Amoxicillin Dosage for a 7-Year-Old Weighing 58.3 kg
For a 7-year-old child weighing 58.3 kg, the appropriate dose of amoxicillin 250mg/5ml is 40 mg/kg/day divided into three doses, which equals approximately 15-16 ml (750-800 mg) per dose, three times a day.
Dosage Calculation
The FDA-approved dosing information for amoxicillin provides clear guidance for pediatric patients:
For children weighing more than 40 kg:
- The adult dosage regimen applies 1
- For mild to moderate infections: 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours
- For severe infections: 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours
For this specific case:
- Since the child weighs 58.3 kg (>40 kg), adult dosing can be used
- For the three times daily regimen (every 8 hours), the appropriate dose would be:
- 750-800 mg per dose (equivalent to 15-16 ml of the 250mg/5ml suspension)
Clinical Considerations
The child's weight of 58.3 kg is well above the 40 kg threshold mentioned in guidelines, so adult dosing is appropriate 1
When using the 250mg/5ml suspension:
- Each 5 ml contains 250 mg of amoxicillin
- For a 750 mg dose: 15 ml of suspension should be administered
- For an 800 mg dose: 16 ml of suspension should be administered
The suspension should be shaken well before use and can be administered directly or mixed with formula, milk, fruit juice, or water 1
Important Administration Guidelines
- Amoxicillin should be taken at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 1
- Treatment should continue for a minimum of 48-72 hours beyond symptom resolution 1
- For Streptococcus pyogenes infections, a minimum of 10 days of treatment is recommended to prevent acute rheumatic fever 1
- The reconstituted suspension must be refrigerated (preferably) and discarded after 14 days 1
Monitoring and Follow-up
- Monitor for clinical improvement within 48-72 hours of starting treatment
- Watch for potential side effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea) and allergic reactions
- If the infection is severe or not responding to treatment, reassess the diagnosis and consider alternative antibiotics
This dosing recommendation prioritizes optimal therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of adverse effects, ensuring the best outcome for the patient in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.