Is 7.4 mL of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for 10 days an appropriate treatment for periorbital cellulitis in a 3-year-old child weighing 52 pounds?

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From the FDA Drug Label

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From the Research

The dose of 7.4 mL of Augmentin for 10 days in a 3-year-old with periorbital cellulitis weighing 52 pounds is not appropriate without knowing the concentration of the medication. For a 3-year-old weighing 52 pounds (approximately 23.6 kg), the standard dosing for Augmentin in periorbital cellulitis is typically 45-90 mg/kg/day of the amoxicillin component, divided into two doses 1. The most common formulation of Augmentin suspension is 400 mg/5 mL or 600 mg/5 mL of amoxicillin. If using the 400 mg/5 mL formulation, an appropriate dose would be around 8-16 mL total daily (divided into two doses). If using the 600 mg/5 mL formulation, about 5.5-11 mL total daily would be appropriate. The 10-day duration is generally appropriate for periorbital cellulitis 2, 1. Additionally, periorbital cellulitis requires close monitoring for improvement within 24-48 hours, and if the infection appears severe or doesn't improve promptly, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary 3, 4. The child should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist if there are concerns about orbital involvement, vision changes, or eye movement abnormalities. Some key points to consider in the management of periorbital cellulitis include:

  • The most common causes of periorbital cellulitis are sinusitis, trauma, and ocular conditions 1
  • Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus are common pathogens involved in periorbital cellulitis 5, 2
  • The use of antibiotics such as Augmentin is effective in the treatment of periorbital cellulitis, but the dose and duration should be individualized based on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment 2, 1

References

Research

Periorbital cellulitis in the pediatric population: clinical features and management of 117 cases.

Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale, 2011

Research

Periorbital cellulitis: a comparison of different treatment regimens.

Acta paediatrica Japonica : Overseas edition, 1996

Research

Who should manage acute periorbital cellulitis in children?

International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology, 2012

Research

Periorbital cellulitis in infancy.

Journal of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, 1989

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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