What is the recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) for a 132-pound individual with normal renal function?

Augmentin Dosing for a 132-Pound Individual

For a 132-pound (60 kg) individual with normal renal function, the recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is 875 mg/125 mg tablet every 12 hours or 500 mg/125 mg tablet every 8 hours. 1

Dosing Considerations

Adult Dosing (Patient weighs 60 kg/132 lb)

• For mild to moderate infections: 500 mg/125 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg/125 mg every 8 hours 1
• For more severe infections and respiratory tract infections: 875 mg/125 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg/125 mg every 8 hours 1
• Medication should be taken at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance and enhance absorption of clavulanate potassium 1, 2

Liquid Formulation Options

• For adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets, liquid suspensions are available 1:
  • 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL or 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL suspension can replace the 500 mg/125 mg tablet
  • 200 mg/28.5 mg per 5 mL or 400 mg/57 mg per 5 mL suspension can replace the 875 mg/125 mg tablet

Important Considerations

Duration of Therapy

• Treatment should generally continue for a minimum of 48-72 hours beyond symptom resolution 2
• For Streptococcus pyogenes infections, at least 10 days of treatment is recommended to prevent acute rheumatic fever 2

Renal Function Adjustments

• For patients with normal renal function (as specified in the question), no dose adjustment is needed 1, 2
• If renal impairment is present:
  • For GFR 10-30 mL/min: 500 mg or 250 mg every 12 hours depending on infection severity 2
  • For GFR <10 mL/min: 500 mg or 250 mg every 24 hours depending on infection severity 2
  • Patients with severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min) should NOT receive the 875 mg dose 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not substitute two 250 mg/125 mg tablets for one 500 mg/125 mg tablet, as they contain the same amount of clavulanic acid (125 mg) but different amounts of amoxicillin 1
• The 250 mg/125 mg tablet and the 250 mg/62.5 mg chewable tablet are not interchangeable as they contain different amounts of clavulanic acid 1
• For liquid formulations, shake well before using and refrigerate the reconstituted suspension (though refrigeration is preferable but not required) 2
• Any unused portion of reconstituted suspension must be discarded after 14 days 2

Special Populations

• For pediatric patients weighing 40 kg (88 lb) or more, adult dosing recommendations apply 1
• Since this patient weighs 60 kg (132 lb), standard adult dosing is appropriate regardless of age 1