Increased dosage of anti-biotics - worried, advice needed please

[Chimpola]

Took DD to doctor this morning because of raised temp after week long cough. Temp was 38.7 during the night - this is someone who hardly ever gets fevers.

Doctor said slight crackle in chest so given the circumstances has prescribed a 7 day course of amoxicillin. She said they are now advised to give higher doses than before.

Since coming home earlier DD's temp is down to 38.2 (without calpol), and I've researched the dosage - it's basically double the dosage to what they used to give (500mg x 3 times a day instead of 250mg) a this is for children aged 5-12.

I am worried about the high dosage given that 1) there was only a 'slight crackle' and 2) she is very small/slight for her age 19.2k at nearly 8, so by my calculations an average-above average 5 year old.

Am wondering whether I give the dosage now recommended or halve it to what she would have been given before the change....??

[306235388]

Give the dosage recommended

[NCIS]

Dose as directed. It's not an optional dose. You could not give it at all but don't reduce it.

[TortoiseInAShell]

It's fine to give 500mg. You need to be sure that it will work properly and some infections need a proper clobbering.

[Chimpola]

Thanks all, have given as directed

[minibmw2010]

My DS (3.5) has just had a chest infection and we were told the same thing. The dose has increased because the problem wasn't going away so instead of a long 10 day course you get double the strength over 5 days. It seems to have helped for us. Also they told us as it's stronger to give before meals in case it upsets their tummy.

[Chimpola]

I was told (by the chemist) that it didn't matter whether I gave it before, with or after meals

[intheenddotcom]

Timing only matters if they get an upset tummy really.

Dosage must be the full prescribed dose and for the full time period - one to beat the infection and two so that the bacteria don't become resilient. One of the major problems is people stopping ABs when they start to feel better - some bacteria are still around and so become resistant to the AB..