Antibiotic Suspension Calculator
Standard pediatric suspension math (mg/kg/day)
Calculation Methodology
Give mL
For oral administration, round to the nearest 0.1 mL. Use the provided oral syringe for precision.
Understanding Liquid Medication Math
Calculating the correct dose for a child's antibiotic suspension is one of the most stressful tasks for a parent. Most common pediatric antibiotics—like Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, and Azithromycin—are prescribed based on the patient's weight in kilograms.
Why is mg/kg dosing used?
Children's bodies metabolize medication differently as they grow. A fixed dose for a 2-year-old might be ineffective for a 5-year-old, or potentially toxic for a smaller infant. The mg/kg dosing method ensures that every patient receives a concentration of the drug that matches their blood volume and body mass index.
Crucial Safety Tip
"Always check the label for the concentration (e.g., 400mg/5mL). A mistake in identifying the concentration is the #1 cause of dosing errors at home."
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "BID" or "TID" mean on my prescription?
These are Latin abbreviations for frequency. BID (Bis in die) means twice daily. TID (Ter in die) means three times daily. QD means once daily.
Should I use a kitchen spoon for dosing?
No. Standard kitchen teaspoons vary wildly in volume (between 2mL and 9mL). Always use the oral syringe or dosing cup provided by your pharmacist to ensure accuracy to the tenth of a mL.
My child spat out the medicine, should I redose?
If the medicine was spat out immediately (within 5-10 minutes), usually you can redose once. However, if it has been longer, do not double up. Consult your pediatrician for specific advice based on the medication type.
Common Antibiotic Strengths
- Amoxicillin 400mg/5mL
- Augmentin 250mg/5mL
- Keflex 125mg/5mL
- Omnicef 250mg/5mL
- Zithromax 200mg/5mL
Did you know?
Antibiotic suspensions are often "reconstituted" by the pharmacist with water. Once mixed, most only last for 10-14 days and many require refrigeration. Check your bottle's storage instructions!
Related Tools
Standard Weight-Based Dosage Reference
Typical dosing for common antibiotics (Check label for concentration).
| Weight (kg) | Amoxicillin (Standard) | Amoxicillin (High Dose) |
|---|---|---|
| 10kg Child (22 lbs) | ||
| 10 kg | 200mg / day | 400mg / day (Otitis Media) |
| 15kg Child (33 lbs) | ||
| 15 kg | 300mg / day | 600mg / day |
| 20kg Child (44 lbs) | ||
| 20 kg | 400mg / day | 800mg / day |
Clinical Verify
Sources & Guidelines
- • AAP: Dosing Guidelines
- • CDC: Antibiotic Stewardship
- • FDA: Pediatric Safety Protocols
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