What is the recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) suspension for a 5-year-old child weighing 45 pounds?

From the Guidelines

For a 5-year-old child weighing 45 pounds, the recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) suspension is 5 ml (250/62 suspension) three times a day, as per the British Thoracic Society guidelines 1. The dosing of Augmentin suspension is based on the child's age and weight, and it is essential to follow the recommended dosage to ensure effective treatment and minimize side effects.

• The recommended dose for a child between 1-6 years old is 5 ml (125/31 suspension) three times a day, but since the child is close to 7 years old and weighs 45 pounds, the dose can be adjusted to 5 ml (250/62 suspension) three times a day, as indicated in the guidelines for children between 7-12 years old 1.
• It is crucial to note that the dose may be doubled in severe infections, but this should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
• The medication should be given with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, and parents should complete the full course of antibiotics even if the child feels better before the medication is finished.
• Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach upset, and diaper rash, and if severe diarrhea, rash, or signs of an allergic reaction occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.
• The Augmentin suspension should be refrigerated after reconstitution and shaken well before each use to ensure the medication is effective and safe for the child.

From the FDA Drug Label

Table 1 ... Weight Less than 40 kg ... 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours ... 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours

The recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) suspension for a 5-year-old child weighing 45 pounds is:

• For mild/moderate infections: 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours
• For severe infections: 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours 2

From the Research

Augmentin Suspension Dosing for a 5-Year-Old Child

The recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) suspension for a 5-year-old child weighing 45 pounds can be determined based on the child's weight.

• The standard dose of Augmentin suspension is 40/10 mg/kg/day in three divided doses 3.
• For a child weighing 45 pounds (approximately 20.4 kg), the calculated dose would be:
  • 40 mg/kg/day x 20.4 kg = 816 mg/day
  • 10 mg/kg/day x 20.4 kg = 204 mg/day
• This can be administered in three divided doses, resulting in approximately 272 mg of amoxicillin and 68 mg of clavulanate per dose.
• However, for recurrent or persistent acute otitis media, a high-dose formulation of 90/6.4 mg/kg/day in two divided doses may be considered 3, 4, 5.
• For a child weighing 45 pounds (approximately 20.4 kg), the calculated high-dose would be:
  • 90 mg/kg/day x 20.4 kg = 1836 mg/day
  • 6.4 mg/kg/day x 20.4 kg = 130.6 mg/day
• This can be administered in two divided doses, resulting in approximately 918 mg of amoxicillin and 65.3 mg of clavulanate per dose.

Important Considerations

• The choice of dose and formulation should be based on the specific diagnosis, severity of infection, and local resistance patterns.
• Amoxicillin/clavulanate is generally well tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal disturbances being the most common adverse events 3, 5.