Augmentin Dosing for a 3-Year-Old Weighing 32 Pounds
For a 3-year-old child weighing 32 pounds (approximately 14.5 kg), the recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is 30 mg twice daily based on the child's weight falling into the ≤15 kg category.
Dosage Calculation
The appropriate dosing for Augmentin is based on the child's weight:
- Weight categories for pediatric dosing:
- ≤15 kg (≤33 lb): 30 mg twice daily
15-23 kg (33-51 lb): 45 mg twice daily
23-40 kg (51-88 lb): 60 mg twice daily
40 kg (>88 lb): 75 mg twice daily
Since this child weighs 32 pounds (14.5 kg), they fall into the ≤15 kg (≤33 lb) category, making the appropriate dose 30 mg twice daily 1.
Administration Guidelines
- Augmentin should be administered at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 1.
- The standard duration of treatment should be continued for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours beyond the time that the patient becomes asymptomatic, or until evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained 1.
- For infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a minimum of 10 days of treatment is recommended to prevent acute rheumatic fever 1.
Formulation Considerations
- Augmentin oral suspension should be shaken well before using.
- After reconstitution, the required amount of suspension should be placed directly on the child's tongue for swallowing or mixed with formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or cold drinks 1.
- Any unused portion of the reconstituted suspension must be discarded after 14 days.
- Refrigeration is preferable but not required 1.
Important Clinical Considerations
- Augmentin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that combines amoxicillin with clavulanate, which inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes that can cause resistance to amoxicillin alone 2.
- This combination is effective against respiratory tract infections, including those caused by beta-lactamase-producing pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis 2.
- For children with renal impairment, dosage adjustments may be necessary, though this is uncommon in pediatric patients with normal renal function 1.
Remember to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished, to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.