For a pediatric patient prescribed clindamycin 60 mg orally every 6 hours, how many milliliters of a suspension containing 75 mg per 5 mL should be administered per dose?

Clindamycin Dosage Calculation

For a pediatric patient prescribed clindamycin 60 mg orally every 6 hours, administer 4 mL of the suspension per dose.

Calculation Method

• The available suspension contains 75 mg of clindamycin per 5 mL 1
• To calculate the volume needed for a 60 mg dose, use the proportion: (60 mg ÷ 75 mg) × 5 mL = 4 mL 1
• This 4 mL dose should be administered every 6 hours as ordered 1

Verification of Appropriate Pediatric Dosing

• The standard oral clindamycin dosing for pediatric patients is 30–40 mg/kg/day divided into 3–4 doses 1
• A 60 mg dose every 6 hours equals 240 mg/day total 1
• This daily dose is appropriate for a child weighing approximately 6–8 kg (240 mg ÷ 30–40 mg/kg/day) 1
• For serious infections such as MRSA, the recommended pediatric dose is 10–13 mg/kg per dose every 6–8 hours, not exceeding 40 mg/kg/day total 1

Administration Considerations

• Clindamycin oral suspension is almost completely absorbed, with peak serum levels reached in 45–60 minutes 2
• The medication can be given with or without food 1
• Shake the suspension well before each dose to ensure uniform concentration 1

Monitoring for Clinical Response

• Clinical improvement should be evident within 48–72 hours of initiating appropriate therapy 1
• If no improvement occurs, reassess for inadequate source control, resistant organisms, or complications 1