A list of antibiotics for children, as well as recommendations and tips for parents. When it is necessary to prescribe antibacterial drugs

Antibiotics are a group of strong natural or synthetic drugs that can inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms or provoke their death. The use of such substances is indispensable in cases of serious illnesses in children of a bacterial nature: sinusitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis, whooping cough, pneumonia, meningitis, etc.

When to give

Not all infectious diseases are treated with antibiotics. So, toxins are the causative agent of diphtheria, fungal diseases, tetanus and botulism in children. The cause of sinusitis and inflammatory diseases of the bronchial mucosa are viruses. Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, ears and throat, accompanied by febrile conditions, are more often caused by the action of bacteria. Antibiotics affect only the simplest microorganisms and are useless for viral diseases such as flu, hepatitis, chickenpox, herpes, rubella, measles.

Thus, if a child just has a runny nose, a sore throat, or fever, antibiotics should not be used immediately. In addition, after a course of one of the drugs of a certain series, the body gradually develops resistance (resistance) of pathogens to this medicine and weak sensitivity to the entire series. Therefore, the appointment of antibiotics for acute respiratory viral infections in children is justified only if the bacterial flora has joined the infection, and this usually happens no earlier than on the 3-4th day of the disease.

Names

Each group of antibiotics has its own mechanisms of action on microorganisms and affects a specific group of bacteria. Therefore, before prescribing drugs, it is necessary to pass smears (tests for bacterial culture) from the throat and nose with a determination of the sensitivity of microflora to certain groups of antibiotics.

However, doctors do not always have such an opportunity, since the results of smears can be expected only 3-7 days after delivery, and the child’s condition is critical already in this case, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed.

Penicillin group

This is the main category of antibiotics that are prescribed for children with respiratory diseases. Penicillins inhibit the synthesis of the main substances that make up the cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria, thereby causing their death.

• Amoxicillin - is prescribed for bacterial diseases of the upper respiratory tract, ENT organs (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, etc.), the genitourinary system (cystitis), the gastric (peritonitis, enterocolitis), and infections of the skin and soft tissues. May be prescribed to children over 2 years old.
• Flemoxin Solutab is a new generation analogue of amoxicillin, which can be prescribed to children from 1 year old. It is used to suppress pathogenic bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci), treat pneumonia, etc.
• Augmentin is a broad-spectrum drug prescribed for children from the first days of life (in the form of drops). It has bacteriolytic (destructive) properties relative to aerobic, anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative strains. According to the instructions, it is contraindicated in patients with serious impaired liver and kidney function.
• Amoxiclav is a combined antibiotic for the treatment of sinusitis, acute abscesses, otitis media, bronchitis, infections of the genitourinary system, skin, bones, joints, and for prophylaxis after surgical interventions. Children are prescribed from the first days of life in the form of a suspension.

Cephalosporin group

Semi-synthetic antibiotics that are more resistant to enzymes that produce pathogenic microorganisms. The mechanism of their action is to suppress the growth of bacteria and their ability to reproduce. Appointed with the ineffectiveness of antibiotics of the previous group, over the previous 2-3 months.

• Cefuroxime is an antibiotic with a broad bactericidal effect on strains of penicillin-insensitive microorganisms. It is prescribed for ENT diseases, infections of the upper respiratory tract, genitourinary system, gastric tract, etc. It can be used orally, intravenously and intramuscularly from birth.
• Axetil - is indicated for sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, stomatitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin, etc. The dosage of an antibiotic is prescribed individually, based on the severity of the disease and the characteristics of the patient's body. Appointed from birth.
• Zinacef - is prescribed from infancy in dosages appropriate for body weight for bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, otitis media, tonsillitis, laryngitis and other diseases. When using the medicine, it is necessary to constantly monitor the activity of the liver and kidneys, it can cause dysbiosis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Zinnat is an antibiotic with broad bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties; it is prescribed to children from birth in suspension.
• Ikzim is a third-generation antimicrobial agent. It is used to suppress infectious processes in acute and chronic pathologies of the pulmonary system, ENT organs, urinary tract, intestines. Allowed for use by children from 6 months.
• Suprax is an antibiotic for children older than 6 months. It is prescribed for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the throat, nose, ears, respiratory system, etc. It constantly requires control over the functions of the kidneys and liver.
• Ceftriaxone - is prescribed for the treatment of infections of the ENT organs, respiratory tract, skin, genitourinary system, with abscesses, for prophylaxis after surgery. It is administered intramuscularly or intravenously to children from birth.

Macrolide group

The most powerful antibiotics are highly active against the bulk of pathogenic bacteria that cause respiratory diseases in children. They are considered the least toxic, safe, well tolerated by small patients. They possess predominantly bacteriostatic qualities, accumulate well in soft tissues, and have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and mucoregulatory effects.

• Sumamed is a new generation antibiotic prescribed for children in suspension with tonsillitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, bronchitis, otitis media, infectious dermatoses, etc.
• Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum drug for the treatment of infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, ENT organs, skin and the genitourinary system.
• Hemomycin is a drug with a pronounced bacteriostatic effect on groups of staphylococci, streptococci, ginococci, meningococci. It is prescribed to infants from 6 months.
• Klacid - is used to suppress the infectious processes of the upper and lower respiratory tract, as well as the skin. According to the instructions, it is prescribed for children over 3 years old.

How to take

So that taking antibiotics does not harm the developing body of the child, parents should know several basic rules for taking these drugs:

• The course of antibiotic treatment is at least 5 days, a maximum of 14 (in severe cases). If even on the 3rd day of admission the child is much better, in no case should you stop treatment for at least another 48 hours. If the drugs are not taken correctly (unauthorized dose reduction, non-compliance with the intake regimen or incomplete course of treatment), only the weakest microorganisms die, although a temporary improvement in health status is noted. The remaining bacteria mutate, adapt to the previously taken medicine and no longer respond to it. You have to look for a replacement, increase the dose or try an antibiotic of a completely different series.
• An antibiotic should be taken at the same time daily. If you need to take the medicine 2 times a day, then you need to do this exactly every 12 hours.
• If the drug is given to small children in the form of a suspension or drops, then the contents of the vial are thoroughly mixed until the liquid becomes homogeneous and the entire precipitate is dissolved.
• Almost all antibiotics should be taken with food or immediately after it, washed down with plenty of water (not tea, compote, milk, juice or mineral water).
• To maintain a normal level of intestinal microflora and to avoid the development of dysbiosis in a child, bifidobacteria or lactobacilli should be taken at the same time (prescribed by a doctor).
• At the time of taking antibiotics, it is advisable to keep the child on a diet: eliminate fatty, fried, smoked foods, sour fruits. The use of antibiotics in itself greatly inhibits the function of the liver, and heavy food significantly increases the load.

Any antibacterial drugs are prescribed only by a doctor. The dosage is calculated based on the severity of the disease, the characteristics of the body and the general condition of the child.

• If there is no improvement within 48-72 hours after the start of taking antibiotics, you should immediately consult a doctor to adjust the treatment. The same actions of parents and when they detect an allergic reaction in a child or the manifestation of other side effects.
• It is always necessary to write down when, which drugs, which course were taken earlier, whether there were allergic reactions or other side effects in children.

How often can I give

The less antibiotics are used to treat children, the better. Over time, resistance to pathogens develops to any antibacterial drug, which can complicate the treatment of diseases for the rest of their lives. Another “against” argument is the heavy load on the growing body of the child.

Some tips for parents on taking antibiotics:

• if the disease is not very serious, the use of antibacterial drugs should be avoided;
• if the child has never been given antibiotics, then therapy should be started with the weakest medicine, but the doctor must select the drug and its dosage;
• after the treatment is over, the child needs to be given probiotics to restore normal microflora and absorbent drugs (Enterosgel or Polysorb) to remove toxins and decay products of pathogenic bacteria from the liver and body;
• at the next serious illness, the doctor will prescribe a stronger drug to the child;

recently, many local antibacterial drugs have appeared (for example, Bioparox throat spray, Isofra, Polydex nasal drops, Sofradex, Garazon, IT drops for inhalation ear drops, etc.) less noticeably affecting the children's body.

Than dangerous

• Children are not recommended to take antibiotics of the aminoglycoside group, which have a negative effect on the hearing organs and the kidney system of the child. These include Kanamycin and Gentamicin.
• Children under the age of 8 are prohibited from prescribing tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline). The latter can contribute to the thinning of tooth enamel, as well as slowing down the growth of the bone skeleton.
• Reception of chloramphenicol may lead to the development of aplastic anemia in children.
• Fluorinated quinolones (pefloxacin, ofloxacin) also belong to the category of antibiotics prohibited for children, they violate the normal development of cartilage joints.

All these groups of antibiotics are prescribed to children only in exceptional cases, when the disease cannot be treated with other drugs, and the benefits of taking the antibiotic exceed the possible risk.

Almost all antibiotics negatively affect the liver, are quite toxic, cause allergic reactions and other side effects (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, upset gastrointestinal tract functions).

For babies

Antibiotics are prescribed to infants only in extremely severe cases. They are usually administered orally (considered the most gentle method) in the form of suspensions or drops. The finished mixture has a limited shelf life, therefore, in pharmacies it is sold in the form of a bottle with powder for diluting the suspension. After treatment, the drug is no longer suitable for long-term storage. If there are reasons why a child cannot take medicine by mouth, he will be given injections.

Drugs approved for use in infants:

• Augmentin, Amoksiklav, Tsefuroksim, Asketil, Ceftriaxone, Sumamed - from the first days of life;
• Ikzim, Zinnat, Pantsef, Hemomycin - from 6 months;
• Flemoxin - from 1 year;
• Amoxicillin - from 2 years old;
• Klacid - from 3 years.

