Augmentin 125-31.25mg/5ml Dosing for 8.89kg Child
For a child weighing 8.89 kg, administer 4 mL of Augmentin 125-31.25mg/5ml suspension three times daily (every 8 hours).
Dosing Calculation
The standard dosing for amoxicillin-clavulanate 125-31.25mg/5ml suspension in children is based on the amoxicillin component at 45 mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses for most community-acquired infections 1.
- Weight: 8.89 kg
- Total daily dose: 45 mg/kg/day × 8.89 kg = 400 mg/day of amoxicillin
- Per dose: 400 mg ÷ 3 = 133 mg per dose
- Volume per dose: Since 5 mL contains 125 mg amoxicillin, 133 mg = approximately 4 mL per dose
- Frequency: Every 8 hours (three times daily)
When to Use Higher Dosing
Consider high-dose amoxicillin-clavulanate (90 mg/kg/day) if:
- Child attends daycare
- Recent antibiotic use within past 30 days
- Age under 2 years
- Moderate to severe infection
- Geographic area with high rates of resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (>10%)
- β-lactamase producing organisms suspected (e.g., Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis) 2, 3, 4, 5
For high-dose regimen with this formulation, you would need approximately 8 mL three times daily, though this exceeds typical volumes and switching to the 250-62.5mg/5ml suspension at 4 mL three times daily would be more practical for high-dose therapy.
Administration Guidelines
- Give at the start of meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects and enhance clavulanate absorption 6
- Shake suspension well before each use
- Duration: Typically 7-10 days depending on infection type 1
- Storage: Refrigerate reconstituted suspension; stable for 10 days 6
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't underdose: The 125-31.25mg/5ml formulation is specifically designed for younger/smaller children. This child at 8.89 kg falls appropriately within the dosing range for this concentration.
Don't confuse formulations: The 125-31.25mg/5ml suspension is NOT interchangeable with other Augmentin suspensions (200-28.5mg/5ml, 400-57mg/5ml, or ES-600) due to different clavulanate ratios 6.
Don't extend beyond labeled indications: If treating β-lactamase producing H. influenzae in pneumonia, the guidelines specifically recommend amoxicillin-clavulanate at 45 mg/kg/day in 3 doses OR 90 mg/kg/day in 2 doses 2, 3.
Monitor for diarrhea: Protocol-defined diarrhea occurs in approximately 11-13% of children on amoxicillin-clavulanate 6. This is generally manageable and rarely requires discontinuation.