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How do Doctors Determine the Best Amoxicillin Dosage?

By Thomma Grindstaff
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 18,494
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Multiple factors play a role in determining the best amoxicillin dosage for a patient. Doctors must calculate dosage based on what type of bacteria is responsible for the infection. The type of infection plays a role in a doctor's determination of proper dosage. The amount of amoxicillin dosing also depends on a patient's age, height and weight.

Amoxicillin is one of the antibiotics in the penicillin class of medications. Taking amoxicillin is helpful in treating various infections, including those of the ear, respiratory system and urinary tract. The proper dose of amoxicillin for any one patient must be calculated by a medical professional. There is no standard dosage that is recommended for all patients. No patient should adjust amoxicillin dosage without first seeking the guidance of his or her doctor.

Dosage for adults depends on the type and severity of a patient's infection. For milder infections, doctors might prescribe 250 mg every eight hours. For more severe infections, an adult dosage might be 875 mg every 12 hours. Adults who suffer from gonorrhea may be directed by their doctors to take 3 g of amoxicillin as a one-time dose.

Amoxicillin dosage for children who weigh less than 88 pounds (40 kg) also depends on the type and severity of the infection. Pediatric doses may run from 20 mg per kilogram of weight per day to 45 mg per kilogram of weight per day. Medical professionals advise that the total amoxicillin dosage for children be divided into doses that are taken either twice daily (every 12 hours) or three times daily (every eight hours).

Patients must carefully follow the instructions of their doctors. Intervals between doses should be kept as even as possible. Patients must take all of their medicine, even if they start to feel better. If a patient doesn't take all of his or her prescribed medication, it could lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food. The medication is available in the form of chewable tablets, extended release tablets or oral suspension. Liquid amoxicillin should be shaken thoroughly before a dose is a taken and should be carefully measured using a medicine cup or a dosing spoon. Chewable tablets must be thoroughly chewed before ingestion, and extended release tablets must be swallowed whole.

If patients miss a dose of amoxicillin, they should take it as soon as they remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, however, only a single dose should be taken. Double-dosing with amoxicillin should be avoided. A patient taking amoxicillin should never share his or her medication with anybody else. Only a medical professional can make the proper recommendations for amoxicillin dosage.

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Discussion Comments
By fify — On Feb 19, 2014

Amoxicillin is also used by veterinarians for cats and dogs. My dog had an eye infection last month and she was given 100mg twice a day for a week. She's 16-17 pounds. The medication worked very well. We went back for a check-up after the medication was over and the vet said that it had cleared up. I think the amoxicillin dosage for dogs is 5mg per pound for 12 hours. But I'm sure it depends on the type of infection as well.

By discographer — On Feb 19, 2014

@ZipLine-- I think that 500-1000mg/day for 5-10 days are typical amoxicillin antibiotic dosages. But the exact dose depends on the type of infection, the severity of the infection and the age/weight of a person. It's not a good idea to try to determine the dose yourself and you should not be using antibiotics without doctor approval and supervision anyway.

I'm not trying trying to lecture you. But it's a known fact that misuse of antibiotics results in many different types of complications. If you use lower than necessary doses, the infection may not clear up. This will also improve the resistance of the bacteria.

I know that some people have recurrent or chronic sinus infections and do not want to see a doctor each time. Many people also have left-over antibiotics at home. But this does not mean that we should play doctor and decide our treatments and dosages. Misuse of antibiotics is not only harmful for us, it's harmful for everyone in society as the same bacteria will end up infecting someone else.

By ZipLine — On Feb 18, 2014

What is the typical amoxicillin dosage for a sinus infection? Will 500mg/daily for five or six days work?

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