How to raise immunity after treatment

Taking antibiotics, as a rule, contributes to the development of intestinal dysbiosis in children, since beneficial bacteria living in the digestive tract are also hit. Therefore, simultaneous administration of drugs that restore the intestinal microflora is necessary. Probiotics are living cultures of bifidobacteria or lactobacilli that enrich and normalize the flora of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby enhancing the body's immunity.

Commonly used probiotic drugs:

• Linex - restores the natural intestinal flora, eliminates diarrhea in a child after taking antibiotics. It can be prescribed from the first days of life.
• Bifiform - promotes the colonization of bacteria that produce lactic and acetic acid, which prevents the growth of pathogens. Approved for use in newborns.
• Bifidumbacterin - restores flora, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and has immunomodulatory properties. It can be prescribed from the first days of life.
• Lactiv-ratiopharm - contains bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, positively affects the microflora and the entire body of the child. Prescribed to children from 2 years.
• Hilak - normalizes the pH balance of the stomach, inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Assigned to children from birth.

Along with taking antibiotics, children with reduced immunity are shown the use of drugs that increase the body's resistance to infectious and non-infectious infections, and tissue regeneration.

The main groups of immunomodulators:

• Interferon - prevents damage to the body by infections, increases defenses. It is prescribed to children from 1 year.
• Immunoglobulin - contains many antibodies that successfully resist pathogenic bacteria and viruses. It can be prescribed to children from the first days of life.
• Anaferon is a homeopathic immunomodulator that increases the level of antibodies in the body. Approved for use from 6 months.
• Aflubin is a complex homeopathic medicine with immunostimulating, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory properties. Assigned to children from birth.

In childhood, it is very difficult to avoid infections. Some of them require treatment. Often parents are scared of the need to take antibiotics, because people have a lot of myths about their infinite harm to the body.

However, it should be remembered that the doctor prescribes antibiotic treatment only if the benefit significantly exceeds the harm. With proper use and compliance with all recommendations, side effects can be minimized.

Antibiotics for children: features of use

The doctor will carefully examine the throat, perhaps take a smear and give direction for a subsequent examination. If the bacterial etiology of the disease is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic.

The antibiotic in suspension during a cough in a child is selected taking into account his age and diagnosis. Most often, the following drugs are prescribed to children:

• Azithromycin It is considered a very effective drug, in some cases it is prescribed after a weaker antibiotic, if there has been no progress. It is not recommended for children under 6 months of age. Available in suspension and capsules. Children under 6 years old are given a suspension. Side effects are rare, but diarrhea and nausea are possible.
•   . Antibiotic from the Macrolide group. Azithromycin analog. Available in powder form for suspension. It tastes good, smells like strawberries, but not cloying. Children drink it with pleasure. It is prescribed for various ENT diseases, including with severe cough caused by bronchitis, pneumonia. The drug is given to the child 1 time a day, before or after a meal. The powder bottle is completely diluted with water, and then shaken before each use.
•   . The antibiotic is also from the Macrolide group. Very effective, has a wide spectrum of action. Suspension dilution capsules are orange in color and have a banana flavor when diluted. Dosage is prescribed depending on the body weight of the child. The dose is usually divided into two doses during the day.

For diseases of the throat

Sore throat in a child - antibiotic treatment

There are a lot of diseases of the throat. They can be of a different nature, have a different etiology.

In children, the most common bacterial, which is accompanied by purulent plaque on the tonsils, viral,. The throat can hurt in each case, but the treatment is selected individually. For bacterial infections such as tonsillitis and purulent tonsillitis, your doctor may prescribe.

Such diseases in acute and chronic course can lead to various (the likelihood of complications in preschool children is increased). To avoid this, antibiotic treatment should be started immediately after the doctor's recommendation.

Most often, an antibiotic is prescribed in suspension for diseases of the throat in a child.

The most popular are Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav, Suprax. Consider their action in more detail:

• Amoxicillin. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Granules for the preparation of a suspension are sold for children under 6 years of age. It has a raspberry or strawberry flavor. The drug has the property of enhancing allergic reactions, so children with asthma and dermatitis are not prescribed. Among the side effects are nausea, vomiting, dysbiosis, allergies in the form of a rash.
• Amoxiclav. The composition of the drug includes amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, enhancing its effect. It is often prescribed for pharyngitis. The suspension has no age restrictions. You can give it even to newborn children if necessary, but reducing the dosage. Typically, the drug is given to the child 2 times a day, with a severe course of the disease 3 times.
• Suprax. This is a new drug, a powerful antibiotic with a very wide spectrum of action. It is referred to as the “reserve” and is prescribed for the ineffectiveness of the previous drug and the unknown etiology of the disease. If you start treatment immediately with such a powerful drug, the bacteria will stop responding to less powerful antibiotics. The suspension is diluted immediately in the bottle. Take it 1-2 times a day for at least a week. It is not recommended to give the drug to children under six months old. The drug has a number of side effects from an allergic reaction to dysbiosis and thrush.

