Can a 17-Year-Old Take Full-Dose Augmentin?
Yes, a 17-year-old should receive full adult dosing of Augmentin (875 mg/125 mg every 12 hours for most infections), as adolescents aged 15 years and older are dosed as adults according to standard guidelines. 1, 2
Dosing Framework for Adolescents
For adolescents weighing ≥40 kg (which includes most 17-year-olds), adult dosing applies:
- Standard dose: 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate every 12 hours for skin/skin structure or respiratory tract infections 1, 2
- Severe infections or lower respiratory tract: 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours 2
- Maximum daily dose: The amoxicillin component should not exceed 4000 mg/day 1, 3
Age-Based Dosing Transition
The evidence clearly establishes that:
- Adult dosing begins at age 15 years according to tuberculosis treatment guidelines, which provides a framework for antimicrobial dosing in adolescents 4
- Pediatric patients weighing more than 40 kg should be dosed as adults regardless of age 4, 2
- A 17-year-old falls well within the adult dosing category by both age and typical weight criteria 4, 1
Weight-Based Considerations
If the 17-year-old weighs less than 40 kg (uncommon but possible):
- Use weight-based pediatric dosing: 45 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for severe infections 3, 2
- For mild to moderate infections: 25 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours 2
- Still do not exceed the maximum adult dose of 4000 mg/day of amoxicillin component 1, 3
Treatment Duration
- Minimum 10 days for Streptococcus pyogenes infections to prevent acute rheumatic fever 1, 2
- 7-10 days for most respiratory tract infections 5
- Continue therapy for 48-72 hours beyond symptom resolution or evidence of bacterial eradication 2
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not underdose: Adolescents are frequently underdosed when providers mistakenly use pediatric rather than adult dosing, which can lead to treatment failure and promote antimicrobial resistance 3
- Renal function: If severe renal impairment exists (GFR <30 mL/min), do NOT use the 875 mg dose; reduce to 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg depending on severity 2
- Administration: Take at the start of meals to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 2
Safety Profile
Augmentin has been used safely in adolescents for over 20 years with a well-established safety profile 6, 7. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances, which occur at similar rates in adolescents and adults 5, 6.