From the Guidelines
Amoxicillin dosing for children should be 15 mg/kg/dose PO q12 h, with a maximum dose of 40-90 mg/kg/day PO in 2-3 divided doses, not exceeding 4000 mg/day, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Considerations
- The dosage range is typically 20-90 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into 2-3 doses.
- For most common infections like ear infections, the usual dose is 40-45 mg/kg/day divided into two doses (given every 12 hours).
- For more severe infections, higher doses up to 90 mg/kg/day may be used.
- Amoxicillin is available as a liquid suspension in various concentrations and as chewable tablets.
- Treatment duration is usually 5-10 days depending on the infection.
- Always complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve.
Important Notes
- Amoxicillin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing bacterial death.
- It's effective against many common childhood infections but should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare provider who can determine the appropriate dose for your child's specific situation and weight.
- The recommended dosage may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the child's age and weight, as outlined in the guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Table 1 Recommended Dosage for Pediatric Patients Aged 3 Months and Older and Weight Less than 40 kg Ear/Nose/Throat Mild/ Moderate 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours Severe 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours Lower Respiratory Tract Mild/ Moderate or Severe 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours
The recommended amoxicillin dosage for kids is as follows:
- For pediatric patients aged 3 months and older and weight less than 40 kg:
- Mild/Moderate infections: 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours
- Severe infections: 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours
- For pediatric patients aged less than 12 weeks (3 months): 30 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours 2
From the Research
Amoxicillin Dosage for Kids
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies do not mention amoxicillin dosage for kids.
- The studies provided discuss the use of macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin and azithromycin, and compare their efficacy to amoxicillin-clavulanate in treating certain infections 3.
- However, none of the studies provide information on the dosage of amoxicillin for children.
- The studies focus on the pharmacology, microbiology, and clinical utility of clarithromycin and azithromycin, and their potential advantages over erythromycin 4, 5, 6.
- One study compares the efficacy of azithromycin and clarithromycin in treating lower respiratory tract infections, but does not provide information on amoxicillin dosage for kids 7.