A report by the Daily Telegraph suggests that we might need to increase penicillin doses for children and teenagers, as they are generally heavier now than in the past.
The current guidelines for penicillin doses, including antipseudomonal and semi-synthetic penicillin, and other similar antibiotics, haven’t changed much for nearly 50 years. These dosages are based on the age of the children rather than their weight. This contrasts with adult penicillin guidelines, which have been updated many times over the past 60 years.
Researchers from institutions like King’s College London, the University of London, the University of Athens, the University of Hong Kong, and the UK chemist Boots worked on this dosage review. The findings were published in the British Medical Journal and covered by the BBC, highlighting both the advantages and potential drawbacks of changing pediatric penicillin dosing guidelines. The Telegraph emphasized that children are becoming more obese and growing differently, which plays a part in this discussion.
The main takeaway from the report is that current penicillin doses for children are probably too low. The British National Formulary for Children currently sets penicillin doses based on the type of drug and the specific condition being treated. While some recommendations do consider weight—like using amoxicillin for ear infections—most rely on age, such as when treating urinary tract infections.
A big concern is antibiotic resistance, which arises partly because of improper medication use and insufficient penicillin doses. If dosages are too low, treatments aren’t as effective, which can worsen resistance. For instance, if a penicillin dose doesn’t work, bacteria can adapt and become resistant to the drug, posing a significant threat.
However, giving too much penicillin can be toxic. Therefore, the report’s authors urge a careful re-evaluation of penicillin dosages for children. They recommend that any updates to clinical guidelines should ensure proper treatment tailored to each child and include clear instructions for use.