicillin/clavulanate suspension in the treatment of pediatric patients with acute otitis media with effusion, and found that cefuroxime axetil suspension 30 mg/kg per day in two divided doses was as effective as amoxicillin/clavulanate suspension 40 mg/kg per day in three divided doses.
  • It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dose and treatment plan for a 16-month-old child with an ear infection, as the dosage may vary depending on the specific condition and other factors 5.

Considerations for Treatment

  • The choice of antibiotic and dosage should be based on the severity of the infection, the patient's age and weight, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions 6.
  • The treatment plan should also take into account the potential for antibiotic resistance and the need for careful monitoring of the patient's response to treatment 7.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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