💊 Antibiotics for Children

When they're needed and how to use them safely

🦠 When Do Kids Need Antibiotics?

✅ Antibiotics WORK for:

❌ Antibiotics DON'T work for:

⚠️ Important: Green or yellow mucus does NOT mean you need antibiotics. Color is not a reliable indicator of bacterial infection.

📋 Common Antibiotics for Kids

AntibioticBrand NamesCommon Uses
AmoxicillinAmoxil, MoxatagEar infections, strep, pneumonia
Amoxicillin-ClavulanateAugmentinResistant ear infections, sinusitis
AzithromycinZithromax, Z-PackPneumonia, pertussis, allergic to penicillin
CefdinirOmnicefEar infections, sinusitis
CephalexinKeflexSkin infections

⏰ Important Rules

1. Complete the full course
Even if your child feels better after 2-3 days, finish ALL the medication. Stopping early can create resistant bacteria.
2. Give at the right times
"Every 8 hours" means 8 hours apart (e.g., 7am, 3pm, 11pm), not just "3 times a day."
3. Store correctly
Most liquid antibiotics need refrigeration after mixing. Check the label!
4. Use probiotics
Give probiotics during treatment (2 hours apart from antibiotic) to help prevent diarrhea.

❓ FAQs

My child vomited after taking the antibiotic. What do I do?

If within 30 minutes: repeat the full dose. If 30-60 minutes: give half dose. If after 1 hour: don't repeat.

Can I save leftover antibiotics for next time?

No. Always discard unused antibiotics. Using old or wrong antibiotics can be harmful.

🧮 Calculate Antibiotic Doses

Enter weight for accurate amoxicillin, azithromycin, and more

Go to Calculator

Related Articles:

→ Amoxicillin Vs Azithromycin → Amoxicillin Side Effects Children → How To Prepare Liquid Antibiotics