IV Ampicillin Dosing for a 9.9kg Child
For a child weighing 9.9kg, the recommended intravenous (IV) ampicillin dose is 100-200 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours, which equals approximately 247.5-495 mg per dose given four times daily. 1, 2
Dosing Calculation
- For a 9.9kg child, the appropriate IV ampicillin dosing is:
Indications and Dose Adjustments
- For standard infections: 100 mg/kg/day (lower end of range) is typically sufficient 1
- For severe infections or bacterial meningitis: Higher doses of 150-200 mg/kg/day are recommended 1, 2
- For bacterial meningitis specifically: 150-200 mg/kg/day divided every 3-4 hours may be used 1
Administration Considerations
- IV ampicillin should be administered within one hour after preparation as potency decreases significantly after this period 1
- For direct IV use: Add 5 mL sterile water for injection to the appropriate vial and administer slowly over 3-5 minutes 1
- For IV infusion: Reconstitute as directed and dilute with appropriate IV solution (stability varies by diluent) 1
Important Clinical Considerations
- Treatment should continue for a minimum of 48-72 hours beyond the time that the patient becomes asymptomatic 1
- For Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections, a minimum of 10 days treatment is recommended to prevent acute rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis 1
- Bacteriostatic Water for Injection should not be used as a diluent when ampicillin will be used in newborns 1
Monitoring and Safety
- Monitor for signs of allergic reactions, which are common with ampicillin 1
- For prolonged therapy, periodic assessment of renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic function is recommended 1
- More rapid IV administration than recommended may result in convulsive seizures 1
Remember that the dosage should be adjusted based on the specific infection being treated and the clinical response of the patient.