What is the recommended daily dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for the treatment of salmonellosis in a child weighing 22 kilograms?

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From the Guidelines

For a 22kg child with salmonella infection, the recommended trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) dosage is 8-12mg/kg/day of the trimethoprim component, divided into two doses, as indicated by the most recent and highest quality study available 1. This translates to approximately 176-264mg of trimethoprim per day, or 88-132mg of trimethoprim twice daily. Using the standard pediatric suspension (40mg TMP/200mg SMX per 5mL), this would be about 22-33mL twice daily. Some key points to consider when treating a child with salmonella infection include:

  • Ensuring adequate hydration during treatment, as salmonella infections often cause diarrhea
  • Monitoring for side effects including rash, gastrointestinal disturbances, and rarely blood dyscrasias
  • Considering alternative antibiotics if the child has a sulfa allergy, based on susceptibility testing
  • Reserving antibiotic treatment for severe infections, invasive disease, or high-risk patients, as uncomplicated gastroenteritis often resolves without antibiotics The typical treatment duration is 5-7 days, but this may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the child's response to treatment. It's also important to note that TMP-SMX works by inhibiting bacterial folate synthesis at two different points, making it effective against many enteric pathogens including salmonella, as supported by studies such as 1 and 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Children: The recommended dose for children with urinary tract infections or acute otitis media is 40 mg/kg sulfamethoxazole and 8 mg/kg trimethoprim per 24 hours, given in two divided doses every 12 hours for 10 days. An identical daily dosage is used for 5 days in the treatment of shigellosis The following table is a guideline for the attainment of this dosage: Children 2 months of age or older: Weight Dose - every 12 hours lb kg Teaspoonfuls 22 10 1 (5 mL) 44 20 2 (10 mL) 66 30 3 (15 mL) 88 40 4 (20 mL)

The recommended daily dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for the treatment of salmonellosis in a child weighing 22 kilograms is 40 mg/kg sulfamethoxazole and 8 mg/kg trimethoprim per 24 hours, given in two divided doses every 12 hours. Using the guideline table, for a child weighing 22 kg, the dose is 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) every 12 hours 2.

From the Research

Recommended Daily Dose of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)

  • The recommended daily dose of TMP-SMX for the treatment of salmonellosis is not explicitly stated in the provided studies for a child weighing 22 kilograms.
  • However, a study from 1975 3 mentions that patients were treated with TMP-SMX as the sole medication, but it does not provide a specific dosage for children.
  • Another study from 1995 4 mentions the use of TMP-SMX in children, but it does not provide a recommended daily dose.
  • A study from 1977 5 mentions the use of TMP-SMX for the management of Salmonella typhi and paratyphi carriers, with a daily dose of 2 X 2 tablets of sulprim (TMP-SMX) for 12 weeks, but it does not provide a specific dosage for children weighing 22 kilograms.

Considerations for Treatment

  • The choice of antibiotics for the management of salmonellosis should be guided by the local resistance pattern, as mentioned in a study from 2015 6.
  • The use of TMP-SMX in children is limited by its side-effects, as mentioned in a study from 1995 4.
  • The treatment of salmonellosis with antibiotics is not recommended for mild to moderate gastroenteritis in immunocompetent adults or children over 1 year of age, as mentioned in a study from 2015 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Treatment of salmonella carriers with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Canadian Medical Association journal, 1975

Research

[Failure of the treatment with antibiotics in severe Salmonella infections in children and use of quinolones].

Archives de pediatrie : organe officiel de la Societe francaise de pediatrie, 1995

Research

[Management of Salmonella typhi and paratyphi carriers using Sulprim].

Zeitschrift fur die gesamte innere Medizin und ihre Grenzgebiete, 1977

Research

Salmonella Infections in Childhood.

Advances in pediatrics, 2015

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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