Amoxicillin Not Working? What to Do If Your Child Isn't Getting Better

⏱️ How Long Does It Take to Work?

First 24-48 hours

Antibiotic is working but you may not see improvement. Fever can continue.

48-72 hours

Should start seeing improvement: less fever, better mood, more appetite. If no change, call doctor.

3-5 days

Clear improvement. Fever should be gone. Some symptoms (cough, runny nose) may persist.

💡 Rule of thumb: If after 48-72 hours of proper treatment there's NO improvement at all, contact your doctor.

✅ Check These First

Checklist:

✅ Giving the correct dose for weight?
✅ Giving every 8 hours (3 times daily)?
✅ Shaking well before each dose?
✅ Stored in refrigerator?
✅ Not expired (within 14 days of mixing)?
✅ Child is not vomiting the dose?

❓ Why Might It Not Be Working?

1. It's a viral infection

Antibiotics don't work against viruses. Most colds, flu, and bronchitis are viral.

2. Resistant bacteria

More common if child has taken antibiotics recently or attends daycare.

3. Wrong antibiotic for the infection

Some bacteria don't respond to amoxicillin but respond to alternatives.

4. Complication developed

The initial infection may have worsened (e.g., ear infection → mastoiditis).

🚨 When to Seek Help

Go to urgent care/ER if:

High fever not improving after 72 hours
Child is getting worse (more lethargic, won't eat/drink)
Difficulty breathing
Severe ear pain or discharge
Swelling around face, neck, or eyes

Call your doctor if:

No improvement after 48-72 hours
Gets better then worse again
Symptoms persist after completing treatment

💊 What Are the Alternatives?

If your doctor decides to change antibiotics:

Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) - stronger version
Azithromycin (Z-Pack) - different antibiotic class
Cefdinir (Omnicef) - for resistant infections

⚠️ Never switch antibiotics on your own. Your doctor needs to evaluate what's happening.

🤔 Amoxicillin Not Working?

⏱️ How Long Does It Take to Work?

First 24-48 hours

48-72 hours

3-5 days

✅ Check These First

Checklist:

❓ Why Might It Not Be Working?

1. It's a viral infection

2. Resistant bacteria

3. Wrong antibiotic for the infection

4. Complication developed

🚨 When to Seek Help

💊 What Are the Alternatives?

🧮 Verify You're Giving the Right Dose

⏱️ How Long Does It Take to Work?

First 24-48 hours

48-72 hours

3-5 days

✅ Check These First

Checklist:

❓ Why Might It Not Be Working?

1. It's a viral infection

2. Resistant bacteria

3. Wrong antibiotic for the infection

4. Complication developed

🚨 When to Seek Help

💊 What Are the Alternatives?

🧮 Verify You're Giving the Right Dose

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