What is the recommended dose of amoxicillin (amoxicillin) for a 36-pound child with an ear infection (otitis media)?

From the Guidelines

For a 36-pound child with otitis media, the recommended dose of amoxicillin is 40 mg/kg twice daily for 5 days, as indicated by the World Health Organization guidelines 1. This translates to approximately 290-300 mg twice daily for this child, given their weight is approximately 16.3 kg. The liquid formulation (typically 400 mg/5mL or 250 mg/5mL) is often preferred for children. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for otitis media because it effectively targets Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, which are the most common bacterial causes of ear infections. If the child has taken amoxicillin in the past 30 days, has concurrent purulent conjunctivitis, or has recurrent otitis media that hasn't responded to amoxicillin, an alternative such as amoxicillin-clavulanate might be more appropriate due to possible bacterial resistance, as suggested by studies on the diagnosis and management of acute otitis media 1. Key considerations in managing otitis media include monitoring for treatment failure, which may necessitate a change in antibiotic therapy, and being aware of the potential for adverse events such as diarrhea and rash associated with antibiotic use 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Based on the amoxicillin component, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be dosed as follows: Patients Aged 12 weeks (3 months) and Older: Table 1: Dosing in Patients Aged 12 weeks (3 months) and Older INFECTION | DOSING REGIMEN Otitis media | 45 mg/kg/day every 12 hours

Patients Weighing 40 kg or More: Pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or more should be dosed according to adult recommendations

For a 36-pound child, the recommended dose of amoxicillin for an ear infection (otitis media) is 45 mg/kg/day every 12 hours. To calculate the dose:

• First, convert the child's weight from pounds to kilograms: 36 pounds is approximately 16.3 kilograms.
• Then, calculate the dose: 45 mg/kg/day * 16.3 kg = 733.5 mg/day, divided every 12 hours, which is approximately 367 mg every 12 hours. 2

From the Research

Amoxicillin Dosage for a 36-Pound Child with Ear Infection

• The recommended dosage of amoxicillin for a child with an ear infection is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but we can look at the general guidelines for amoxicillin dosage in children.
• According to the studies, amoxicillin is often prescribed at a dose of 40-45 mg/kg/day, divided into 2-3 doses per day 3, 4.
• For a 36-pound (16.3 kg) child, the estimated daily dose would be approximately 650-730 mg per day, assuming a 40-45 mg/kg/day dosage.
• However, it's essential to note that the dosage may vary depending on the specific formulation of amoxicillin, the severity of the infection, and other factors, so it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Administration Frequency

• Some studies suggest that once or twice daily doses of amoxicillin may be as effective as three or four times daily doses for the treatment of acute otitis media 5.
• However, the optimal administration frequency may depend on the specific circumstances of the child's infection and should be determined by a healthcare professional.

Important Considerations

• Amoxicillin is often prescribed in combination with clavulanate (Augmentin) to enhance its effectiveness against certain bacteria 6, 3.
• The choice of antibiotic and dosage should be based on the specific needs of the child and the severity of the infection, and should always be determined by a qualified healthcare professional 6, 7.