Augmentin Dosing for a 16-Year-Old Female
For a 16-year-old female, use adult dosing of Augmentin 875 mg/125 mg twice daily for most indications, as adolescents ≥40 kg follow adult dosing regimens. 1, 2
Weight-Based Dosing Threshold
- Adolescents weighing ≥40 kg should receive standard adult formulations and dosing 1
- If the patient weighs <40 kg, use pediatric weight-based dosing of 25-45 mg/kg/day of the amoxicillin component divided into 2 doses 1, 3
Indication-Specific Dosing
Respiratory Tract Infections
- Standard dose: 875 mg/125 mg twice daily for 10-14 days 1, 2
- This formulation is specifically recommended for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis 2
- For severe infections or areas with high pneumococcal resistance, consider higher dosing up to 90 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component (maximum 4000 mg/day) 3
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
- For methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus: 875 mg/125 mg twice daily 1, 2
- For animal or human bites: 500 mg/125 mg twice daily 2
Urinary Tract Infections
- Standard dose: 500 mg/125 mg three times daily provides adequate coverage for mild-to-moderate infections 2
Maximum Daily Dose Considerations
- The maximum daily dose of the amoxicillin component is 4000 mg (4 g) per day 1, 3
- Never substitute two 250 mg tablets for one 500 mg tablet, as this results in excessive clavulanate dosing 2
Treatment Duration
- Most respiratory infections require 7-10 days of treatment 3
- Pneumonia specifically requires 10 days, or a minimum of 48-72 hours beyond symptom resolution 3
- Uncomplicated acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in adults requires only 5-7 days 2
Clinical Monitoring
- Patients on appropriate therapy should demonstrate clinical improvement within 48-72 hours 3
- If no improvement occurs within this timeframe, reevaluation and further investigation are necessary 3
- Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to prevent treatment failure and resistance development 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not use pediatric dosing formulas for adolescents ≥40 kg—they should receive adult dosing 1
- Avoid underdosing in severe infections or high-resistance areas where 90 mg/kg/day may be warranted 3
- Ensure proper formulation selection: the 875/125 mg twice-daily formulation is preferred for respiratory infections over the 500/125 mg three-times-daily formulation 2