The recommended dosage of clindamycin oral suspension is 8 to 25 mg/kg/day in four divided dosages. A child weighs 40 kg.

a. What is the maximum dosage for this child in 24 hours?

b. What is the divided dosage range?

1. Maximum dosage: 1,000 mg in 24 hours

2. Divided dosage range: 80 to 250 mg per dosage

To solve this problem, we need to determine the maximum dosage of clindamycin for a child weighing 40 kg and find the range of dosages they should take in 24 hours, split into four portions.

1. Maximum Dosage Calculation:
- The recommended dosage is between 8 mg/kg/day to 25 mg/kg/day.
- For the maximum dosage:
- Multiply the child's weight by the maximum dosage per kg.
- Formula: Maximum dosage = weight x maximum dosage per kg
- Calculation: 40 kg x 25 mg/kg = 1000 mg

So, the maximum dosage for this child in 24 hours is 1000 mg.

2. Divided Dosage Range Calculation:
- The total daily dosage is divided into four parts.
- For the minimum dosage:
- Multiply the child's weight by the minimum dosage per kg.
- Calculation: 40 kg x 8 mg/kg = 320 mg
- Divide this total daily minimum dosage by 4 to get the amount per dose:
- Calculation for one dose of minimum: 320 mg / 4 = 80 mg

- For the maximum divided dosage:
- We already calculated the maximum daily dosage as 1000 mg.
- Divide by 4 to find the amount per dose:
- Calculation for one dose of maximum: 1000 mg / 4 = 250 mg

Therefore, in a 24-hour period, the child's dosage should be divided into four dosages, each ranging from 80 mg to 250 mg.