Question

After learning about pharmacokinetics, the nursing student realizes the complexity of the interactions between the body and medications. Today, a patient expressed concern to you about the frequency of one of his medications. He was recently prescribed the antibiotic amoxicillin for an upper respiratory tract infection. The antibiotic needs to be taken 3 times per day, and the patient is worried he may have trouble remembering to take it. He asks you why the antibiotic has to be taken multiple times per day. Use a medication reference to review the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin. Based on the pharmacokinetic parameters, what factor would be most involved in the frequency of dosing?

Answer 1

Treatment should be continued for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours beyond the time that the patient becomes asymptomatic or evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained. It is recommended that there be at least 10 days' treatment for any infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes to prevent the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever. In some infections, therapy may be required for several weeks. It may be necessary to continue clinical and/or bacteriological follow-up for several months after cessation of therapy.

Infection: Upper respiratory tract infection

Severity: Mild/ Moderate or Severe

Usual Adult Dosage: In case of Mild / Moderage - 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours and in case of Severe - 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours

Recommended Dosage for Adult

• The recommended adult oral dose is 1 gram AMOXIL, 500 mg clarithromycin, and 30 mg lansoprazole, all given twice daily (every 12 hours) for 14 days.
• The recommended adult oral dose is 1 gram AMOXIL and 30 mg lansoprazole, each given three times daily (every 8 hours) for 14 days.