What is the recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for the treatment of streptococcal infections?

From the Guidelines

For strep throat, the typical Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) dose for adults is 875 mg/125 mg taken twice daily or 500 mg/125 mg taken three times daily for 10 days, as per the guidelines 1. However, Augmentin is generally not the first-line treatment for strep throat. Penicillin or amoxicillin alone is typically preferred because strep (Group A Streptococcus) remains universally susceptible to these antibiotics, and they have a narrower spectrum of activity which helps reduce antibiotic resistance and side effects, as noted in the clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of group a streptococcal pharyngitis: 2012 update by the infectious diseases society of america 1. Augmentin should be reserved for cases where there's suspected beta-lactamase producing bacteria, treatment failure with first-line agents, or recurrent strep infections. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash. Taking Augmentin with food can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent complications like rheumatic fever. For children, the dosage is usually 25 mg/kg/day of the amoxicillin component in 2 divided doses, as indicated in the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the infectious diseases society of america 1.

Some key points to consider:

• The dosage and duration of Augmentin treatment may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment.
• It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and duration of treatment to ensure effective eradication of the bacteria and prevent complications.
• Patients with a history of penicillin allergy or suspected beta-lactamase producing bacteria may require alternative antibiotic treatment.
• The use of Augmentin should be guided by the principles of antimicrobial stewardship to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance and side effects.

From the FDA Drug Label

It is recommended that there be at least 10 days’ treatment for any infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes to prevent the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever.

Table 1 ... Ear/Nose/Throat Mild/ Moderate 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours Severe 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours

The recommended Augmentin dose for strep is:

• For mild to moderate infections: 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours for adults, and 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours for pediatric patients.
• For severe infections: 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours for adults, and 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours for pediatric patients. Treatment should be continued for at least 10 days to prevent the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever 2.

From the Research

Augmentin Dose for Strep

• The ideal dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for treating strep throat is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• However, the studies suggest that amoxicillin-clavulanate is effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, including penicillin-resistant strains 4, 5, 6.
• A study comparing amoxicillin-clavulanate dosing regimens found that administering the drug every 12 hours was as effective as every 8 hours for treating acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis 7.
• Another study assessed the in vivo activities of amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate against Streptococcus pneumoniae and found that the combination was effective against strains with penicillin MICs of 0.12-8.0 mg/liter 6.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends amoxicillin-clavulanate as an alternative treatment for strep throat, with a dosage of 40-50 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin, divided into 2-3 doses 3.

Dosage Considerations

• The dosage of Augmentin for strep throat may vary depending on the patient's age, weight, and severity of the infection.
• It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and treatment duration for strep throat.
• The studies provided do not offer a specific dosage recommendation for Augmentin in the treatment of strep throat, but they do suggest that amoxicillin-clavulanate is a viable treatment option 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.