Polycillin
Polycillin is a brand name for Ampicillin, a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to cell death. It is effective against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is highly dependent on the type and severity of infection, patient age, and renal function. It is typically administered 1 to 2 hours before meals (on an empty stomach) for optimal absorption. Complete the entire prescribed course.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Dosed individually by pediatrician (typically 25-50 mg/kg/day divided)
- Frequency
- Every 6 to 8 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Neonates and young infants require precise weight-based dosing and monitoring by a healthcare professional.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 62.5 mg to 87.5 mg (approx. 2.5 mL to 3.5 mL of 125mg/5mL oral suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on standard pediatric dosing of 50 mg/kg/day for mild-to-moderate infections.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg to 125 mg (approx. 4 mL to 5 mL of 125mg/5mL oral suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Shake suspension well before administering. Use a calibrated measuring device.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 137.5 mg to 187.5 mg (approx. 5.5 mL to 7.5 mL of 125mg/5mL oral suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Alternatively, 2.75 mL to 3.75 mL of 250mg/5mL suspension can be used to decrease fluid volume.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 200 mg to 250 mg (approx. 4 mL to 5 mL of 250mg/5mL oral suspension)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- For severe infections, the healthcare provider may double the dose up to 100 mg/kg/day.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Dosed individually by pediatrician (typically 25-50 mg/kg/day divided) | Every 6 to 8 hours | Neonates and young infants require precise weight-based dosing and monitoring by a healthcare professional. |
| 5-7 kg | 62.5 mg to 87.5 mg (approx. 2.5 mL to 3.5 mL of 125mg/5mL oral suspension) | Every 6 hours | Calculated based on standard pediatric dosing of 50 mg/kg/day for mild-to-moderate infections. |
| 8-10 kg | 100 mg to 125 mg (approx. 4 mL to 5 mL of 125mg/5mL oral suspension) | Every 6 hours | Shake suspension well before administering. Use a calibrated measuring device. |
| 11-15 kg | 137.5 mg to 187.5 mg (approx. 5.5 mL to 7.5 mL of 125mg/5mL oral suspension) | Every 6 hours | Alternatively, 2.75 mL to 3.75 mL of 250mg/5mL suspension can be used to decrease fluid volume. |
| 16-20 kg | 200 mg to 250 mg (approx. 4 mL to 5 mL of 250mg/5mL oral suspension) | Every 6 hours | For severe infections, the healthcare provider may double the dose up to 100 mg/kg/day. |
Formulation
Purpose
Polycillin is an aminopenicillin antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including middle ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, salmonellosis, and meningitis.
Generic Name
AmpicillinScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.