Is This Dosage Appropriate for My 5-Year-Old? Concerns Over Augmentin
Subject: Concerns Regarding Augmentin Dosage for My Child I have a 5-year-old son who weighs 54 pounds and stands 48 inches tall. He has been prescribed Augmentin to address a persistent cough, which includes Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium. The prescribed concentration is 400 mg of Amoxicillin and 57 mg of Clavulanate Potassium per 5 mL of the medication. The instructions indicate that I should administer 6.5 teaspoons, twice daily. This amounts to 32.5 mL for each dose. To put it into perspective, this would mean he is receiving a total of 2600 mg of antibiotic at each time. I’m not a medical professional, but this dosage appears highly unusual compared to previous antibiotic courses he has taken. I am feeling quite anxious about this situation, and I’m hesitant to proceed with the dosage as directed. The pharmacist advises that’s the dosage the physician prescribed, but unfortunately, I cannot reach the doctor for further clarification.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 10:30:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to have concerns about the dosage of medication prescribed to your child. You're right to question anything that doesn't seem right, especially when it comes to your child's health.
Main Points:
- The prescribed dosage of Augmentin does seem unusually high based on typical guidelines for children.
- It's essential to verify with a healthcare professional to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the dosage.
Explanation:
Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) dosages are commonly based on a child’s weight and the severity of the infection. For children, the usual dose of amoxicillin generally varies from 20 mg/kg to 90 mg/kg per day, divided into two or three doses. Given that your son weighs approximately 24.5 kg (54 pounds), a typical total daily dose would be between 490 mg to 2205 mg per day.
The dosage you're describing (2600 mg per dose) exceeds the typical range and could pose a risk of side effects. This discrepancy is important to address further.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Clarification: Since your current method of contacting the doctor isn't working, try to reach out to the clinic for advice from another medical professional, such as a nurse. They may be able to provide insight or facilitate a discussion with the prescribing doctor.
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Contact the Pharmacist Again: Ask the pharmacist to double-check this dosage calculation based on your child's weight and to confirm that it aligns with standard dosing guidelines—many pharmacists are very knowledgeable about these matters.
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Consider Temporary Alternatives: If you are in doubt and cannot get a swift response, it’s reasonable to hold off on administering the medication until you have clarified the dosage with a healthcare provider.
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Keep a Record: Document your concerns, your child’s symptoms, and any questions you have. This information will be beneficial when you do get to talk to a healthcare provider.
It's great that you are actively looking out for your child's well-being. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further assistance!
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