What is the recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for acute sinusitis?

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Last updated: March 28, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

The recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for acute sinusitis in adults is 875 mg/125 mg taken twice daily or 500 mg/125 mg taken three times daily for 5-7 days, as per the guidelines from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1.

Key Considerations

  • For children, dosing is based on weight, usually 45 mg/kg/day divided into two doses, with a maximum adult dose of 4.0 g twice daily, as stated in the study by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends amoxicillin-clavulanate as the first-line empirical therapy for acute bacterial sinusitis in children, with a dose of 80-90 mg/kg per day of the amoxicillin component with 6.4 mg/kg per day of clavulanate in 2 divided doses, as outlined in the study published in Pediatrics 2.
  • Augmentin should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset, and patients should complete the full course even if symptoms improve before finishing.
  • If symptoms worsen or don't improve after 3 days, patients should contact their healthcare provider, and those with penicillin allergy should not take Augmentin and should discuss alternative antibiotics with their doctor.

Important Details

  • The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in Augmentin helps overcome bacterial resistance by inhibiting beta-lactamase enzymes that would otherwise break down amoxicillin, making it particularly useful for treating sinusitis that hasn't responded to amoxicillin alone.
  • Common side effects of Augmentin include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, as reported in various studies, including the one published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1.
  • The Infectious Diseases Society of America also recommends amoxicillin-clavulanate as the initial empirical antimicrobial therapy for acute bacterial sinusitis in children, as stated in the guideline published by the American Academy of Pediatrics 2.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.