Bactrim Dosing Guidelines for Pediatric Patients

Weight-Based Calculation

• For an 8-year-old child weighing 96 pounds (43.6 kg), the appropriate dose of Bactrim (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) is 8-12 mg/kg/day based on the trimethoprim component, divided into 2 doses every 12 hours, which translates to approximately 17.5-26 mL (350-520 mg trimethoprim component) per day, or 8.75-13 mL twice daily, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, 2, 3, 4
• The patient's weight is 96 pounds, equivalent to 43.6 kg, which is used for weight-based calculation of Bactrim dosage 5
• The standard pediatric dosing of Bactrim is 8-12 mg/kg/day of trimethoprim component in 2 divided doses, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Dosing by Indication

For Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (SSTI)

• The dose for SSTI is 8-12 mg/kg/day trimethoprim component in 2 divided doses orally, with a volume of 8.75-13 mL twice daily, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, 2, 3, 4
• The treatment duration for SSTI is typically 7-10 days depending on clinical response, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, 2

Important Clinical Considerations

• The minimum age for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole use is 2 months, and this 8-year-old child is well above this minimum age, as stated by the American Academy of Dermatology 7
• Contraindications to verify include documented megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency, and known hypersensitivity to trimethoprim or sulfonamides, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 7
• Monitoring for adverse effects such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and thrombocytopenia is necessary, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 7