Most often, mothers worry about the child up to a year, try to protect against infections and various medications. Therefore, the need to take antibiotics in infancy is the subject of fierce debate between mothers and pediatricians.

For young infants up to a year, the circle of antibiotics narrows. At this time, the body is still weakened, the immune system is not fully formed, and there are enough problems with the intestines without antibiotics.

Of course, such drugs affect the intestinal microflora, reduce immunity. However, in some cases with a serious infection, antibiotic treatment cannot be dispensed with. An infection can be life-threatening, and a mother who refuses treatment should be aware of this.

The doctor prescribes the drug in the form of a suspension and, as a rule, prescribes a probiotic at the same time.

But even in this case, dysbiosis can appear. You can not interrupt the course without the recommendation of a doctor, as this can only aggravate the course of the disease. The infection may return, but with antibiotic immunity. The doctor will have to select a new drug and prescribe treatment again.

Most infants are contraindicated in infants under 6 months of age. There are several suspensions that are relatively safe for a child at this age. This is Amoxiclav, Amoxicillin, Sumamed. You can not give small children antibiotics from the Tetracycline group. They affect the formation of tooth enamel. As a result, the child’s teeth initially grow weak.

Video - Antibiotics for children: purpose and proper use.

No need to interrupt breastfeeding if the baby is taking antibiotics. On the contrary, breast milk strengthens his body and helps to cope with both infection and dysbiosis.

An infant can be given an antibiotic only in the form of a suspension, but not in the form of tablets or injections.Only a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to an infant. If a decision is made to treat a child with such means, you can not interrupt the course of treatment or independently increase the dosage. If the drug is ineffective, the doctor will change it to another, but the dosage should be age-appropriate.Mom must follow the schedule of taking the drug so that the level of the substance in the blood is maintained at a constant level, only then the child will be able to recover faster.

Pros and cons of using antibiotics

Antibiotics for children - benefits and harms

• "Healed immunity." So the people call a decrease in immunity as a result of frequent use of antibiotics. It occurs with unreasonably frequent antibiotic treatment, when bacteria develop immunity. The child begins to get sick often, and treatment no longer helps.
• Relapses of the disease. If you interrupt the course in the middle when the first improvements appear, it may return again, since the improvements do not mean that all the bacteria died.
• Dysbacteriosis A common problem in treatment, even with all the rules. If the doctor has prescribed probiotics, they should be given to the child to reduce the effect on the intestinal microflora.
• Toxic effects on the body. The flip side is taking antibiotics too long. No need to continue to give them if there are no improvements. Bacteria are clearly insensitive to the drug, and its further administration will lead to poisoning and weakening of the body.

Oh, these antibiotics! Under what beautiful names are issued, what golden mountains promise! I drank a magic pill - and everything went. From what it is actually necessary to drink antibiotics and whether to give them to the baby - we decide together in this article.

Do not resort to antibiotics every time, otherwise the child’s immunity will unlearn how to deal with infections on their own.

Antibiotic, what are you?

Antibiotics are substances of natural or synthetic origin that inhibit the activity of bacteria and some microscopic fungi. Unlike antiseptics, antibiotics can act not only externally, but also be active inside the body.

The discovery of antibiotics has made effective the treatment of some serious diseases, such as anthrax. They also began to be widely used in severe injuries, injuries and after operations to suppress purulent processes.

At the moment, there are many types of these drugs, including the so-called "broad-spectrum antibiotics", which are often prescribed even with an unspecified diagnosis.

Types of Antibiotics

There are a great many antibiotics, and they are classified according to several signs - according to the mechanism of action on the bacterium, on the structure and type of action on the cell (bactericidal and bacteriostatic). It is also important to separate antibiotics by their effects on different types of bacteria:

• acting on cocci  (, meningococci, streptococci and others), as well as corinobacteria and clostridia - 1st generation cephalosporins, benzylpenicillin, macrolides, bicillins, lincomycin;
• broad spectrum of action,  especially pathogenic for gram-positive rods - 2nd generation cephalosporins, tetracyclines (not recommended until 8 years old), chloramphenicol (undesirable for newborns), semisynthetic penicillins, aminoglycosides;
• "Specializing" in gram-negative sticks  - 3rd generation cephalosporins, polymyxins;
• anti-tuberculosis  - streptomycin, florimycin, rifampicin;
• fungal  - nystatin, diflucan, levorin, ketoconazole.

When a child is prone to frequent and protracted respiratory diseases, he needs to be inhaled. In this case, will come to the aid of parents. This device is convenient to use and greatly speeds up the healing process. All family members can use a nebulizer.

For the baby to be healthy, vitamin D must be present in his body. He also prevents other serious diseases. In what quantities to give the baby this vitamin read

When antibiotics are needed

Antibiotic treatment in children is definitely necessary for the following diseases:

•   or exacerbation of its chronic form;
• paratonsillitis;
•   caused by streptococcus;
• otitis media in infants up to six months;
• epiglottitis;
• paratonsillitis;
• pneumonia.

