Dosage of Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid (Amoclavin 457) for a 36 kg Child
For a child weighing 36 kg, the recommended dosage of Amoclavin 457 (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) is 60 mg/kg/day of the amoxicillin component, which equals approximately 2160 mg of amoxicillin daily, divided into two doses of 1080 mg each.
Dosage Calculation
Based on the child's weight of 36 kg, the appropriate dosing is:
- Since the child weighs 36 kg (between 23-40 kg), the correct dosage is 60 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin 1, 2
- Total daily dose: 36 kg × 60 mg/kg = 2160 mg amoxicillin per day
- Administration schedule: Divided into two doses (every 12 hours) = 1080 mg per dose
Administration Guidelines
- Give Amoclavin 457 at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 1, 2
- Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed (typically 5-10 days depending on infection type)
- For infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, treatment should continue for at least 10 days to prevent acute rheumatic fever 1
Clinical Considerations
Indications
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is indicated for:
- Respiratory tract infections
- Otitis media
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Other infections caused by susceptible organisms 1, 2
Efficacy
- The addition of clavulanic acid extends amoxicillin's spectrum to include beta-lactamase producing organisms 3
- Particularly effective for infections where beta-lactamase production has limited amoxicillin's effectiveness 4
Common Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
- Skin rash
- Twice-daily dosing generally results in fewer gastrointestinal side effects than three-times-daily dosing 3
Important Precautions
- Monitor for signs of allergic reactions, which can range from mild rash to severe anaphylaxis
- If the patient has impaired renal function, dose adjustment may be necessary 1, 2
- For children with a history of penicillin allergy, alternative antibiotics should be considered
Monitoring
- Assess clinical response within 48-72 hours of initiating treatment
- If no improvement is observed after 48-72 hours, reassess the diagnosis and consider alternative antibiotics 5
Practical Tips
- Shake oral suspension well before each use
- Store reconstituted suspension in the refrigerator
- Discard any unused suspension after 14 days 1
- Ensure adequate hydration during treatment
By following these dosing guidelines, you can optimize the therapeutic effect of Amoclavin 457 while minimizing potential adverse effects in this 36 kg child.