What is the recommended dose of amoxicillin (amoxicillin) for a 3-year-old child weighing 10kg?

From the Guidelines

The recommended dose of amoxicillin for a 3-year-old child weighing 10kg is 90 mg/kg/day in 2 doses, as per the guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia in infants and children older than 3 months of age 1. For this child, this would mean 900 mg total daily, or approximately 450 mg per dose given twice daily. The medication should be given with or without food, though taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if the child feels better before it's finished. Amoxicillin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many common childhood infections. If the child develops a rash, severe diarrhea, or signs of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling), medical attention should be sought immediately. Always measure liquid medication with the provided dosing device for accuracy. Some key points to consider when administering amoxicillin to children include:

• Ensuring the child finishes the entire course of antibiotics, even if they start feeling better before completion
• Monitoring for potential side effects, such as allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset
• Administering the medication as directed, with or without food, to minimize stomach upset
• Using the provided dosing device to accurately measure liquid medication. Given the potential for variable susceptibility of pathogens, it is crucial to follow the most recent guidelines, such as those provided by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, to ensure appropriate dosing and treatment duration.

From the FDA Drug Label

Table 1 ... Ear/Nose/Throat Mild/ Moderate 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours ... Lower Respiratory Tract Mild/ Moderate or Severe 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours

For a 3-year-old child weighing 10kg, the recommended dose of amoxicillin is:

• For mild to moderate infections (e.g. Ear/Nose/Throat): 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours
• For severe infections or Lower Respiratory Tract infections: 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours So for a 10kg child:
• Mild to moderate infections: 250 mg every 12 hours or 200 mg every 8 hours
• Severe infections or Lower Respiratory Tract infections: 450 mg every 12 hours or 400 mg every 8 hours 2

From the Research

Amoxicillin Dosing for a 3-Year-Old Child Weighing 10kg

To calculate the recommended dose of amoxicillin for a 3-year-old child weighing 10kg, we need to consider the dosing instructions provided in the available studies.

• The study 3 recommends amoxicillin dosing based on body weight instead of age, with a dose of 60 mg/kg/day in two divided doses for common uncomplicated infections.
• Another study 4 compares the clinical efficacy and side-effects of amoxicillin given two or three times daily, but does not provide a specific dose recommendation based on weight.
• The study 5 compares the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin given twice or three times per day to children older than 3 months with pneumonia, and suggests a dose of 25 mg/kg/dose twice daily or 15 mg/kg/dose three times daily.
• The study 6 does not provide a specific dose recommendation for amoxicillin, but compares the clinical effectiveness of azithromycin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and cefaclor in the treatment of acute ENT infections.
• The most recent study 7 compares the efficacy, safety, and impact on antimicrobial resistance of shorter (3-day) and longer (7-day) treatment with amoxicillin at both a lower (35-50 mg/kg/day) and a higher (70-90 mg/kg/day) dose in children with uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia.

Recommended Dose

Based on the study 3, the recommended dose of amoxicillin for a 3-year-old child weighing 10kg would be: 60 mg/kg/day x 10kg = 600 mg/day Divided into two doses: 300 mg twice daily

Please note that this is a general recommendation and the actual dose may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and other factors. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.