Antibiotic Dosing Chart — Quick Adult & Pediatric Guide

Need clear antibiotic doses fast? This page gives practical, commonly used adult and pediatric doses, simple rules for weight-based dosing, and safety tips you can use when talking with your provider. Use this as a quick reference — not a prescription.

How to read a dosing chart

Start by identifying the antibiotic and the condition (ear infection, UTI, skin infection, etc.). For children, use mg per kg (mg/kg) and round to convenient tablet or suspension amounts. Always check for allergies, kidney function, pregnancy status, and drug interactions before adjusting doses. When a chart lists a range, use the lower end for mild infections or frail patients and the higher end for severe infections or high-burden infections.

Common antibiotic doses (quick list)

Below are frequently used antibiotics with typical adult doses and pediatric mg/kg guidelines. These are common regimens but confirm with local guidelines or your doctor.

• Amoxicillin — Adults: 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours. Children: 20–50 mg/kg/day divided q8–12h (e.g., 25 mg/kg/dose q8h for many ear infections).
• Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) — Adults: 500/125 mg q8h or 875/125 mg q12h. Children: 20–45 mg/kg/day of the amoxicillin component divided q12h; higher dose (45 mg/kg/day) for some sinus/otitis cases.
• Azithromycin — Adults: 500 mg on day 1 then 250 mg daily days 2–5, or 500 mg daily for 3 days for some infections. Children: 10 mg/kg on day 1 then 5 mg/kg days 2–5 (max 500 mg/day).
• Doxycycline — Adults: 100 mg twice daily. Children >8 years: 2 mg/kg initial then 2 mg/kg every 12 hours (max adult dose). Avoid in children under 8 unless directed by specialist.
• Ciprofloxacin — Adults: typical 500 mg twice daily for many infections; 250–500 mg twice daily for UTI/soft tissue. Use cautiously in pregnancy and children; specialist guidance needed for pediatric use.
• Ceftriaxone — Adults: 1–2 g IV/IM once daily depending on infection. Children: 50–75 mg/kg IV/IM once daily (max commonly 2 g).
• Metronidazole — Adults: 500 mg every 8–12 hours. Children: 7.5–15 mg/kg/day divided q8–12h. Avoid alcohol with treatment and for 48 hours after.

Renal dosing: many antibiotics (like aminoglycosides, vancomycin, fluoroquinolones) need dose or interval changes with kidney problems. Always check creatinine and local renal-adjustment charts.

Allergic reactions and interactions matter. If penicillin allergy is listed, use an appropriate alternative (macrolide, doxycycline, or cephalosporin only after allergy assessment). For pregnant patients, some antibiotics are avoided — ask your clinician.

Use this guide to understand common doses and talk confidently with your prescriber or pharmacist. If unsure, get a professional opinion rather than guessing a dose.