What is the appropriate dose of oral amoxicillin (amoxicillin) for a child with a weight of 56 kilograms?

From the Guidelines

For a 56kg child, the appropriate dose of oral amoxicillin is 90 mg/kg/day in 2 doses or 45 mg/kg/day in 3 doses, as recommended for the treatment of Streptococcus pneumoniae with MICs for penicillin <2.0 µg/mL 1.

Key Considerations

• The dose of oral amoxicillin may vary depending on the specific infection being treated, with different dosing recommendations for different pathogens.
• For Group A Streptococcus, a dose of 50-75 mg/kg/day in 2 doses is recommended 1.
• The total daily dose should generally not exceed 3000mg.
• Treatment duration typically ranges from 7-10 days for most common infections, though some conditions may require longer courses.

Important Notes

• Amoxicillin should be taken with or without food, and the full course should be completed even if symptoms improve.
• Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.
• If the child has a history of penicillin allergy, amoxicillin should be avoided.
• Dosing is based on the child's weight to ensure adequate blood levels of the antibiotic to effectively fight the infection while minimizing side effects.

Pathogen-Specific Dosing

• For Streptococcus pneumoniae with MICs for penicillin <2.0 µg/mL, the recommended dose is 90 mg/kg/day in 2 doses or 45 mg/kg/day in 3 doses 1.
• For Group A Streptococcus, the recommended dose is 50-75 mg/kg/day in 2 doses 1.
• For other pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, the recommended dose may vary depending on the specific infection and the child's weight.

From the Research

Amoxicillin Dosage for a 56kg Child

• The provided studies do not directly address the appropriate dose of oral amoxicillin for a 56kg child 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• These studies focus on the allergic reactions to amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, as well as the importance of skin testing and drug provocation tests in diagnosing allergies to these drugs.
• The studies also discuss the role of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in treating conditions such as ulcerative colitis, but do not provide information on the appropriate dosage for a child of a specific weight.
• To determine the appropriate dose of oral amoxicillin for a 56kg child, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or a reliable medical resource, as the dosage may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the child's individual needs.