Dosage of Augmentin (Amoxicillin-Clavulanate)
For adults, the standard dose of Augmentin is 875/125 mg twice daily or 500/125 mg three times daily for most infections. 1
Adult Dosing
- For standard infections: 875/125 mg twice daily or 500/125 mg three times daily 1, 2
- For animal bites: 875/125 mg twice daily 1
- For human bites: 875/125 mg twice daily 1
- For sinusitis: 875/125 mg twice daily 1
- For chronic streptococcal carriers: 40 mg amoxicillin per kg per day in three divided doses (maximum = 2,000 mg amoxicillin per day) for 10 days 1
Pediatric Dosing
- Standard dosing: 40 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component in three divided doses 1
- For sinusitis: 22.5-45 mg/kg twice daily (based on amoxicillin component) 1
- For chronic streptococcal carriers: 40 mg amoxicillin/kg/day in three divided doses for 10 days 1
- For recurrent or persistent otitis media: 90/6.4 mg/kg/day in two divided doses (Augmentin ES-600) 2
Duration of Treatment
- Most respiratory infections: 7-10 days 2
- Sinusitis: 10-14 days 1
- Skin and soft tissue infections: 10 days 1
- Streptococcal infections: 10 days 1
Special Formulations
- Augmentin XR (2000/125 mg twice daily): Developed for adult respiratory tract infections due to drug-resistant pathogens 2
- Augmentin ES-600 (90/6.4 mg/kg/day in two divided doses): For pediatric use in persistent or recurrent acute otitis media 2
Clinical Considerations
- For patients who do not respond to amoxicillin alone, high-dose amoxicillin-clavulanate (90 mg/kg amoxicillin and 6.4 mg/kg clavulanate, not to exceed 2 g every 12 hours) is recommended 1
- In areas with high prevalence of resistant S. pneumoniae, higher doses may be needed 2
- For severe infections or those caused by less susceptible organisms, the dose may need to be increased 2
Common Pitfalls
- Underdosing in areas with high prevalence of resistant pathogens 2
- Failure to adjust dosing for renal impairment 2
- Not completing the full course of therapy, which may lead to treatment failure and development of resistance 1
- Using standard doses for infections caused by resistant pathogens 2
- Not recognizing that the 250 mg and 500 mg tablets contain different amounts of clavulanic acid 1
Always consider local resistance patterns when selecting the appropriate dose of Augmentin for specific infections 1, 2.