Antibiotics Information

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Antibiotics

A drug that takes a specific action against one or several types of bacteria. Unlike viruses, which multi-only within the cells they invade, bacteria can livemai reproduce on their own. Most bacteria are harmless1 Humans, but some are capable of damaging tissues,

lippoducing toxins that interfere with normal body func-, and even overwhelming the immune system - ..irnetimes resulting in death.

Many antibiotics work by interfering with the multi-tion of bacteria, while others kill them outright..atibiotics do not interfere with the immune system but.ipplement the body's own defenses. Without an intactrune system, the most effective antibiotics wouldgelv fail.

Use of antibiotics

Antibiotics can be effective in fighting infections under,Ilowing conditions:

This means that infections such as the cont-con cold, influenza, most cases of the stomach flu,:Loup, and the majority of sore throats will not respondantibiotics because they are caused by viruses.antibiotics are designed to affect specific structures and.nctions of bacteria that are not present in viruses, and:us viruses are not affected by antibiotics.) Skin pro',sets such as ringworm or Candida (yeast) infections cannot be cured by antibiotics; specific antifungal med-ications can help resolve them.

Antibiotics are usually beneficial in treating:

•Prolonged upper-respiratory infections (lastingmore than ten days), especially those involving theupper airways (bronchitis) or the sinuses (sinusi-tis). A sign of this type of infection is thick, persis-tent, discolored (yellow, green, or blood-tinged)phlegm from the chest or similarly colored drainage from the nose.

•Ear infections

•Pneumonias, which are infections of the lungtissue itself as opposed to the bronchial tubes. Anexam and sometimes an X-ray are needed to makethis diagnosis. In some cases, blood tests arenecessary.

•Wound and skin infections, especially when pain,swelling, redness, and tenderness arise from a cutor scrape.

•Infections of the throat (pharyngitis) or tonsils(tonsillitis), if streptococcus or other disease-causing bacteria are involved. A throat swab forquick antibody testing and/or culture is necessaryto make an accurate diagnosis of streptococcalinfection. The majority of sore throats, however, arecaused by viruses and will disappear on their own. Ifsymptoms last more than a few days or if fever ispersistent, contact your child's physician (see sorethroat).

•Urinary tract infections in the bladder or kidneyare usually caused by bacteria and should betreated with antibiotics. Cultures may be necessaryto find the right medication. Follow-up is essentialin treating a child because there could be anunderlying problem with the anatomy or thefunction of the urinary tract (see urinary tractcares and concerns).

•The presence of a fever over 100.4°F (taken rectally)in an infant younger than three months may indi-cate a serious bacterial infection. A thorough evalua-tion will probably be necessary to make the correctdiagnosis.

THE BACTERIA CAUSING THE PROBLEM MUST BE SENSITIVE TO THE ANTIBIOTIC.

Not only must the antibiotichave the ability to affect the specific type of bacteria, butit must be effective in treating the particular strain of thebacteria. Many infections can be treated based on whatis known about the bacteria that usually cause them. Inserious, stubborn, or recurrent infections, however, aculture of the organisms and an evaluation of their sensitivity to various antibiotics are necessary to determinefurther treatment.

THE ANTIBIOTIC MUST BE CAPABLE OF REACHING ANEFFECTIVE THERAPEUTIC LEVEL AT THE SITE OF THE INFECTION.

Some antibiotics, for example, cannot be usedto treat meningitis because they do not readily pass fromthe bloodstream into the central nervous system.

THE ANTIBIOTIC MUST BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE CHILD'S

AGE-GROUP. Tetracyclines, for example, should not begiven to a pregnant woman 00 10 children younger thaneight years of age, since these drugs may cause perma-nent discoloration of developing teeth.

THE DOSE, TIMING, AND RELATIONSHIP TO MEALS SHOULD BE ACCURATE.

Obviously, it is up to the doctorto make an appropriate choice of antibiotic for yourchild's infection, but it is also important that you followall the directions. Before you leave the pharmacy or thedoctor's office, be sure that you understand the follow-ing:

•How much is to be given? Infants, toddlers, andschool-age children will probably be taking liquidforms. A well-marked measuring device (such asan oral syringe) is more accurate than a kitchenspoon. If doses are given in terms of teaspoons,remember that

1 tsp = 5 cc or ml

1/2 tsp = 2.5 cc or ml

./4 tsp = 1.25 cc or ml

One cc (cubic centimeter) = one ml (milliliter)

•How often? Some antibiotics have convenientdosage routines of once or twice daily, but othersmust be given more often.

•With or without food? Some antibiotics must betaken on a full stomach to avoid nausea, whileothers won't be absorbed very well unless thestomach is empty.

•How long? This will depend on the type of infec-tion and the antibiotic being used. Often aprescription must be continued for ten days orlonger to bring the infection under control andprevent a recurrence. Be sure to complete the fullcourse of antibiotic that has been prescribed - regardless of how much the symptoms decrease ordisappear-. (If an allergic reaction or other sideeffect is taking place, however, stop the antibioticand contact your child's physician.)

•If the antibiotic is liquid, should it be refrigeratedor left at room temperature? Some liquid prepara-tions tend to dehydrate over the course of treatment (especially when kept in the refrigerator),but this can be minimized by placing thecontainer in a self-sealing plastic sandwich bag.

•Is a follow-up appointment needed? A recheckmay be recommended by your doctor, even ifthings are going well. For example, if ear infec-tions have been a problem, a follow-up on theappearance and functioning of the ear will beimportant. If your child has had any type ofurinary tract infection, the urine may berechecked to ensure that bacteria are no longerpresent.

How to Break the Medicine Down

Giving the proper doses of ats antibiotic (or any odicmedication) at the right time can be challenging whetthe patient is an infant or toddler, especially if he iszncooperating. Some ideas that may help this processelude thethe following:

•Most liquid antibiotics are formulated in fruits-flavors that are usually palatable to children. If thetaste isn't appealing to your child, check with thepharmacist about disguising the flavor in food orliquid such as applesauce, pancake syrup, or juke(or, for an older child, peanut butter).

•Use the most effective delivery device for yourchild's mouth. For infants, calibrated droppersusually work the best; the medication can beinserted a little at a time into the space betweenthe cheek and the gums. An alternative is to put anipple (without bottle attached) into the baby'smouth and put the medication into the back ofthe nipple, or add the antibiotic to a small amountof juice or other liquid in a bottle. For toddlersand older children, most pharmacies or doctors'offices can supply a child-size spoon whose his a calibrated tube that measures the preciseamount of medication.

•If an infant spits up immediately after taking anantibiotic, it is usually appropriate to try again.(This is not necessarily true for other types ofmedications.) If you are not sure about whethc.-or not to do this or if your child is vomiting andcannot keep the antibiotic down, contact thephysician for further directions.

•An older child can be rewarded for takingmedicine pleasantly - perhaps with a gold star ama chart after each dose and a modest prize whether the entire course of treatment is done. Howes'he must understand that the antibiotic must be taken whether he cares for it or not, and that ,emwon't debate with him over every dose.

If your child has a particular preference (such aschewable medications rather than liquid) or if heis able to swallow tablets, let the doctor know atthe time the prescription is written.

Don't assume that every infection has to be treatedwith antibiotics. If your doctor feels that yourchild's illness is caused by a virus, don't insist thatantibiotics be given "just in case."

Don't give one child's antibiotic to another, even ifthe illnesses seem very similar, without checkingwith the doctor first.

Don't assume that if a little is good, more is better.Finish the full prescription.

If cost is a concern, ask your doctor if there is ageneric form of the medication that would beappropriate.

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