Ceftriaxone Dosing for 1-Year-Old Child (9kg)
For a 1-year-old child weighing 9kg, administer ceftriaxone 50-75 mg/kg/day (450-675 mg/day) for most infections, given as a single daily dose or divided every 12 hours, with the specific dose depending on infection severity. 1, 2
Standard Dosing Algorithm by Infection Severity
For Less Severe Infections (skin/soft tissue, uncomplicated pneumonia):
- Dose: 50-75 mg/kg/day = 450-675 mg/day 1, 2
- Can be given as single daily dose or divided every 12 hours 1, 2
- Maximum daily dose should not exceed 2 grams 2
For Severe Infections (severe pneumonia, sepsis, complicated infections):
- Dose: 50-100 mg/kg/day = 450-900 mg/day 1, 3
- Divided every 12 hours is preferred for severe infections 1
- For severe sepsis specifically, use the higher end: 80-100 mg/kg/day (720-900 mg/day) 1
For Meningitis or CNS Infections:
- Dose: 100 mg/kg/day = 900 mg/day 1, 2
- Divided every 12 hours or given once daily 1, 2
- Maximum 4 grams daily 1, 2
Administration Considerations
Route and Infusion Time:
- Intravenous administration should be given over 30 minutes for children (60 minutes only for neonates) 2
- Intramuscular injection is painful and should be injected deep into large muscle mass 1
Practical Dosing Example for This 9kg Child:
- Moderate infection: 450 mg once daily or 225 mg every 12 hours 1, 2
- Severe infection: 720-900 mg divided every 12 hours (360-450 mg per dose) 1
- Meningitis: 900 mg divided every 12 hours (450 mg per dose) 1, 2
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not use the lower dosing range (50 mg/kg/day) for severe sepsis—this is inadequate for critically ill patients 1
- Do not use ceftriaxone in hyperbilirubinemic infants due to risk of bilirubin encephalopathy 1
- Do not mix with calcium-containing solutions (Ringer's, Hartmann's) as particulate formation can occur 2
- For penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC ≥4.0 μg/mL), must use 100 mg/kg/day 3