Dosage of Augmentin for a 10-year-old weighing 53 kg
For a 10-year-old child weighing 53 kg, the recommended dosage of Augmentin is 75 mg/kg/day divided into two doses (Augmentin 875/125 mg tablet twice daily).
Dosing Considerations
Weight-Based Dosing
- For children weighing >40 kg (88 lb), adult dosing is appropriate 1
- This 10-year-old weighs 53 kg, which exceeds the 40 kg threshold for adult dosing
- The standard adult dose is 875/125 mg twice daily
Age-Based Considerations
- According to guidelines, children aged 10-12 years should receive 250 mg of co-amoxiclav three times daily 1
- However, weight-based dosing takes precedence over age-based dosing when there is a significant difference between the child's weight and the average weight for their age
Formulation Options
- Augmentin is available in several formulations:
- Standard tablets (250/125 mg, 500/125 mg, 875/125 mg)
- Suspension (125/31 mg/5mL, 250/62 mg/5mL, 400/57 mg/5mL)
- Extended-release tablets (for adults and children >40 kg)
Recommended Regimen
Primary Recommendation
- Augmentin 875/125 mg tablet twice daily
- This provides approximately 33 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component, which is within the recommended range for most infections
Alternative Regimen (for severe infections)
- For severe infections, doses may be doubled 1
- In this case, consider Augmentin 1000/62.5 mg suspension twice daily
- This higher dose would be appropriate for persistent or recurrent infections, particularly those involving resistant pathogens
Important Considerations
Duration of Therapy
- Standard duration: 7-10 days for most respiratory infections 1
- May need up to 14 days depending on clinical response
Monitoring
- Monitor for common side effects:
- Diarrhea (less common with newer twice-daily formulations compared to three-times-daily regimens) 2
- Skin rash
- Nausea/vomiting
Special Precautions
- Ensure normal renal function before prescribing standard doses
- Consider dose reduction if there is evidence of renal impairment
- Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects
Conclusion
The weight of this 10-year-old (53 kg) places them in the adult dosing category for Augmentin. The recommended regimen is 875/125 mg twice daily for 7-10 days for most infections, with the option to extend to 14 days based on clinical response.