Commonly Used Antibiotics in Pediatrics
Approximate ED dosing guide for children older than neonates. Always confirm with local guidelines and a paediatric drug reference, and adjust for renal/hepatic impairment and severity of infection.
Weight-based dosing: Dose = mg/kg (or mg/kg/day) and
never exceed the recommended adult maximum dose.
This table is a quick reference only.
Neonates, critically ill children, and those with organ impairment require
specialist advice and more detailed dosing charts.
Search Antibiotic
Common Paediatric Antibiotic Doses
| Antibiotic | Oral Dosage (Child) | Intravenous Dosage (Child) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amoxicillin |
~20–40 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours (e.g. 10–15 mg/kg every 8 hours) |
~25–50 mg/kg/day divided every 6–8 hours (e.g. 25 mg/kg every 8 hours) |
First-line for many ENT/respiratory infections. Higher doses may be used for otitis media or severe infections as per local protocol. |
| Amoxicillin–Clavulanate (Augmentin) | Dose based on amoxicillin component. Common range: ~20–40 mg/kg/day (amoxicillin) divided every 8–12 hours | ~25–45 mg/kg/day (amoxicillin) divided every 8–12 hours | Use for beta-lactamase producing organisms or where broader cover is needed (e.g. bite wounds, some ENT/resp infections). |
| Ceftriaxone | N/A |
~50–80 mg/kg once daily (max adult dose) For meningitis: up to 100 mg/kg once daily as per protocol. |
Broad-spectrum 3rd gen cephalosporin. Avoid in significant jaundice in neonates. |
| Ciprofloxacin |
~10–15 mg/kg every 12 hours (max adult dose) Use only where clearly indicated and alternatives unsuitable. |
~10 mg/kg every 8–12 hours (max adult dose) | Fluoroquinolone – reserve for specific indications (e.g. Pseudomonas, CF, resistant organisms) and follow local restrictions. |
| Clindamycin | ~8–12 mg/kg every 8 hours (PO) | ~8–12 mg/kg every 6–8 hours (IV) | Useful for skin/soft tissue infections, MRSA (depending on local sensitivity), anaerobic coverage. |
| Gentamicin | N/A | Typical extended-interval dosing: ~7 mg/kg IV once daily (adjust dose and frequency according to local protocol, age, and renal function). | Aminoglycoside – high risk for nephro- and ototoxicity. Check levels and renal function according to local guidelines. |
| Levofloxacin | ~8–10 mg/kg every 12–24 hours (max adult dose; indication-dependent) | ~8–10 mg/kg every 12–24 hours (max adult dose) | Fluoroquinolone – reserve for specific, resistant infections and follow local paediatric restrictions. |
| Metronidazole | ~7.5–10 mg/kg every 8 hours (PO) | ~7.5–10 mg/kg every 8 hours (IV) | Anaerobic cover, intra-abdominal infections, dental infections, some protozoal infections. |
