Co-amoxiclav (Augmentin) Dosing for a 14-Year-Old Child
For a 14-year-old child, the standard co-amoxiclav dose is 1 tablet (250 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate) three times daily for oral therapy, or 1.2 g three times daily for intravenous therapy. 1
Oral Dosing
- Standard dose: 1 tablet containing 250 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate, administered three times daily 1
- Duration: 7-10 days for most infections, though may extend to 14 days depending on clinical response 1
- Severe infections: Doses may be doubled in severe infections 1
Intravenous Dosing
- Standard dose: 1.2 g three times daily for patients aged 12-18 years 1
- Weight-based alternative: 30 mg/kg three times daily (based on co-amoxiclav content) for patients 1 month to 12 years 1
- Severe infections: Over 3 months of age, dose frequency can be increased to four times daily in severe infections 1
- Maximum daily dose: 4 g of amoxicillin component (max daily dose 4 g) 1
Clinical Context
The British Thoracic Society guidelines place 14-year-olds in a transitional category, as the dosing table shows "12-14 y" receiving 400 mg for azithromycin, but for co-amoxiclav specifically lists "12-18 y" as receiving the adult tablet formulation 1. This reflects that by age 14, most children can tolerate adult tablet formulations and have reached sufficient body size for adult dosing.
Important Considerations
- Formulation matters: The 12-18 year age group receives tablet formulations rather than suspensions, which is appropriate for a 14-year-old 1
- Treatment duration: Continue therapy for 7-10 days minimum, with extension to 14 days based on clinical response 1
- Route selection: IV therapy is reserved for patients unable to tolerate oral medications or those requiring hospitalization; transition to oral therapy should occur based on clinical response and ability to tolerate oral treatment 1