From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of amoxicillin for an 11-year-old child is 90 mg/kg/day, divided into 2-3 doses, with a maximum dose of 4000 mg/day, as indicated by the most recent and highest quality study 1. When determining the appropriate dose, it's essential to consider the child's weight and the severity of the infection. For a child of average weight (approximately 35-40 kg), this would typically mean 315-360 mg taken three times daily or 630-720 mg twice daily. Some key points to consider when administering amoxicillin to an 11-year-old child include:
- The dose should not exceed the maximum adult dose, which is 4000 mg/day, as stated in the study 1.
- The duration of treatment usually ranges from 5-10 days, depending on the infection type and severity, as recommended in the study 1.
- It's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before finishing, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
- Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, and rash, and if the child has any allergies to penicillin or cephalosporins, amoxicillin should not be used.
- Always consult with a healthcare provider for the exact dosing appropriate for your child's specific condition and weight, as they can provide personalized guidance and recommendations.
From the Research
Amoxicillin Dosage for an 11-Year-Old
There are no research papers provided that directly address the appropriate dosage of amoxicillin for an 11-year-old. However, we can look at some general information about amoxicillin and its usage:
- Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections 2, 3, 4.
- The dosage of amoxicillin can vary depending on the infection being treated and the patient's age and weight.
- Studies have compared the efficacy of amoxicillin with other antibiotics, such as macrolides (e.g., clarithromycin, azithromycin), in treating certain infections 2, 3, 4. Some key points about amoxicillin from the provided studies include:
- Amoxicillin was effective in vitro and in vivo against Streptococcus pneumoniae, but less effective against Haemophilus influenzae compared to macrolides like clarithromycin and azithromycin 2.
- Amoxicillin was used in combination with other medications (e.g., clarithromycin, bismuth, omeprazole) to treat Helicobacter pylori infection 3.
- An in vitro model examined the intracellular and extracellular activity of amoxicillin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin against Staphylococcus aureus and Legionella pneumophila, finding amoxicillin to be active extracellularly but not intracellularly 4.