What volume (milliliters) of the pediatric amoxicillin suspension is required to deliver a 240 mg dose for the child?

Volume Calculation for 240 mg Amoxicillin Dose

You need 9.6 mL of the 125 mg/5 mL suspension or 4.8 mL of the 250 mg/5 mL suspension to deliver a 240 mg dose.

Calculation Method

The volume required depends on which concentration of pediatric amoxicillin suspension you have available 1:

For 125 mg/5 mL suspension:

• 240 mg ÷ 125 mg = 1.92
• 1.92 × 5 mL = 9.6 mL

For 250 mg/5 mL suspension:

• 240 mg ÷ 250 mg = 0.96
• 0.96 × 5 mL = 4.8 mL

Administration Guidance

• Administer at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 1
• Shake the oral suspension well before each use 1
• The suspension can be placed directly on the child's tongue or mixed with formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or cold drinks—these preparations must be taken immediately 1
• Store the reconstituted suspension tightly closed; refrigeration is preferable but not required 1
• Discard any unused portion after 14 days 1

Clinical Context

This 240 mg dose represents a weight-based calculation for a specific child. The FDA-approved dosing for pediatric patients ≥3 months and <40 kg varies by infection severity 1:

• Mild/moderate infections: 25 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours
• Severe infections or pneumococcal coverage: 45 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours 2, 1