Dose:    22.5 mg/kg/dose PO of amoxicillin

Frequency:     Q 12 hours   

Comments:  Recommended daily dose is based on 45/6.4 mg/kg day of amoxicillin and clavulanate respectively. The new formulation (Augmentin-BID) uses aspartame rather than mannitol as a sweetener decreasing associated diarrhea from 26% to 10% (Pediatric Infectious Disease Newsletter July, 1996). Clavulanic acid blocks the action of beta-lactamase produced by bacteria that inactivate amoxicillin. Its pharmacological, microbiologic, and adverse effects are otherwise essentially the same as ampicillin.

Toxicity:   Similar to ampicillin.

Preparation: To make a 200 mg/5 ml concentration of amoxicillin clavulanate (Augmentin), tap bottle to loosen powder. Add 2/3 of total amount of water for reconstitution and shake vigorously. Add remaining water and shake vigorously. Shake well before administering. Refrigerate. Stable for 10 days under refrigeration. May be administered without regard to food intake.