Augmentin Suspension Dosing for Adult Non-Purulent Cellulitis
For adult patients with non-purulent cellulitis, the recommended Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) suspension dose is 875 mg/125 mg every 12 hours, which can be administered using the 400 mg/57 mg per 5 mL suspension formulation. 1
Dosing Guidelines for Adults
For adults requiring suspension formulation of Augmentin:
The FDA-approved dosing for more severe infections and respiratory tract infections is:
- 875 mg/125 mg every 12 hours OR
- 500 mg/125 mg every 8 hours 1
For adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets:
- The 400 mg/57 mg per 5 mL suspension may be used in place of the 875 mg/125 mg tablet
- The 200 mg/28.5 mg per 5 mL suspension may also be used in place of the 875 mg/125 mg tablet 1
Administration Guidelines
- Take Augmentin at the start of a meal to enhance absorption of clavulanate potassium and minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 1
- Continue treatment for 5 days, but extend if infection has not improved within this time period 2
Treatment Considerations for Non-Purulent Cellulitis
- For non-purulent cellulitis with systemic signs of infection, systemic antibiotics are indicated 2
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate is an appropriate choice for cellulitis treatment, particularly when coverage for both streptococci and staphylococci is desired 2
- The combination therapy of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid has been associated with shorter hospital stays for patients with erysipelas or bacterial cellulitis compared to cephalosporins or clindamycin 3
Important Clinical Pearls
- Elevation of the affected area and treatment of predisposing factors (such as edema or underlying cutaneous disorders) are recommended alongside antibiotic therapy 2
- Carefully examine interdigital toe spaces in lower-extremity cellulitis, as treating fissuring, scaling, or maceration may reduce recurrent infections 2
- Outpatient therapy is appropriate for patients without SIRS, altered mental status, or hemodynamic instability 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not substitute two 250 mg/125 mg tablets for one 500 mg/125 mg tablet, as they contain the same amount of clavulanic acid 1
- Do not confuse the 250 mg/125 mg tablet with the 250 mg/62.5 mg chewable tablet, as they are not interchangeable and contain different amounts of clavulanic acid 1
- Assess clinical response within 48-72 hours; if no improvement is observed, reassess diagnosis and consider changing antibiotic therapy 4
Remember that for adult patients weighing 40 kg or more, dosing should follow adult recommendations even when using suspension formulations 1.