Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) Dosing for a 1-Month-Old Infant
For a 1-month-old infant, amoxicillin-clavulanate should be dosed at 30 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours based on the amoxicillin component. 1
Dosing Considerations for Neonates and Young Infants
- For infants under 3 months of age, dosing requires special consideration due to immature renal function and limited safety data 1, 2
- The standard dosage for a 1-month-old is 30 mg/kg/day divided into two doses (every 12 hours) 1
- Dosing is based on the amoxicillin component of the medication 1, 2
- The suspension formulation is most appropriate for infants, typically available as 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL (amoxicillin/clavulanate) 2
Administration Guidelines
- Administer with food to improve gastrointestinal tolerability 2, 3
- Shake the suspension well before each use 2
- Use a calibrated measuring device (not household spoons) to ensure accurate dosing 2
- Store the reconstituted suspension in the refrigerator and discard after 10 days 2
Monitoring and Safety Considerations
- Monitor for signs of diarrhea, which is the most common adverse effect (occurs in approximately 7-11% of pediatric patients) 3
- Watch for signs of allergic reactions, including rash, which may require discontinuation of the medication 4
- Assess renal function, as clearance may be reduced in neonates and young infants 2
- Evaluate clinical response within 48-72 hours of initiating therapy 5
Duration of Therapy
- For most respiratory infections, a 7-10 day course is typically recommended 1
- The duration may be extended for more severe infections 1
- Continue therapy for at least 2-3 days after clinical symptoms have resolved 2
Common Pitfalls and Caveats
- Avoid using adult formulations or attempting to divide adult tablets for infant use 2, 6
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as higher doses have not been established as safe in this age group 1, 6
- Be aware that approximately 3.9% of antibiotic prescriptions for young children may be unlicensed or off-label 6
- Ensure proper weight-based dosing calculations to prevent medication errors 2
- Consider potential drug interactions, particularly with probenecid, which can increase amoxicillin levels 2