Metronidazole Dosing for a 14 kg Pediatric Patient
For a 14 kg child, administer metronidazole at 20-30 mg/kg/day, which translates to 280-420 mg per day, typically divided into 2-3 doses depending on the indication.
Weight-Based Calculation
- The standard pediatric dose for children under 12 years is 20-30 mg/kg/day 1
- For a 14 kg patient, this calculates to:
Dosing by Specific Indication
For Giardiasis
- 40 mg/kg/day divided into three doses for 7 days 2
- For a 14 kg child: 560 mg/day total, given as approximately 185-190 mg three times daily 2
- Alternative regimen: 15 mg/kg/day for 5 days for giardiasis specifically 3
- For a 14 kg child using the lower dose: 210 mg/day total, given as 70 mg three times daily 3
For Amebiasis
- 30 mg/kg/day for 5-10 days 3
- For a 14 kg child: 420 mg/day total, typically divided into three doses of 140 mg each 3
For Trichomoniasis (if applicable to pediatric cases)
- Adult dosing is typically used for adolescents: 500 mg twice daily for 7 days or 2 g single dose 3
- Pediatric-specific dosing for trichomoniasis is not well-established in the guidelines provided
Practical Dosing Intervals
- Three times daily (every 8 hours) is the most common regimen for most indications 3, 2
- Twice daily (every 12 hours) can be used for certain infections, particularly when using higher total daily doses 1
Duration of Therapy
Important Clinical Caveats
- The 20-30 mg/kg/day range is for general use; specific infections may require higher doses up to 40 mg/kg/day 2
- Maximum daily dose should not exceed 2000 mg even in older children 1
- Side effects are generally mild and tolerable at these pediatric doses 4, 2
- Ensure adequate hydration during treatment 2
- For severe or complicated infections, consider using the higher end of the dosing range (30 mg/kg/day or 40 mg/kg/day depending on indication) 1, 2