A small child has an ear infection. , Order: amoxicillin (Amoxil) 75 mg, PO, q8h , Child's weight: 70 lb, or 32 kg , Pediatric dose parameter: 20 to 40 mg/kg/day in three divided doses , Drug available:
a. How many milligrams of amoxicillin would the child receive per day?
b. Is the dose within safe dose parameters? Explain.
c. How many milliliters of Amoxil would you give per dose?

Question

A small child has an ear infection. , Order: amoxicillin (Amoxil) 75 mg, PO, q8h , Child's weight: 70 lb, or 32 kg , Pediatric dose parameter: 20 to 40 mg/kg/day in three divided doses , Drug available:  
a. How many milligrams of amoxicillin would the child receive per day?
b. Is the dose within safe dose parameters? Explain.
c. How many milliliters of Amoxil would you give per dose?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is a. 75 mg x 3 doses (q8h) = 225 mg/day
b. Not safe, the dose (20 mg/kg/day x 32 kg = 640 mg/day) is less than the parameter (40 mg/kg/day x32 kg = 1280 mg/day) and is subtherapeutic.
c. 3 mL of Amoxil per dose. The nurse may want to check with the physician to see whether this dose is adequate. RP: 125 mg : 5 mL = 75 mg : x mL, 375/125 = 3 mL

A Small Child Has an Ear Infection