Amoxicillin / Augmentin Pediatric Dose Calculator
Calculate dose for amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin, Moxikind-CV) by weight. Includes high-dose for AOM and PCN-resistant infections.
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EasyClinic flags when clavulanate exceeds safe daily limits, suggests appropriate antibiotic by indication, and tracks your antibiotic prescribing patterns for AMR audits.
Also Known As
Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin) in Pediatrics
Amoxicillin is the first-line oral antibiotic for many common pediatric infections including acute otitis media (AOM), streptococcal pharyngitis, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and dental infections. Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin, Moxikind-CV) adds a beta-lactamase inhibitor for organisms producing beta-lactamase, like H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, and many anaerobes — used for sinusitis, recurrent AOM, animal bites, and complicated infections.
Standard dosing is 40-50 mg/kg/day divided BD or TDS. High-dose therapy (80-90 mg/kg/day) is recommended for acute otitis media in regions with high penicillin-resistant pneumococcus prevalence (per IAP and AAP guidelines).
Indian Brand Names and Available Strengths
- Plain Amoxicillin: Mox, Novamox, Amoxil, Wymox, Trimox — 125mg/5mL, 250mg/5mL syrups; 250mg, 500mg capsules
- Augmentin (GSK): 156mg/5mL (125+31), 228.5mg/5mL (200+28.5), 457mg/5mL (400+57), 642.9mg/5mL ES
- Moxikind-CV (Mankind): Same strengths as Augmentin, more affordable
- Clavam (Alkem): Same strengths
- Mega-CV, Bactoclav, Megapen-CV: Other Indian brands
Tip: ES (Extra Strength) formulations have a higher amoxicillin:clavulanate ratio (14:1 vs 7:1), allowing higher amoxicillin dosing without exceeding clavulanate's diarrhea threshold (10 mg/kg/day).
Indications and Recommended Doses
- Pharyngitis (Strep throat): 50 mg/kg/day BD × 10 days
- AOM (standard): 80-90 mg/kg/day BD × 7-10 days
- Sinusitis (acute): 80-90 mg/kg/day (Augmentin) BD × 10-14 days
- CAP (mild): 90 mg/kg/day BD × 5-7 days
- UTI: 25-50 mg/kg/day BD × 5-7 days
- Animal bite prophylaxis: Augmentin 40 mg/kg/day BD × 3-5 days
- Dental abscess: 50 mg/kg/day TDS × 5-7 days
Frequently Asked Questions
▸When should I use Augmentin instead of plain Amoxicillin?
Use Augmentin for sinusitis, recurrent AOM, animal/human bites, when H. influenzae or M. catarrhalis is suspected, or when previous amoxicillin has failed. Plain amoxicillin is preferred for strep throat and uncomplicated AOM.
▸What is high-dose amoxicillin and when is it used?
High-dose = 80-90 mg/kg/day (vs standard 40-50). Used for AOM in regions with penicillin-resistant pneumococcus (most of India), severe pneumonia, and treatment failures. Per IAP 2018 AOM guidelines.
▸Why does my child get diarrhea with Augmentin?
Clavulanate component irritates the gut and disrupts intestinal flora. Limit clavulanate to ≤10 mg/kg/day. Use ES formulations (higher amox:clav ratio) for high-dose therapy. Consider probiotics.
▸How long should I give amoxicillin for strep throat?
Full 10 days, even if the child feels better after 2-3 days. Shorter courses risk treatment failure and rheumatic fever. New evidence supports 5-7 days for some indications — check current IAP guidelines.
▸Can amoxicillin be given on an empty stomach?
Yes, amoxicillin absorption is not significantly affected by food. Give with food if it causes nausea or stomach upset. Augmentin is better tolerated with food to reduce GI side effects.
▸What about penicillin allergy?
For confirmed PCN allergy, alternatives include azithromycin (12 mg/kg OD × 5d), clindamycin (10-20 mg/kg/day TDS), or cefdinir (14 mg/kg/day) if non-severe (rash only) penicillin allergy.
References
- IAP Guidelines on Acute Otitis Media (2018)
- AAP Clinical Practice Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of AOM (2013)
- BNF for Children — Amoxicillin & Co-amoxiclav Monographs
Add antibiotic guidelines to every prescription
EasyClinic flags dose-dependent indications (AOM vs URTI) and warns when clavulanate exceeds safe daily limits — automatic clinical decision support.