What is the appropriate Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) dosing in milligrams per kilogram for a 19-month-old pediatric patient weighing 11.7 kilograms?

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Last updated: April 19, 2025View editorial policy

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From the FDA Drug Label

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From the Research

For a 19-month-old child weighing 11.7 kg, the recommended Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) dosing is 90 mg/kg/day divided into two doses for more severe infections, as this dosing regimen is supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. This translates to approximately 527 mg twice daily for severe infections. The dosing for mild to moderate infections is 40-45 mg/kg/day divided into two doses, which is approximately 234-263 mg twice daily for this 11.7 kg child. Augmentin is typically available in several formulations, with the pediatric suspension commonly as 400 mg/5 mL (250 mg amoxicillin plus 62.5 mg clavulanate per 5 mL) or 600 mg/5 mL (400 mg amoxicillin plus 57 mg clavulanate per 5 mL). Using the 400 mg/5 mL suspension, you would give approximately 3-3.3 mL twice daily for mild infections or 6.6 mL twice daily for severe infections. Some key points to consider when administering Augmentin include:

  • Giving the medication with food to decrease GI upset
  • Refrigerating the suspension after reconstitution and discarding it after 10 days
  • Monitoring for diarrhea, which is a common side effect, and potential allergic reactions
  • The duration of treatment typically ranges from 7-10 days depending on the infection being treated. It's also worth noting that the most recent study 1 suggests that current amoxicillin-clavulanate dosing regimens for critically ill children after cardiac surgery need to be updated to avoid subtherapeutic concentrations and clinical failure due to augmented clearance. However, this study may not be directly applicable to the current scenario, as it focuses on critically ill children after cardiac surgery, whereas the question is about a 19-month-old child with no specified underlying conditions. Therefore, the recommended dosing regimen is based on the general guidelines for Augmentin use in pediatric patients.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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