Amoxicillin Pediatric Dosage Calculator

How Pediatric Amoxicillin Dosing Works

Amoxicillin dosing for children is based on body weight, not age. The standard approach uses milligrams of medication per kilogram of the child's weight (mg/kg). This ensures each child receives a dose proportional to their size, which is critical for both safety and effectiveness.

This calculator applies the prescribed dosing guidance—typically 20 mg/kg/day to 90 mg/kg/day—to the weight you enter. The result shows the recommended single dose and the total daily dose, which is usually divided into two or three administrations.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Enter the child's weight in kilograms or pounds. If you enter pounds, the calculator automatically converts to kilograms.
2. Select the prescribed dosing guidance (e.g., standard dose, high dose) as directed by the healthcare provider.
3. Choose the dosing interval — typically every 12 hours (twice daily) or every 8 hours (three times daily).
4. Click calculate to see the recommended single dose and total daily dose.

Always confirm the result with a healthcare professional before administering any medication.

Understanding the Results

The calculator provides two key numbers:

• Single dose — the amount of amoxicillin to give at each administration time.
• Total daily dose — the combined amount over 24 hours.

For example, if the result shows a single dose of 200 mg and the interval is every 12 hours, you would give 200 mg in the morning and 200 mg in the evening, for a total daily dose of 400 mg.

Results are rounded to the nearest measurable amount. Liquid suspensions are typically available in concentrations like 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL, or 400 mg/5 mL. Use the result to determine the correct volume to administer.

Common Dosing Scenarios

Dosing guidance varies depending on the condition being treated:

• Standard dose (20–40 mg/kg/day) — used for mild to moderate infections like otitis media, sinusitis, or strep throat.
• High dose (80–90 mg/kg/day) — used for more serious infections or when treating penicillin-resistant strains, often for acute otitis media.
• Prophylaxis dosing — lower doses used to prevent bacterial infections in certain medical conditions.

The calculator does not replace clinical judgment. Always follow the specific dosing instructions provided by the prescribing physician.

Important Considerations

• Weight accuracy matters — even small errors in weight can lead to incorrect dosing. Use a calibrated scale and weigh the child without heavy clothing.
• Renal function — children with kidney impairment may require dose adjustments. This calculator assumes normal renal function.
• Allergies — amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. Do not use in children with a known penicillin allergy unless specifically directed by an allergist.
• Duration — the calculator provides a single dose and daily dose, not the full course length. Complete the entire prescribed course unless otherwise instructed.