As a parent, it’s natural to have questions about the medications prescribed for your children. Amoxicillin/Clavulanate, known by its brand name Augmentin, is a common antibiotic we prescribe for various bacterial infections. Understanding the correct Augmentin dosage for kids is crucial for ensuring its effectiveness and your child’s safety here in Beverly Hills.
Understanding Augmentin for Your Child
Augmentin is a combination antibiotic that contains amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that works to kill bacteria, while clavulanate helps to prevent certain bacteria from becoming resistant to amoxicillin. This combination makes the Augmentin medication more effective against a wider range of infections.
Determining the Right Augmentin Dosage for Your Child
The Augmentin dosage for kids is not a one-size-fits-all solution. As pediatricians in Beverly Hills, we carefully calculate the correct dosage based on several key factors:
- Your child’s body weight: This is the most critical factor. The dosage is typically measured in milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day (mg/kg/day).
- The severity and type of infection: Different infections in a child, such as otitis media (ear infection) or sinusitis, have specific dosage recommendations.
- Your child’s age and kidney function: These factors also influence the appropriate dosage.
General Augmentin Dosage Guidelines for Children
The Augmentin dosage for kids under 12 years old or those weighing less than 40 kg is primarily based on the amoxicillin component. The following table provides general guidance for the dosage of Augmentin for children.
| Infection Type | Dosing Regimen (based on amoxicillin component) |
| Severe Infections (e.g., otitis media) | 45 mg/kg/day every 12 hours OR 40 mg/kg/day every 8 hours |
| Less Severe Infections (e.g., strep throat) | 25 mg/kg/day every 12 hours OR 20 mg/kg/day every 8 hours |
For infants under 12 weeks old, the recommended dosage is 30 mg/kg/day, divided and given every 12 hours. The dosage for children weighing 40 kg or more may be the adult Augmentin dosage. It is absolutely vital to follow your doctor’s specific instructions for your child. Never adjust the dosage yourself.
Maximum Daily Augmentin Dosage for Kids
It is important to be aware of the maximum daily dosage of Augmentin to ensure safety for a child.
| Component | Maximum Daily Dose for Children |
| Amoxicillin | 3000 mg |
| Clavulanate | 375 mg |
Important Notes for Parents
- Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. This includes both the amount of Augmentin to give and the frequency (every 8 or 12 hours). Proper administration ensures the pediatric Augmentin dosage works effectively.
- Even if your child starts feeling better, you must finish all the medication. This approach ensures complete treatment of the infection and helps prevent antibiotic resistance.
- First, shake the Augmentin oral suspension well before each use. This step ensures even mixing of the medication. Next, use the provided measuring device rather than household spoons, which can lead to inaccurate dosages.
- Some Augmentin suspensions and chewable tablets contain aspartame. Therefore, parents of children with phenylketonuria (PKU) should discuss this with their doctor.
- Store the oral suspension in the refrigerator. Additionally, discard any unused portion after the number of days indicated on the bottle, typically 10 days.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s Augmentin prescription, always consult with your pediatrician or pharmacist. Your child’s health and safety are the top priority. We are here to help all children in Beverly Hills with their medical needs.
FAQs about Augmentin Dosage for Kids
Augmentin is effective against a variety of bacterial infections, including acute otitis media (ear infection), sinusitis, lower respiratory tract infections, and certain skin infections in children.
The correct Augmentin dosage for kids is determined by a pediatrician based on the child’s weight, age, the type of infection, and its severity.
Clavulanate is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. It protects the amoxicillin in Augmentin from being destroyed by certain enzymes produced by bacteria, making the amoxicillin more effective against a wider range of resistant bacteria.
Give the missed Augmentin dose as soon as you remember, then wait about four hours before the next dose. Do not give a double dosage to make up for a missed one.
Treatment with Augmentin typically lasts 5 to 14 days, depending on the infection type and severity. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for the complete duration.
Yes, the Augmentin oral suspension must be stored in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its stability and may make it taste better for a child.
Discard any unused oral suspension after 10 days, or according to the timeframe specified on the bottle by your pharmacist.
Yes, we recommend giving Augmentin with a meal or snack. This approach minimizes gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Furthermore, taking it with food improves absorption in children.
Yes, like all penicillins, Augmentin can cause an allergic reaction. Watch for signs like a rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing in your child, and contact your doctor immediately if these occur.
A key consideration for the proper Augmentin dosage for kids is the child’s body weight, as the dose is calculated in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
Your Child’s Health is Our Priority
Navigating your child’s health can be challenging, but understanding their medications is a vital step. The key takeaways for Augmentin dosage for your child are to always follow your pediatrician’s specific instructions, complete the entire course of treatment, and store the medication properly. By staying informed and working with your doctor, you can ensure your child receives the best care.
For more information on our approach to pediatric care, visit our main page at beverlyhillspediatrician.com. You can also read more of our articles on our blog. If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us. We also offer a unique concierge medicine program for personalized care. For additional general information on Amoxicillin and Clavulanate, you can refer to authoritative sources like the National Library of Medicine.
