From the Guidelines
For pediatric skin infections, amoxicillin-clavulanate is typically dosed at 25-45 mg/kg/day divided into two doses for mild to moderate infections, or 90 mg/kg/day divided into two doses for more severe infections, based on the amoxicillin component. The dosage is based on the child's weight, and the medication should be given with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is effective against many skin pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species because the clavulanic acid component inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes that would otherwise break down amoxicillin. Some key points to consider when prescribing amoxicillin-clavulanate for pediatric skin infections include:
- The medication should be given for a 7-10 day course for most skin infections
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash
- If the child develops severe diarrhea, a rash, or difficulty breathing, medical attention should be sought immediately as these could indicate an allergic reaction or C. difficile infection
- Always complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished, as stated in general guidelines for antibiotic use 1. It is essential to note that the provided evidence does not directly mention amoxicillin-clavulanate dosage for pediatric skin infections, but general pediatric guidelines recommend the above-mentioned dosages.
From the FDA Drug Label
Based on the amoxicillin component, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be dosed as follows: Patients Aged 12 weeks (3 months) and Older: Table 1: Dosing in Patients Aged 12 weeks (3 months) and Older INFECTION DOSING REGIMEN Every 12 hours 200 mg/5 mL or 400 mg/5 mL oral suspension Skin/Skin Structure 25 mg/kg/day every 12 hours 20 mg/kg/day every 8 hours
The recommended dosage for pediatric patients aged 3 months and older with skin infections is 25 mg/kg/day every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day every 8 hours for mild to moderate infections, and 45 mg/kg/day every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day every 8 hours for severe infections, based on the amoxicillin component of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium 2.
From the Research
Amoxicillin Clavulanate Pediatric Dosage for Skin Infection
- The dosage of amoxicillin clavulanate for pediatric patients with skin infections is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
- However, according to the study 3, amoxicillin-clavulanate is recommended as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated superficial skin infections in children.
- The study 4 mentions that oral antimicrobial agents, including amoxicillin-clavulanate, can be used to treat mild or moderately severe bacterial skin and skin structure infections in children.
- The study 5 compared the efficacy of amoxicillin combined with clavulanic acid (ACA) with a cefaclor regimen in children with skin and soft tissue infections, and found that ACA was effective in treating these infections.
Considerations for Treatment
- When selecting an antibiotic, it is essential to consider the resistance profile of the target pathogen, the agent's antibacterial profile, and its pharmacokinetic properties 4.
- The study 6 compared the efficacy of sequential intravenous/oral moxifloxacin with intravenous/oral amoxicillin/clavulanate for complicated skin and skin structure infections, and found that both treatments were effective.
- The choice of antibiotic should also take into account the severity and type of infection, as well as the patient's age and medical history 3, 4.
Available Treatment Options
- Topical antibiotics, such as mupirocine and fucidic acid, can be used to treat limited impetigo and furonculosis 3.
- Oral antibiotics, including amoxicillin-clavulanate, cephalosporins, and macrolides, can be used to treat uncomplicated superficial skin infections 3, 4.
- Intravenous antibiotics, such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, may be necessary for more severe infections or those that require hospitalization 6.