Why Some Amoxicillin And Clavulanic Acid Combination Come With Different Quantity

Dose of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid combination

Combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is used in the treatment of certain types of bacteria infection. Amoxicillin is in the class of penicillin-like antibiotics. It stops bacteria growth. Clavulanic acid is in the class of beta lactamase inhibitors. It works by preventing beta lactams bacterias from destroying amoxicillin in the body.

Dosage Form Of Amoxicillin And Clavulanic Acid

There are so many companies out there producing this combination of antibiotics. They come in suspension and tablet (caplet). Some of the tablets are dispersible, extended release and chewable tablets. They all come in different strengths and quantities depending on the target patient's age and disease condition.

Strength

The strength of the amoxicillin and clavulanic acid changes with the target patient age and disease condition. The combination is usually either 8:1, 7:1 or 4:1 amoxicillin and clavulanic acid respectively.

Let's take a look at the following 8:1 ratio. 500mg amoxicillin in 62.5mg clavulanic acid tablet or suspension. For 7:1 ratio, we have 200mg amoxicillin in 125mg clavulanic acid suspension, 400mg amoxicillin in 57mg clavulanic acid suspension and 875mg amoxicillin in 125mg clavulanic acid.

The dosage is usually either every 12 hours or every 8 hours. The duration depends on the disease condition or the patient response. Maximum daily dose (express in amoxicillin) should not exceed 12.5 mg/kg daily or 375 mg daily.

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The ratio of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid of 4:1: 125 mg amoxicillin/31.25 mg clavulanic acid/5 ml powder for oral suspension and 500 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanic acid tablet. The maximum dose (expressed in amoxicillin) is 50 mg/kg daily, without exceeding 1500 mg daily.

Dosage Frequency And Quantity

The dosage frequency and duration for amoxicillin and clavulanic acid combination depends on the disease condition and the available strength. Most drug manufacturers make the quantity based on their own recommendation. Merely looking at the quantity and strength on the pack, the frequency and duration recommended by the manufacturer can be known. Some manufacturers make packs of different quantity with the same strength leaving the prescriber with the option to make the recommendation.

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Suspension: when you see a product with a 70ml bottle, it is meant to be taken 5ml every 12 hours for seven days. Those that come in 75ml, the dosage is 5ml every 8 hours for five days. Some also come in 100ml and 150ml. The 100ml can also be given 10ml every 12 hours which will mean to be taken for five days. The one with 150ml can be taken 5ml every 8 hours for 10 days. However, if the duration is to be extended, another bottle will be needed.

Tablet: Some products come with 14 tablets, others have 15 tablets in a pack and still others with 21 tablets. The dosage for those that come with 14 tablets is one every 12 hours for  seven days. If 15 tablets are in a pack, it is done every 8 hours for five days. 21 tablets pack can be taken every 8 hours for seven days.

We also have packs containing 6 tablet which can be given every 8 or 12 hours for two or three days respectively depending on the disease. That is not all. 10 tablet pack is available as it can be given every 12 hours for 5 days. Lastly, we have 28 tablet pack. This can give every 12 hours for 14 days.

There could be other quantity out there. But these are the common ones encountered. If also the duration is to be extended, another pack will be needed.

Well now you know why some quantity of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid combination comes with different quantities.