Children's Amoxicillin Dose Reference

The standard dose is 40 mg/kg/day divided into three doses (every 8 hours), with a maximum of 500 mg per dose. For middle ear infections (AOM) where resistant bacteria are suspected, a high-dose regimen of 80–90 mg/kg/day divided twice daily is used. For strep throat, 50 mg/kg once daily for 10 days is the IDSA recommendation.

Stopping antibiotics early — even when your child feels better — allows surviving bacteria to multiply and potentially develop antibiotic resistance. It also increases the risk of relapse. Always complete the prescribed course. The typical course is 5–10 days depending on the condition.

The most common side effect is diarrhoea, affecting up to 11% of children. Nausea, vomiting, and rash can also occur. A non-allergic amoxicillin rash (a diffuse maculopapular rash appearing on day 5–10) is NOT the same as a true penicillin allergy. A true allergic reaction (hives, swelling, breathing difficulty) requires stopping the medication and calling your doctor immediately.

Yes — amoxicillin can be given with or without food. If your child experiences nausea or stomach upset, giving it with food or milk may help. Refrigerate reconstituted oral suspension and discard after 14 days.

If vomiting occurred within 15–30 minutes of the dose, contact your pharmacist or doctor — a repeat dose may be appropriate. If it was more than 30 minutes after, the dose was likely absorbed and repeating it could cause overdose. When in doubt, call your pharmacy.

For acute otitis media (AOM) in children, amoxicillin remains the first-line antibiotic per AAP guidelines — but not all ear infections require immediate antibiotics. Children with mild symptoms aged 2 and over may be observed for 48–72 hours first (watchful waiting). Your child's doctor will decide based on age, severity, and whether both ears are affected.