Inflammation of the lungs without antibiotics cannot be defeated!

It is also possible to prescribe antibiotic therapy in children with otitis media over six months and in children with exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis.

  After taking antibiotics, the child should eat correctly so that the restoration of intestinal microflora is faster. Moms have a question, which lure to choose for such babies.

Restoring intestinal microflora is impossible without fermented milk products. In we will talk about introducing kefir into the baby’s diet, and also tell you how to make this drink at home.

Children grow quickly and over time, the grown body must receive vitamins and nutrients from the outside that are not enough in breast milk. For full development, babies need vitamin C, which is found in large quantities in apples. This page contains detailed information on the basic rules for the first feeding of applesauce.

List of antibiotics for children

The most popular antibiotics for children should be known to any competent mother:

•   - a group of penicillins, the spectrum of action is quite wide. They are used for pneumonia, otitis media, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and sinusitis, as well as cystitis or urethritis. Granules for preparing a suspension / syrup are convenient, they are diluted with boiled water. For children under 2 years of age - a quarter of a teaspoon, up to 5 years - half. The price is an average of 150 rubles.

This drug is suitable for the smallest children.

•   , thanks to acid, the spectrum of action is wider. Indications are the same as for amoxicillin. Banned for babies under 3 months. May produce an allergic reaction. Price from 150 to 250 rubles, depending on the dosage. Augmentin analog -.

Review of mother of Eve, 1 year:

“We were prescribed Augmentin for bronchitis, a teaspoon 2 times a day. I read the instructions and turned gray: Eve’s weight is TWO TIMES LESS. In general, they drank according to the instructions for a week. The temperature returned to normal as they began to drink it. ”

• Zinacef  - 2nd generation cephalosporin, a wide range of effects, indications: otitis media, pneumonia, frontal sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, cystitis. For injection only. Children are prescribed 30-100 mg per 1 kg of weight per day. Diluted with water for injection. It costs from 130 rubles.
•   - 2nd generation cephalosporin, granules are convenient for preparing a suspension. Indications: diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, ENT organs, urogenital infections. Not recommended for children under 3 months.  Dosage of 10 mg per 1 kg of baby's weight, give twice a day. The cost is from 200 rubles.

Zinnat should not be given to children under 3 years old!

•   - the active substance azithromycin, belongs to azalides, a wide spectrum of action on bacteria. Indications: sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia. Contraindicated in babies under 6 months. Before use, shake the bottle, after swallowing, allow to drink with water to swallow all the granules. A dosage of 10 mg per kg of the child’s weight is given once a day, the course of treatment is 3 days. The average price of the drug is 230 rubles.

Says Rita, Gelendzhik:

“The whole family went down with ARVI, the child was 7 months old. The doctor prescribed Sumamed. I thought and thought, I’ve digged up the whole Internet, I’ve plucked my girlfriends - I didn’t give it to my son. The nose was washed, breast fed, slept all day. I believe that the doctor ordered us to get rid of it. ”

•   - acting antibiotic cefixime, 3rd generation cephalosporin. Treatment of infections of the ENT organs, bronchitis, otitis media, infections of the genitourinary system. Banned for children under six months old. From 6 months to a year - from 2 to 4 ml per 1 kg of weight, older than 2 years - 5 ml. Divide the dosage into 2-3 doses. Granules are diluted with boiled water at room temperature. The medicine costs about 500 rubles.
•   - active substance amoxicillin, intestinal antibiotic. It is indicated for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular bacterial intestinal infections. Children 1-3 years old 250 mg of the drug twice a day or 125 mg three times. Children under one year of age are counted 30 mg per 1 kg per day, the dose should be divided by 2-3 times. The price is about 250 rubles.
• - 3rd generation cephalosporin, produced by injection for intramuscular and intravenous administration, is contraindicated in premature and newborn c. Newborns up to 2 weeks old - 20-50 mg per 1 kg of baby's weight per day, older - from 20 to 75 per kilogram. The course is at least 4 days, depending on the pathogen. The injections are very painful. Cost in the region of 19 rubles per ampoule.

Remember that antibiotic injections are an extreme case of therapy, and in situations where there is no threat to the child’s life or atypical strange symptoms, you need to choose suspensions or tablets (for children who can chew). Also, antibiotics are not produced in the form of rectal suppositories. If the baby refuses to drink the suspension, try mixing it with jam or other food that he loves.

If the intended beneficial effect of antibiotics exceeds the negative effect of antimicrobials on the children's body, the doctor prescribes antibacterial therapy. In what form the drugs will be prescribed, largely affects the mood with which the baby will be treated.

If taking medications turns into a painful procedure, unpleasant and tasteless, it will be difficult for mothers and fathers to explain to the crumb that the doctor is a good person, and the medicine prescribed by him will help the baby recover.

Features

Suspension antibiotics are often referred to by parents as "baby antibiotics."  Indeed, medicines in this form are very convenient to give to newborns, infants, and older children. Indeed, it is not always that a child, even at the age of 5-6, can swallow a pill on his own, and to give injections to babies, if there is a worthy and more sparing alternative, caring parents naturally do not want to.

If the doctor does not insist on injections, then it makes sense to ask him if it is possible to purchase the prescribed antibiotic in the form of a suspension.

Manufacturers grind the solid into powder or crush it into granules at the factory. Then such a product is packaged in bottles.

It is very simple to prepare a suspension at home: just add chilled boiled water to the mark on the bottle in a pharmacy bottle. Moreover, first you need to fill half of the required amount, mix thoroughly, shake, let stand a little, and then add to the mark and mix thoroughly again so that there is no residue at the bottom of the bottle. Measure the resulting substance with a measuring syringe or spoon to the desired dose.

Usually modern suspensions have a rather pleasant smell and fruity taste, a child does not need to be persuaded for a long time to take such a medicine.

Antibiotic preparations in the form of a suspension are created, first of all, for children. They are intended for infants, infants, children up to 5-6 years old, and sometimes older if the child is naughty and refuses to drink pills on his own. From 12 years old, children are allowed to take capsules.

For the convenience of parents, suspensions are available in various dosages, i.e. the concentration of the active substance in a dry preparation is different.

Indications

Antibiotics in the form of a suspension can be prescribed for children with various ENT diseases, with intestinal infection caused by rods and bacteria, with dental diseases, with inflammation of the genitourinary system, and rehabilitation after surgery.

For viral infections - influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory viral infections, scarlet fever, chickenpox, measles, mononucleosis, antibiotics should not be taken!

The question of the need for antibiotics should be decided by the doctor, all the more so since that year antibacterial drugs can no longer be bought freely, a pharmacist will definitely require you a prescription.

Drug Overview

Suprax

A strong and effective antibiotic of the cephalosporin group is prescribed for an advanced form of the disease, for its severe course, or if antibiotics are weaker (the penicillin group or the macrolide group) had no effect. The drug is prescribed for bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, pharyngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and diseases of the urinary tract caused by microbes, such as cystitis. A child can be prescribed “Suprax” with otitis media.

The pharmacy will offer you a children's version of the antibiotic - granules for the preparation of a suspension. You need to do it in two stages. First add 40 mg of chilled boiled water. Shake and let stand. Then add the rest of the liquid to the mark on the vial. Shake again so that no undissolved particles remain.

Pancef

A powerful third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic is prescribed for children with a complex course of pharyngitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis. The drug is effective in the treatment of sinusitis, acute or chronic bronchitis, purulent otitis media. In Pancef pharmacies there are both granules for suspension dilution and powder, which is used for the same purpose. Capacity - 100 mg.

Suspension should also be prepared in two steps, adding water and shaking until a homogeneous substance.

The dosage of the drug is calculated by the formula, depending on the weight, age and severity of the disease.

The suspension is stored in the refrigerator for no more than 14 days.

Klacid

This is a macrolide antibiotic, which is often prescribed for bronchitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis and otitis media. Effective for skin infections. The pharmacist can offer you powders for the preparation of suspensions in the packaging of 125 mg and 250 mg. Klacid has a distinctive feature. This suspension can be given to the child with food, before or after it. It does not really matter. In addition, the suspension can be washed down with milk (usually antibacterial milk preparations are contraindicated with milk).

It is worth paying attention to the concentration of the drug. When using Klacid 250, in 5 ml. the medicine will contain 250 ml. antibiotic. It turns out that 150 mg. medicines necessary for a child weighing 20 kg. will be contained in 3 ml. suspensions.

The finished suspension should be stored for no more than 14 days.

Cephalexin

The first generation antibiotic-cephalosporin is used to treat a variety of diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract in children. The doctor will advise “Cephalexin” for bacterial diseases of the genitourinary system - for cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, etc.

In the pharmacy you will be offered powders for suspensions of different "caliber" - 125 mg, 250 and 500 mg. As well as granules, from which it is also possible to prepare a suspension in a 250 mg vial. Take the finished suspension about an hour before meals.

The finished suspension should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 weeks.

Azithromycin

This powerful and versatile broad-spectrum antibiotic quickly copes with microorganisms - causative agents of tonsillitis, tonsillitis, including purulent, otitis media, and atypical respiratory diseases caused by chlamydia and mycoplasma.

The drug will benefit the child with skin infections, some stomach ailments. In suspension, Azithromycin is available in concentrations of 100 and 200 mg. The drug is not recommended for children up to six months.

Macropen

A worthy representative of the macrolide group can be recommended by a doctor for bronchitis, even chronic, for otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, for diphtheria and whooping cough. The medicine can be purchased in the form of a suspension, or rather in the form of dry granules for further dilution.

Azitrox

Macrolide antibiotic, which is rapidly absorbed and rapidly excreted from the body, without accumulating in the tissues. It is recommended for a child suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis media, including purulent otitis media. The drug is very effective for sinusitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, as well as for some inflammation of the bladder, ureters. A suspension of this antibiotic can be made from a finished pharmaceutical powder.

