Dosing Recommendation for Augmentin 250-62.5mg/5ml
For a child weighing 11.48 kg, administer 5 mL of Augmentin 250-62.5mg/5ml suspension three times daily for 7-10 days.
Rationale
This dosing is based on the British Thoracic Society guidelines 1 and FDA labeling 2, which recommend co-amoxiclav for children aged 1-6 years at a dose of 5 mL of the 125/31 suspension three times daily. However, since you have the 250/62 formulation available, the same volume (5 mL) given three times daily is appropriate for this weight range.
Dose Calculation Verification
- Target dose: The standard pediatric dosing for community-acquired infections is 40-45 mg/kg/day of the amoxicillin component 1, 3
- Your child's dose: 5 mL of 250-62.5mg/5ml suspension = 250 mg amoxicillin per dose
- Daily total: 250 mg × 3 = 750 mg/day
- Per kg: 750 mg ÷ 11.48 kg = 65.3 mg/kg/day
This dose is appropriate and falls within the recommended range. For more severe infections or resistant organisms, guidelines support doses up to 80-90 mg/kg/day 3, 4.
Administration Instructions
- Give at the start of meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects and enhance clavulanate absorption 2
- Shake the suspension well before each dose
- Duration: 7-10 days for most respiratory infections 1; 10 days for pneumonia 5
Important Caveats
Watch for diarrhea: Protocol-defined diarrhea occurs in approximately 13-26% of children on standard amoxicillin-clavulanate formulations 2, 6. The 250/62 formulation has a higher clavulanate ratio (1:4) compared to newer formulations, which may increase gastrointestinal side effects.
Alternative if diarrhea develops: If significant diarrhea occurs, consider switching to amoxicillin alone (without clavulanate) at 90 mg/kg/day if β-lactamase-producing organisms are not suspected 3.
Assess response at 48-72 hours: If no clinical improvement occurs within this timeframe, further investigation is warranted 3, 4.