Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Amoxiclav) Dosing for a 12.15 kg Child
For a child weighing 12.15 kg, the standard dose of amoxicillin-clavulanate is 45 mg/kg/day of the amoxicillin component divided into two doses (approximately 270 mg per dose) for mild to moderate infections, or 90 mg/kg/day divided into two doses (approximately 545 mg per dose) for severe infections or areas with high pneumococcal resistance. 1, 2
Dosing Based on Infection Severity
Mild to Moderate Infections
- Standard dose: 45 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component divided every 12 hours 1, 2
- For a 12.15 kg child: approximately 270 mg twice daily (total 540 mg/day) 1
- This applies to most respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and uncomplicated ear/nose/throat infections 2
Severe Infections or High Resistance Areas
- High dose: 90 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component divided every 12 hours 1, 2
- For a 12.15 kg child: approximately 545 mg twice daily (total 1090 mg/day) 1
- This regimen is indicated for severe pneumonia, areas with high pneumococcal resistance, or β-lactamase-producing H. influenzae 1
Practical Suspension Dosing
Using standard 250 mg/5 mL suspension:
- Mild/moderate infections: approximately 5.4 mL twice daily 2
- Severe infections: approximately 10.9 mL twice daily 2
Using high-dose formulation (600 mg/5 mL):
- For severe infections: approximately 4.5 mL twice daily 1
Treatment Duration and Administration
- Duration: 7-10 days for most infections; 10 days specifically for pneumonia and streptococcal infections 1, 2
- Administration: Give at the start of meals to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 2
- Monitoring: Clinical improvement should occur within 48-72 hours; if not, reevaluation is necessary 1
Critical Considerations
When to use high-dose regimen (90 mg/kg/day):
- Recent antibiotic exposure within past 3 months 1
- Severe infection requiring hospitalization 3
- Geographic areas with high pneumococcal resistance 1
- Failed initial standard-dose therapy 4
Common pitfalls to avoid:
- Do not underdose in severe infections—inadequate dosing contributes to treatment failure and resistance 1, 4
- Ensure dosing is based on current weight, not age 2
- Do not discontinue therapy early even if symptoms improve; complete the full course 1
- Shake suspension well before each dose and discard after 14 days 2
Specific Indications
Community-acquired pneumonia: 90 mg/kg/day in 2 doses for optimal coverage 1
Group A Streptococcal infections: 50-75 mg/kg/day in 2 doses for 10 days (approximately 305-455 mg twice daily for this child) 1
β-lactamase producing organisms: Either 45 mg/kg/day in 3 doses OR 90 mg/kg/day in 2 doses 1