What is the recommended dose of amoxicillin (amoxicillin) for a patient weighing 89.2 pounds?

Amoxicillin Dosing for a Patient Weighing 89.2 Pounds

For a patient weighing 89.2 pounds (approximately 40.5 kg), the recommended dose of amoxicillin is 40-45 mg/kg/day divided into two doses (every 12 hours) for most common infections, which equals approximately 800-900 mg twice daily.

Dosing Recommendations Based on Weight and Infection Type

• For a patient weighing 89.2 pounds (40.5 kg), the appropriate dosing depends on the type and severity of infection 1:

  • For mild to moderate ear/nose/throat, skin/skin structure, or genitourinary tract infections: 25 mg/kg/day divided into two doses (approximately 500 mg twice daily) 1
  • For severe infections or lower respiratory tract infections: 45 mg/kg/day divided into two doses (approximately 900 mg twice daily) 1

• For children weighing more than 40 kg (88 lb), adult dosing can be used 2, 1:

  • Standard adult dosing: 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours 1

Specific Infection Considerations

• For community-acquired pneumonia: 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours 2
• For streptococcal pharyngitis: 500 mg twice daily for 10 days to prevent acute rheumatic fever 2
• For acute otitis media: 80-90 mg/kg/day in divided doses (higher dose recommended for areas with high prevalence of resistant pneumococci) 2

Administration Guidelines

• Amoxicillin should be taken at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 1
• Treatment should generally continue for a minimum of 48-72 hours after the patient becomes asymptomatic 1
• For streptococcal infections, a minimum of 10 days of treatment is recommended to prevent acute rheumatic fever 1

Formulation Considerations

• For children or patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets, oral suspension is available 1:
  • Available strengths: 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL 1
  • Suspension should be shaken well before using 1

Important Precautions

• Dosage adjustment is not typically required unless renal function is severely impaired (GFR <30 mL/min) 1
• Monitor for common adverse effects including diarrhea, nausea, and skin rash 1
• For penicillin-allergic patients, alternative antibiotics should be considered based on the specific infection being treated 2

Practical Application

• For this 89.2-pound (40.5 kg) patient:
  • For most common infections: 800-900 mg twice daily 1
  • Duration typically 7-10 days depending on the infection 1
  • If treating streptococcal pharyngitis: 500 mg twice daily for 10 days 2

Remember that the exact dosing should be determined based on the specific infection being treated, local resistance patterns, and the patient's clinical condition 1, 2.