Amoxicillin Dosing for Impetigo

Introduction to Treatment

• For a pediatric patient with impetigo, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a dose of amoxicillin liquid of 50-75 mg/kg/day divided into 2 doses, which equals 2,615-3,923 mg per day or approximately 1,308-1,962 mg twice daily, for a patient weighing 52.3 kg 1

Calculating the Appropriate Dose

• For Group A Streptococcal infections, the recommended dose is 50-75 mg/kg/day in 2 doses, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1

Alternative Treatments

• Oral clindamycin can be used as an alternative to amoxicillin at a dose of 30-40 mg/kg/day in 3-4 doses, as recommended by the Clinical Infectious Diseases society 2

Clinical Considerations

• If MRSA is suspected or confirmed, alternative antibiotics should be considered, as amoxicillin alone will not be effective, according to the Clinical Infectious Diseases society 2

Monitoring

• Monitor for common adverse effects including gastrointestinal disturbances and hypersensitivity reactions, as recommended by the Praxis Medical Insights 1
• If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 72 hours, reassess the diagnosis and consider alternative antibiotics, according to the Clinical Infectious Diseases society 2