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GENERAL PEDIATRICS DRUG INFORMATION
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid
Antibiotic
Susceptible infections
IV:
Younger than 3 months or 4 kg: 25 mg/kg Q12H
3 months or 4 kg or more: 25 mg/kg (usual maximum: 1 g/dose) Q8H
Acute otitis media - targeting Streptococcus pneumoniae (including empiric therapy)
PO:
BID: 80 - 90 mg/kg/DAY of amoxicillin component (usual maximum: 875 mg/dose of amoxicillin) divided BID
IV/PO:
TID: 45 - 60 mg/kg/DAY of amoxicillin component (usual maximum: 875 mg/dose of amoxicillin) divided TID
Community-acquired pneumonia - targeting Streptococcus pneumoniae (including empiric therapy)
PO:
Standard dose: 45 - 50 mg/kg/DAY of amoxicillin component (usual maximum: 875 mg/dose of amoxicillin) divided TID
High dose: 80 - 90 mg/kg/DAY of amoxicillin component (usual maximum: 875 mg/dose of amoxicillin) divided TID
High dose recommended for unimmunized, risk factors for penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae, or invasive/complicated infection.
Other gram positive, gram negative, anaerobic infections
PO:
30 - 50 mg/kg/DAY of amoxicillin component (usual maximum: 875 mg/dose of amoxicillin) divided Q8-12H
One major side effect with clavulanate (esp at high doses) is GI intolerance. Limit clavulanate to < 10 mg/kg/DAY if possible.
Availability: Dosed in mg of amoxicillin component.
Tablets (amoxicillin/clavulanate): 250/125 mg (2:1); 500/125 mg(4:1); 875/125 mg(7:1)
Suspension: 80 mg/mL amoxicillin + 11.4 mg/mL clavulanate (7:1).
Please specify ratio (i.e. 7:1) on outpatient prescriptions. Community pharmacies may stock the 4:1 formulation (50 mg/mL amoxicillin and 12.5 mg/mL clavulanate).
Pharmacology: Penicillin derivative antibiotic and beta-lactamase inhibitor
Updated: 12/24/2025
Disclaimer: This document has been created specifically for Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) to use for its own patients and the information contained herein may not be applicable or relevant to other health care organizations. This document is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical or clinical advice from a qualified health care professional. HHS makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information. This material is current only to the date listed. This material is the intellectual property of HHS and may not be shared, duplicated, or distributed further without the consent of HHS. HHS assumes no liability for the use of this information by the recipient.
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