Azithromycin Dosing for 14.15 kg Child
For a child weighing 14.15 kg, administer 7.5 mL (150 mg) of azithromycin 100 mg/5 mL suspension on day 1, followed by 3.75 mL (75 mg) once daily on days 2 through 5.
Dosing Calculation
The standard pediatric dosing regimen for azithromycin is 10 mg/kg on day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg once daily on days 2-5 1, 2.
Day 1 Dose:
- 14.15 kg × 10 mg/kg = 141.5 mg
- Using 100 mg/5 mL concentration: 141.5 mg ÷ 20 mg/mL = 7.1 mL
- Practical dose: 7.5 mL (150 mg)
Days 2-5 Dose:
- 14.15 kg × 5 mg/kg = 70.75 mg
- Using 100 mg/5 mL concentration: 70.75 mg ÷ 20 mg/mL = 3.5 mL
- Practical dose: 3.75 mL (75 mg)
Clinical Context
This 5-day regimen is the preferred dosing schedule for:
- Community-acquired pneumonia 1
- Atypical bacterial infections (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia) 1
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (as second-line therapy) 2
The FDA-approved dosing tables 2 confirm this approach, showing that children in the 10-20 kg weight range receive 5 mL (100 mg) on day 1 and 2.5 mL (50 mg) on days 2-5 when using the 200 mg/5 mL concentration. Proportionally adjusted for the 100 mg/5 mL concentration you have, this translates to the doses calculated above.
Important Considerations
Alternative regimens exist but have specific indications:
- 3-day regimen (10 mg/kg daily × 3 days): Used for acute otitis media and acute bacterial sinusitis 2
- Single-dose regimen (30 mg/kg): Only for acute otitis media 2
The 5-day regimen provides optimal systemic exposure with sustained tissue concentrations exceeding MICs for common pathogens 3, 4. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate that this dosing achieves appropriate drug levels while maintaining excellent tolerability in pediatric patients 5, 6.
Practical administration tips: