Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Dosage for a 13-Year-Old Weighing 144 Pounds
For a 13-year-old patient weighing 144 pounds (approximately 65 kg), the appropriate dose of amoxicillin-clavulanate is 875 mg/125 mg twice daily or 500 mg/125 mg three times daily, as the patient should be dosed according to adult recommendations since they weigh over 40 kg. 1
Dosing Rationale
- Pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or more should be dosed according to adult recommendations for amoxicillin-clavulanate 1
- At 144 pounds (65 kg), this 13-year-old exceeds the 40 kg (88 lb) threshold and should receive adult dosing 1
- For adults, the recommended dosage options are:
Administration Considerations
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate should be taken at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 1
- Absorption of clavulanate potassium is enhanced when administered at the start of a meal 1
Dosing Formulations
- The 875 mg/125 mg tablet is recommended for more severe infections and respiratory tract infections 1
- For less severe infections, the 500 mg/125 mg tablet every 8 hours is appropriate 1
- If the patient has difficulty swallowing tablets, liquid formulations are available:
Important Considerations
- Two 250 mg/125 mg tablets should not be substituted for one 500 mg/125 mg tablet, as they contain different amounts of clavulanic acid 1
- For patients with renal impairment, dose adjustments may be necessary, but this is not applicable for patients with normal renal function 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid underdosing based on age alone when the patient's weight exceeds 40 kg, as this may lead to treatment failure 1
- Do not substitute different formulations that have different amoxicillin-to-clavulanate ratios, as they are not interchangeable 1
- Ensure the patient takes the medication with food to improve tolerance and absorption 1