Pediatric Amoxicillin Dosing Calculator

Pediatric Amoxicillin Dosing Calculator

kg lbs

20 mg/kg/day (Mild infection) 25 mg/kg/day 40 mg/kg/day (Standard) 45 mg/kg/day 80 mg/kg/day (High dose – e.g. Otitis Media) 90 mg/kg/day (Max standard dose) Common range is 20-90 mg/kg/day depending on infection type.

125 mg / 5 mL 200 mg / 5 mL 250 mg / 5 mL 400 mg / 5 mL

Twice daily (Every 12 hours) Three times daily (Every 8 hours)

Recommended Dosage

Total Daily Dose (mg) –

Milligrams Per Dose –

Volume to Administer (per dose) –

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your pediatrician or pharmacist. Never adjust medication doses without professional medical advice.

function calculateDose() { var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('childWeight').value); var unit = document.getElementById('weightUnit').value; var dosageMgKg = parseFloat(document.getElementById('dosageRate').value); var concentrationMg = parseFloat(document.getElementById('concentration').value); var dosesPerDay = parseInt(document.getElementById('frequency').value); if (isNaN(weight) || weight <= 0) { alert("Please enter a valid weight."); return; } // Convert lb to kg if necessary var weightKg = weight; if (unit === 'lb') { weightKg = weight * 0.453592; } // Calculations var totalMgDaily = weightKg * dosageMgKg; var mgPerDose = totalMgDaily / dosesPerDay; // Concentration is always per 5mL in the dropdown choices var mlPerDose = (mgPerDose / concentrationMg) * 5; // Display results document.getElementById('totalMgDaily').innerText = totalMgDaily.toFixed(2) + " mg"; document.getElementById('mgPerDose').innerText = mgPerDose.toFixed(2) + " mg"; document.getElementById('mlPerDose').innerText = mlPerDose.toFixed(1) + " mL"; document.getElementById('resultArea').style.display = 'block'; }

How to Calculate Pediatric Amoxicillin Doses

Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for children, used to treat bacterial infections like otitis media (ear infections), strep throat, and pneumonia. Unlike adult medication, pediatric dosing is strictly based on the child's weight to ensure safety and efficacy.

The Calculation Formula

The process involves three main steps to move from the child's weight to the volume of liquid (mL) required for each dose:

1. Determine Total Daily Dose (mg): Weight (kg) × Prescribed Dosage (mg/kg/day).
2. Split into Individual Doses: Total Daily mg ÷ Number of Doses per day (usually 2 or 3).
3. Convert mg to Volume (mL): (Individual Dose mg ÷ Concentration Strength mg) × 5 mL.

Understanding Concentrations

Amoxicillin oral suspension typically comes in specific strengths. It is vital to check the label on the bottle. Common concentrations include:

• 125 mg / 5 mL: Often used for infants or low-dose requirements.
• 250 mg / 5 mL: Standard concentration for moderate dosing.
• 400 mg / 5 mL: Often used for high-dose treatments (like 80-90mg/kg/day for ear infections) to keep the liquid volume small.

Practical Example

Let's look at a realistic scenario for a child diagnosed with a middle ear infection:

• Weight: 15 kg (approx. 33 lbs)
• Target Dosage: 80 mg/kg/day (High dose protocol)
• Suspension Strength: 400 mg / 5 mL
• Frequency: Twice daily (Every 12 hours)

Step 1: 15 kg × 80 mg = 1,200 mg total daily dose.
Step 2: 1,200 mg / 2 doses = 600 mg per dose.
Step 3: (600 mg / 400 mg) × 5 mL = 7.5 mL per dose.

Safety Reminders

• Use the Measuring Device Provided: Always use the oral syringe or dropper that comes with the medication. Kitchen spoons are not accurate for medical measurements.
• Finish the Course: Even if the child feels better after 2 days, complete the full duration prescribed by the doctor to prevent antibiotic resistance.
• Storage: Some amoxicillin suspensions (like Augmentin) require refrigeration, while standard Amoxicillin may be stored at room temperature but often tastes better cold. Check your pharmacist's label.