Augmentin

Common in pediatrics, the antimicrobial drug of the penicillin family helps to cope with respiratory infections and ENT diseases. No less effective, he proved to be in the treatment of a number of urinary tract infections, as well as infections of bones and joints. In pharmacies, pharmacists have three concentrations of dry matter for the preparation of the "infant form" - 125 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg.

Children weighing more than 40 kg are given doses, according to the instructions for use, similar to adult doses. The prepared suspension should be stored for no more than one week.

Amoxicillin

Perhaps the most popular antibiotic. Children are prescribed for tonsillitis, pneumonia, otitis media and bronchitis. Very effective against pathogens of cystitis, pyelonephritis. May be the main in the treatment regimen for typhoid fever, cholecystitis. It is prescribed for meningitis, salmonellosis. In granules for subsequent dilution of the suspension is available in a single concentration of -250 mg.

The finished suspension can be stored for no more than two weeks

Amoxiclav

Also a fairly popular antibiotic of the penicillin family. It is prescribed for various ENT diseases, respiratory ailments. It can be prescribed in the treatment of cystitis, urethritis, bone and muscle infections. There are three options - in pharmacies, bottles of dry matter of 125, 250 and 400 mg are available.

The finished suspension should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container for no more than one week.

Ospamox

Penicillin antibiotic is often prescribed by pediatricians in the treatment of otitis media, pneumonia, bronchitis, including chronic, skin infections and soft tissue diseases caused by microbes.

On the shelves of pharmacies there is a large selection of substances for the preparation of suspensions of Ospamox. This is a dry substance in a concentration of 125, 250 and 500 mg. And granules of 125 and 250 mg.

Dosage

Suspension should not be washed down with milk!

Zinnat

The second-generation antibiotic cephalosporin can be prescribed by a doctor as a doctor in the treatment of pneumonia, bronchi, complex lung abscess, tonsillitis, otitis media, and infectious skin ailments. It copes with the microbes that caused cystitis, pyelonephritis. In pharmacies, among other forms, there are in granules for self-dilution of a suspension.

Infants up to 3 months of age are not prescribed an antibiotic.

Taking antibiotics by children causes a lot of questions and doubts in parents, since it is widely believed that potent drugs negatively affect the children's body. However, side effects have all the drugs, not only belonging to the antibacterial series, while the latter are a quick and effective method of therapy. It is important to understand in which particular cases antibiotics are needed, and when you can do without their help, and how to properly use such drugs.

  With a cold, only the attending physician has the right to prescribe antibiotics, in no case should you self-medicate

In what cases are antibiotics prescribed for children?

The first and most important point in the use of antibiotics is the justification for their appointment, especially if it concerns children. Under no circumstances should a child be given antibacterial drugs without first consulting a doctor. It’s better to start with all the tests to make sure that the use of antibiotics is justified, because the body develops resistance to the drug, and in the future, when the medicine is really needed, it may be useless.

Doctors prescribe antibiotics only in the case of the bacterial origin of the disease. In other words, if the cause of the pathological process is a bacterium, and the body cannot cope on its own, then the appropriate antibacterial drug is selected for treatment. Against viral infections, such drugs are ineffective.

  It makes sense to take antibiotics only for bacterial infections

The list of diseases in which you definitely need to give your child antibacterial drugs include:

• acute sinusitis with pus;
• sinusitis in acute form;
• acute otitis media;
• acute tonsillitis caused by streptococci;
• angina;
• bacterial pneumonia;
• epiglottitis;
• scarlet fever;
• urinary tract infection;
• paratonsillitis;
• acute pyelonephritis;
• exacerbation of chronic sinusitis.

In all these cases, taking antibiotics will give a quick effect. Sometimes the immune system is able to overcome the disease on its own, but the disease can be difficult and long, which is fraught with the development of complications and even death, so you should start taking medication from the first day of the disease or from the moment of diagnosis.

At the same time, frequent colds, runny nose and SARS are not a reason to give an antibacterial drug to a child: as a rule, in these cases, antiviral and immunomodulating agents are sufficient.

How to give antibiotics to children with fever and other symptoms?

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In order for the antibacterial treatment to bring maximum benefit and not cause significant harm to the body, it is important to carry it out correctly, following a number of recommendations:

1. The choice of drug and dosage calculation. In the selection of drugs, the main role is played by the type of pathogen. Doses are determined according to the weight and age of the patient.
2. Reception of bifidobacteria. During therapy, it is necessary to additionally drink Linex, Hilak Forte or another drug of a similar purpose. They normalize the intestinal microflora, since antibiotics destroy not only harmful, but also beneficial bacteria.
3. The full course of therapy. Despite the improvement in the first days after the start of taking the prescribed drug or even the complete elimination of symptoms, you can not stop taking it, you should completely drink the entire course. There is a risk of not completely curing the disease.
4. Regularity and adherence to dosage. Throughout the course of therapy, you can not reduce the dose of the drug and skip the doses, since for 7-10 days (the usual duration of antibiotic use), the drug must circulate in the circulatory system.
5. Constancy. You can not independently interrupt treatment or replace the drug with an analog.
6. Maintaining the body. During the treatment period, the child should be provided with a plentiful drink, you can drink the vitamin complex.
7. Hospital for babies. If antibacterial agents are prescribed for newborns or infants under 1 year old, it is best that their admission is monitored by specialists in a hospital setting.

