What is the dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) for treating bacterial infections?

Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate) Dosing Guidelines

The standard adult dose of Augmentin is 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate twice daily or 500 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate three times daily for most common infections. 1, 2

Adult Dosing

Standard Adult Dosing Options:

• 875/125 mg twice daily (every 12 hours) - preferred for most infections
• 500/125 mg three times daily (every 8 hours) - alternative regimen
• 250/125 mg every 8 hours - for mild infections

Specific Indications:

• Respiratory tract infections: 875/125 mg twice daily or 500/125 mg three times daily for 7-10 days 3, 4
• Skin/soft tissue infections: 875/125 mg twice daily 3
• H. pylori infection: 1000 mg amoxicillin three times daily (with lansoprazole) for 14 days 1

Pediatric Dosing

Standard Pediatric Dosing:

• Weight < 40 kg:

  • Mild/moderate infections: 25 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component divided every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours
  • Severe infections: 45 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours 1

• Weight ≥ 40 kg: Use adult dosing 1, 2

• Children < 12 weeks: Maximum 30 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours (due to immature renal function) 1

Dosing in Special Populations

Renal Impairment:

• GFR 10-30 mL/min: 500 mg or 250 mg every 12 hours
• GFR < 10 mL/min: 500 mg or 250 mg every 24 hours
• Hemodialysis: 500 mg or 250 mg every 24 hours plus additional dose during and after dialysis 1, 2

Important Note:

Patients with severe renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min) should NOT receive the 875 mg dose 1, 2

Administration Guidelines

• Take at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 1, 2
• Complete the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve before completion 4
• Shake oral suspension well before using; discard unused portion after 14 days 1

Clinical Pearls

• Two 250/125 mg tablets are NOT equivalent to one 500/125 mg tablet (due to different amoxicillin/clavulanate ratios) 2
• Treatment should continue for at least 48-72 hours after the patient becomes asymptomatic 1
• For Streptococcus pyogenes infections, treat for at least 10 days to prevent acute rheumatic fever 1
• Augmentin has demonstrated good efficacy against beta-lactamase-producing organisms that would otherwise be resistant to amoxicillin alone 5
• Local resistance patterns should be considered when selecting therapy 4

Augmentin remains a valuable broad-spectrum antibiotic for community-acquired infections, with different formulations available to address varying clinical needs and resistance patterns.