Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Dosing for an 18-Month-Old Child
For an 18-month-old child, the recommended dose of amoxicillin-clavulanate (Amoxiclav) is 5 ml of 125/31 suspension three times daily. 1
Dosing Guidelines Based on Age
- For children aged 1-6 years, the appropriate dose of amoxicillin-clavulanate is 5 ml of 125/31 suspension three times daily 1
- For children under 1 year, the dose would be 2.5 ml/kg of 125/31 suspension three times daily 1
- For children over 6 years, the dose increases to 5 ml of 250/62 suspension three times daily 1
Dosing Based on Weight and Indication
- For standard infections, the FDA recommends 25 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours for mild to moderate infections 2
- For more severe infections, the FDA recommends 45 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours 2
- For respiratory tract infections in areas with high pneumococcal resistance, higher dosing of 90 mg/kg/day may be warranted 3
Administration Guidelines
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate should be taken at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 2
- The oral suspension should be shaken well before using 2
- Treatment should generally be continued for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours beyond the time that the patient becomes asymptomatic 2
- For infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, treatment should continue for at least 10 days to prevent acute rheumatic fever 2
Potential Adverse Effects
- The most common adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, which is more common with amoxicillin-clavulanate than with some other antibiotics 3
- Rash, urticaria, and other hypersensitivity reactions may occur 3
- Monitoring for signs of allergic reaction is important, especially with the first few doses 3
Special Considerations
- If the child has renal impairment, dose adjustment may be necessary 2
- After reconstitution, the oral suspension must be refrigerated and discarded after 14 days 2
- For children who cannot take the medication directly, the suspension can be added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, or cold drinks and should be taken immediately 2
Remember that appropriate dosing is essential for efficacy while minimizing the risk of adverse effects and antimicrobial resistance. The 5 ml of 125/31 suspension three times daily regimen provides adequate coverage for most common pediatric infections in an 18-month-old child.