Varieties of antibiotics prescribed for children

Since the child’s body is very sensitive, drug safety is especially important. For this reason, young children are allowed to take the least toxic antibiotic options with minimal side effects.

Also a huge role in this matter is played by the form of release of the drug. For children under 5 years old, syrups and suspensions are specially produced, which are prepared from powder or granules diluted with warm water. Older children are prescribed dissolving tablets.

There are a huge number of varieties of antibacterial drugs intended for internal use, designed for the children's body:

1. Penicillins. Among them are Amoxicillin, Amosin, Flemoxin Solutab. They have a wide spectrum of action and cause the least number of negative reactions.
2. Protected Penicillins. For example, Amoxiclav, Flemoclav, or Augmentin (we recommend reading:). Thanks to the addition of clavulanic acid, they are resistant to the enzyme beta-lactamase.
3. Cephalosporins of 4 generations (we recommend reading:). Low toxicity and have a wider range of effects. These include Cephalexin, Zinnat, Supraks (we recommend reading:). Antibiotics of this group are contraindicated for use in newborn babies up to 1 month old.
4. Macrolides. Hypoallergenic, but slower. Effective if the causative agents are intracellular chlamydia, mycoplasmas and legionella. Among them are "Midecamycin", "Sumamed", "Clarithromycin" (we recommend reading:).
5. Nitrofurans. For example, Nifuroxazide, Furazidine, Nifuratel. Their use is advisable for intestinal, protozoal infections and urinary tract infections.

The best drugs for children of different ages

When a child has a high fever, a runny nose and other symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections or a cold of a viral nature, it is not necessary to immediately give antibiotics to the children. At the initial stage of SARS or a cold, this is not necessary. Only if the healing process has dragged on, after 4-5 days of therapy there is no improvement and the fever continues to hold, then this means that the bacterial infection has joined the viral infection and it is advisable to switch to antibacterial treatment.

Such familiar symptoms as a runny nose and fever can accompany sore throat, pneumonia, bronchitis and pharyngitis. These are diseases of a bacterial nature that make taking antibiotics warranted. They should be selected, starting from the age of the baby.

Newborn

As for newborns, they are especially vulnerable, and, unfortunately, they may encounter various infections and pathogenic bacteria even in the hospital. Depending on the type of disease and the severity of the disease, babies can be prescribed drugs from different groups, the intake of which must be carried out under the supervision of doctors. The table shows antibiotics that are allowed from birth, applicable in various pathological processes:

Breasts up to a year

Despite the fact that a child under the age of one year is less likely to get ARVI, because his social circle is not large and he receives antibodies from his mother when breastfeeding, he has a very high chance of catching a bacterial infection in case of illness. This is due to the fact that babies are inactive, lie a lot, have short wide airways, still do not know how to clear their throat and blow their nose, plus their immune system is not fully formed. In this regard, if the baby’s symptoms last longer than three days, they may already be prescribed antibiotics.

When treating children under one year old, they usually prefer antibiotics of the penicillin series, and only if there is no effect, replace them with cephalosporins or drugs with a wider spectrum of action. Only a pediatrician has the right to prescribe drugs; he will choose the option that is optimal for the patient.

Children over 1 year old

Requirements for antibiotics for children older than one year remain the same:

• low toxicity;
• wide spectrum of action;
• minimal amount of side effects.

Already existing antibacterial drugs are joined by antibiotics, the use of which is allowed from a year old:

1. Furagin and Furazidine. Applicable for infection of the urinary system or after operations on it.
2. Furozolidone. The reasons for its intake are intestinal infection and helminthiasis.
3. Vilprafen (we recommend reading:). It is taken regardless of meals. Effective in the fight against intracellular pathogens.

Effective natural antibiotics for children

Along with synthetic antibiotics, which disable the entire intestinal microflora, reduce the protective properties of the body and require rehabilitation therapy for the gastrointestinal tract and immunity, there are natural analogues that are not so aggressive. Many berries belong to such antibacterial agents. Among them:

• viburnum;
• cranberry;
• raspberry;
• sea \u200b\u200bbuckthorn;
• blueberries
• black currant.

  Kalina is a natural antibiotic that helps to cope with the initial symptoms of colds

They are characterized by antiseptic, bactericidal and antiviral properties. It is advisable that they are present in the daily diet of the baby. For example, they can be ground with sugar and eat 1 teaspoon three times a day.