Amoxicillin dosage

Introduction: What dosages are there and what should be considered?

Amoxicillin is one of the beta-lactam antibiotics and is a commonly prescribed drug in Germany. Because of its good tolerance, it is also popular in the field of paediatrics. There are different doses of amoxicillin, depending on the type of disease and the characteristics of the person affected.

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Since amoxicillin is not only used for a specific disease, but rather is used for infections of various organ systems, different dosages are also necessary. The Standard dosage of amoxicillin amounts 500 to 1000 mg up to three times a day. A dosage of 750 mg up to three times a day is also possible. The drug comes in the form of Tablets administered. Depending on the patient and illness, higher doses may also be necessary. The Maximum dose from 6000 mg during the day however, must not be exceeded. In people with a Impaired kidney function may only be lower doses than in people with intact kidney function.

The dosage of amoxicillin in adults is also different from the dosage in children. The latter received by 12 years of age, respectively up to a weight of 40 kg, a weight-adjusted dosage of the drug. This means that a certain amount of amoxicillin is administered per kilogram of body weight.

children aged 1 to 12 months received mostly 50 to 100 mg amoxicillin per kilogram of body weightwhich on 2 to 3 single doses distributed per day will, for a period of 7 to 14 days.

Between the ages 1 and 12 years receive children 50 to 100 mg amoxicillin per kilogram of body weightwhich on 3 single doses per day for 7 days is distributed. This is how you avoid over- or underdosing. In general, the dosage of the antibiotic is individually tailored to the disease and the respective patient, which is why at this point no general dosages can be named. In principle, serious infections usually require higher doses than less serious diseases. When taking amoxicillin one should make sure that one is taking the drug Completely for the specified period occupies. If you forget to take a tablet, you should take it as soon as possible. In such a case, the next dose should not be taken too early, but rather wait at least 4 hours.

Dosage in Lyme disease in children

Borreliosis is a disease that occurs after a Tick ​​bite can occur. Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Lyme disease. The Standard therapy is using the antibiotic Doxycycline carried out. However, this antibiotic must not be used in childrensince it too permanent tooth damage can lead. Therefore, children who suffer from Lyme disease are treated with other antibiotics. Amoxicillin is an alternative to doxycycline and is usually prescribed in a high dose of 750 mg 3 to 4 times a day for 12 days. However, the dose also depends on the age and weight of the child and the dose may need to be adjusted.

Dosage for sinusitis / sinusitis

At a Sinus infection therapy with amoxicillin or other antibiotics only makes sense if one bacterial cause is likely. To assess whether a bacterial infestation is the cause, doctors look at the person's condition and symptoms. High fever, severe discomfort or a poor general condition of those affected speak in favor of amoxicillin therapy. It is important to take the medication for a sufficiently long time. The dosage can be between 500 to 1000 mg 3 times a day vary. The intake period is on average 10 to 14 days. A severe course may require a longer duration of treatment and a higher dose.

Dosage per kilogram of body weight

Therapies with drugs, the dosage of which is determined based on the patient's body weight, is known as weight adapted. In children, the dosage of amoxicillin is based on existing body weight and age. This ensures that the dose is not too high and that a sufficient level of active ingredient is achieved.

Newborn receive a dose of 15 to 20 mg per kilogram Body weight distributed on 3 single doses per day. The intake period is 7 to 14 days.

children aged 1 to 12 months receive a dose of 50 to 100 mg per kilogram of body weight spread over 2 to 3 single doses per day. The duration of intake is also 7 to 14 days.

At an age of 1 to 12 years is the weight-adjusted dosage 50 to 100 mg per kilogram of body weight, spread over 3 single doses daily for a period of 7 days. Children and adolescents over 12 years of age receive the usual dose for adults. This is no longer adapted to the weight. However, the information only serves as a rough guide. In justified cases, the dosages can also differ

Dosage for bronchitis

Bronchitis is in 90% of cases are viral. Hence a Therapy with an antibiotic often does not make sense. Amoxicillin is usually not prescribed for bronchitis because it cannot fight the viruses. Bacteria are rarely responsible for bronchitis. However, these bacteria are mostly Mycoplasma or Chlamydiaagainst which amoxicillin has no effect. To fight this type of bacteria are other antibiotics, such as Doxycycline, suitable.

Dosage in case of otitis media / otitis media

Otitis media, like many other infections, can be treated with amoxicillin. However, general therapy with antibiotics for otitis media does not make sense. It should be carefully considered whether the use of antibiotics makes sense. In some cases, for example if there are very severe symptoms or there is a threat of complications, the use of amoxicillin makes sense. The dosage for adults is between 500 to 1000 mg three times a day for a period of 7 days. However, the duration of use may vary. For children up to the age of 12, the dosage is determined based on body weight. It is approximately between 50 to 100 mg per kilogram of body weight spread over 2 to 3 single doses for a period of 7 to 14 days. After the age of 12, it corresponds to the usual dose for adults. Whether amoxicillin should be used for treatment must be clarified with the attending physician.

Amoxicillin in dialysis patients

In people with a impaired kidney function or dialysis patient is one Dose adjustment of amoxicillin necessary. A dose reduction is necessary, since Amoxicillin is excreted by the kidneys becomes. When kidney function is impaired, amoxicillin may therefore accumulate in the body due to restricted excretion. However, since this is a very special situation in which many factors have to be considered, no general information on the dose of amoxicillin during dialysis can be made at this point.