Oral Augmentin (Amoxicillin-Clavulanate) Dosing for Home Antibiotic Management
For adults requiring oral Augmentin at home, the standard dosing is 875/125 mg twice daily for most infections, or 500/125 mg three times daily for more severe infections. 1
Adult Dosing Options
Standard adult dosing:
- 875/125 mg tablet every 12 hours (preferred for respiratory infections)
- 500/125 mg tablet every 8 hours
- 250/125 mg tablet every 8 hours (for less severe infections)
Renal adjustment:
- For GFR <30 mL/min: Do not use 875/125 mg dose
- For GFR 10-30 mL/min: 500/125 mg or 250/125 mg every 12 hours
- For GFR <10 mL/min: 500/125 mg or 250/125 mg every 24 hours
- Hemodialysis patients: Additional dose during and after dialysis 1
Pediatric Dosing Options
For children ≥3 months:
- Standard dosing: 45 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours (based on amoxicillin component)
- Higher dosing for severe infections: 90 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours
- Alternative regimen: 40 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours 1
For children <3 months:
- 30 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours (based on amoxicillin component)
- Use 125 mg/5 mL suspension 1
For children ≥40 kg: Use adult dosing recommendations 1
Indication-Specific Considerations
Respiratory tract infections:
Skin and soft tissue infections:
- Adults: 875/125 mg twice daily
- Children: 25 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component in 2 divided doses 2
Group A streptococcal carriers:
- 40 mg amoxicillin/kg/day in three doses for 10 days 2
Duration of Therapy
- Respiratory infections: 7-10 days (5 days may be sufficient for some infections) 2
- Otitis media: 10 days 1
- Skin infections: 7 days depending on clinical response 2
Administration Considerations
- Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects
- Space doses evenly throughout the day
- Complete the entire course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve
- Store suspension in refrigerator and discard after 10 days
Monitoring and Common Pitfalls
Monitor for:
- Diarrhea (most common side effect)
- Rash (may indicate allergic reaction)
- Superinfection (oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection)
Common pitfalls:
- Inadequate dosing for resistant organisms
- Premature discontinuation leading to treatment failure
- Failure to adjust for renal impairment
- Not recognizing penicillin allergy (contraindication)
Special Considerations
- Penicillin allergy: Avoid in patients with immediate hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins
- Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; monitor liver function
- Mononucleosis: Avoid use (high risk of rash)
- Pregnancy: Generally considered safe (Category B)
Remember that twice-daily regimens are associated with significantly less diarrhea than three-times-daily regimens, improving adherence for home therapy 1.