Augmentin Pediatric Dose Calculator

Calculate accurate pediatric Augmentin doses with our free calculator tool. Determine safe antibiotic dosing for children based on weight, infection severity, and renal function.

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girl getting vaccine

Free Augmentin Pediatric Dose Calculator – Safe Antibiotic Dosing for Children

Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic combining amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. It treats bacterial infections by:

  • Inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis (amoxicillin)

  • Preventing antibiotic resistance (clavulanic acid)

Common pediatric infections treated:

  • Acute otitis media (ear infections)

  • Sinusitis

  • Pneumonia

  • Urinary tract infections

  • Skin and soft tissue infections

Why Precise Pediatric Dosing Matters

Children metabolize drugs differently than adults. Incorrect dosing risks:

  • Treatment failure (under-dosing)

  • Toxicity (over-dosing)

  • Antibiotic resistance

  • Severe side effects: Diarrhea, rash, liver dysfunction

Key Dosing Factors

FactorImpact on DosingWeightPrimary determinant (mg/kg)Infection SeverityMild: 25mg/kg/day • Severe: 60mg/kg/dayRenal FunctionReduced dose for impairmentHepatic FunctionAdjust for severe liver diseaseAgeNeonates require special protocols

Using the Augmentin Pediatric Dose Calculator

Input Parameters Explained

  1. Demographics

    • Weight: Most critical factor (kg/lbs conversion available)

    • Age: Determines dosing frequency and safety thresholds

  2. Clinical Status

    • Infection Type:

      • Otitis media: 45mg/kg/day amoxicillin component

      • Pneumonia: 60mg/kg/day

    • Severity Level:

      • Mild: 25-45mg/kg/day

      • Severe: 60-90mg/kg/day

  3. Organ Function

    • Renal impairment reduces clearance (dose adjustments required)

    • Liver dysfunction contraindicates clavulanate use

How Calculations Work

The calculator uses this formula:

Daily Dose (mg) = Weight (kg) × Dose Factor × Renal Adjustment

Dose Factors:

  • Mild infection: 25

  • Moderate: 45

  • Severe: 60-90

Renal Adjustment Multipliers:

  • Mild impairment: ×0.8

  • Moderate: ×0.6

  • Severe: ×0.4

Interpreting Calculator Results

Sample Output Analysis

Recommended Daily Dose: 45 mg/kg/day Total Daily Dose: 675 mg amoxicillin Per Dose: 225 mg every 8 hours Duration: 7-10 days

Risk Assessment Guide:

  • Green (Low Risk): Within 25-60mg/kg range, normal organ function

  • Yellow (Moderate Risk): Renal adjustments, high-normal dosing

  • Red (High Risk): Exceeds 80mg/kg, organ impairment

Critical Safety Recommendations

  1. Administration: Give with food to reduce GI side effects

  2. Allergy Monitoring: Discontinue immediately for rashes/hives

  3. Renal Precautions: Reduce dose for creatinine clearance <30mL/min

  4. Duration: Never stop early without medical consultation

Treatment Protocols by Infection Type

Acute Otitis Media Protocol (AAP Guidelines)

  1. First-line therapy for recurrent/non-responsive cases

  2. Standard dose: 45mg/kg/day divided BID

  3. High-dose (90mg/kg/day) for:

    • Treatment failure within 30 days

    • Concurrent conjunctivitis

    • Geographic regions with high resistance

Pediatric Pneumonia (IDSAP Guidelines)

SeverityDoseDurationMild45mg/kg/day7 daysModerate60mg/kg/day10 daysSevere90mg/kg/day14 days

Safety Profile and Adverse Effects

Common Side Effects (15-20% of patients)

  • Diarrhea (reduce with probiotic co-administration)

  • Diaper rash

  • Nausea/vomiting

Serious Adverse Reactions (<1%)

  • Hepatotoxicity (monitor LFTs in prolonged therapy)

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome

  • Antibiotic-associated colitis

Contraindications:

  • History of amoxicillin-induced cholestatic jaundice

  • Severe penicillin allergy (anaphylaxis)

  • Infectious mononucleosis (high rash risk)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I split Augmentin tablets for children?

Tablets should NOT be split or crushed due to fixed clavulanate ratio. Use suspensions for accurate dosing.

How does renal impairment affect dosing?

Reduce frequency (not dose amount) for CrCl <30mL/min:

  • 15-30mL/min: Administer every 12 hours

  • <15mL/min: Administer every 24 hours

What if my child vomits after dosing?

  • Within 30 minutes: Repeat full dose

  • 30-60 minutes: Repeat half dose

  • After 60 minutes: No redose needed

Global Dosing Variations

RegionStandard DoseMaximum DailyUSA/Canada45mg/kg/day1,750mgEU/UK40mg/kg/day1,500mgAustralia50mg/kg/day2,000mg

Conclusion: Optimizing Antibiotic Therapy

Precise Augmentin dosing in pediatrics requires individualized calculation based on weight, infection characteristics, and patient-specific factors. This calculator incorporates global guidelines from the AAP, IDSA, and EMA to provide evidence-based recommendations. Always verify calculations with a pharmacist and monitor for therapeutic response and adverse effects.

Disclaimer: This tool provides initial dosing guidance only. Final prescriptions require clinical judgment. Verify all calculations before administration.