Expert perspectives on the clinical use of high-dose amoxicillin with clavulanic acid in pediatric practice in Indian settings

Background: This study was conducted to gather expert opinion regarding the clinical use of a high dose of amoxicillin 600 mg + clavulanic acid 42.9 mg in pediatric practice in Indian settings. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 19 questions and gathered perspectives from pediatricians across India regarding the prescription practices of amoxicillin (600 mg) and clavulanic acid (42.9 mg) for various bacterial infections in pediatric patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Majority (85.65%) of clinicians opined that the high dose of amoxicillin (600 mg) and clavulanic acid (42.9 mg) was very effective in treating bacterial infections in pediatric patients. About 54% of the respondents reported prescribing 600 mg amoxicillin + 42.9 mg clavulanic acid as the high dose for pediatric patients, while 41% of them prescribed 400 mg amoxicillin + 57 mg clavulanic acid as the high dose for pediatric patients. According to 51% of clinicians, the benefits of prescribing the higher-strength formulation of amoxicillin (600 mg) + clavulanic acid (42.9 mg) compared to the standard-strength formulation of amoxicillin (500 mg) + clavulanic acid (125 mg) include increased effectiveness against resistant bacteria, reduced risk of adverse effects, and reduced frequency of dosing. Conclusions: This study highlighted the clinicians' preference for the high dose of amoxicillin (600 mg) and clavulanic acid (42.9 mg) as an effective treatment for bacterial infections in pediatric patients. The respondents preferred the high dose over other doses of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid due to the lower percentage of adverse effects.