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Paediatric otitis media dosing — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateInfection TherapeuticsPaediatric otitis media dosingGPhC CRA

A mother brings her 5-year-old child (weight 20 kg) to the pharmacy with a prescription for amoxicillin oral suspension for acute otitis media. The prescription states 500 mg three times daily for 5 days. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: D — Dispense as written as this is the correct dose for a child of this weight

For acute otitis media in children, NICE recommends amoxicillin at a dose of 25 mg/kg (max 500 mg) three times daily. For a 20 kg child, 25 mg/kg = 500 mg, which matches the prescribed dose. This is within the appropriate range. NICE does recommend antibiotics for acute otitis media in certain circumstances, including children under 2 with bilateral infection or those with systemic symptoms.

Reference: NICE NG91 Otitis Media; BNF for Children