Children using antibacterial dosing methods
When children become ill and need antibacterials, accurate calculation of the dose is essential. This relates not only to the effects of treatment but also to the health and safety of the child. The following is a detailed description of several common methods of calculating doses of antibacterial drugs for children.
I. Weight-based calculations
Weight is one of the most common methods. Its rationale is to determine the appropriate dose of antibacterial drugs based on the actual weight of the child.
First, doctors need to know the exact weight of the child, usually in kg. The recommended dose range per kilogram of antibacterial drugs is then found by reference to the drug instructions or associated treatment guidelines.
For example, an antibacterial note indicates 10 – 20 mg/kg bw/day in children. If a child weighs 20 kg, the daily dose is 20 kg x 10 mg/kg = 200 mg at the lowest dose and 20 kg × 20 mg/kg = 400 mg at the highest dose. Thus, the daily dose of the antibacterial drug to this child ranges from 200 to 400 mg.
In practice, however, doctors choose a suitable specific dose within this dose range, taking into account factors such as the severity of the child ‘ s condition.
II. Age-based approach
Age-based calculations are also a viable approach, but may be less accurate in relative terms, often as a supporting reference.
Children of different ages have different levels of physical development, as well as differences in drug tolerance and metabolic capacity. A generic drug instruction or professional information gives an approximate dose recommendation at different ages.
For example, for children aged between 1 and 3 years, some anti-bacterial drug may be recommended for half a pill at a time; for children aged between 4 and 6, one at a time.
It should be noted, however, that age is only a general division and that children of the same age may vary significantly in their weight and health. Therefore, age alone may not be accurate enough to be used more often when it is not possible to obtain an accurate body weight or as a preliminary estimate.
III. Table size calculation
The surface size calculation is relatively more accurate, especially for children of younger age, underweight or more serious condition.
Special formulas are required to calculate the surface area of the body, most commonly known as the Xu Wenzheng formula: surface area (m2) = 0.0061 x height (cm) + 0.0128 x body weight (cm) – 0.1529.
First, the child ‘ s height and weight are measured accurately, and then the formula calculates the surface area. The actual antibacterial dose to be taken by a child is then determined on the basis of the recommended dose per square metre surface area given in the drug instructions or treatment guidelines.
For example, for an antibacterial drug, the recommended daily dose per square metre surface area is 300 mg and the calculated surface area of a child is 0.8 square metres, so the daily dose for the child is 0.8 square metres x 300 mg/m2 = 240 mg.
Other matters of concern
Regardless of which method of calculation is used, there are some common concerns.
First, it is essential that dosage calculations and drug guidance be carried out by professional doctors. Parents must not compute and give medication to their children on their own the basis of online information or experience, since each child ‘ s situation is unique and professional doctors are able to take into account a variety of factors, such as his or her condition and condition.
Second, the child’s reaction should be closely observed in the course of the medication. In the event of adverse effects, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, etc., doctors are informed in a timely manner in order to adjust the drug programme.
Finally, anti-bacterial drugs should be administered to children in strict compliance with the prescribed doses, frequency and treatment, and should not be self-determinated because of a slight reduction in symptoms, which could lead to a recurrence of the disease and lead to resistance of bacteria.
Knowledge of how to calculate the dose of antibacterial drugs used by children can help parents to better cooperate with doctors, ensure that children are treated with antibacterial drugs in a safe and effective manner, and restore health at an early stage.
