Antibiotic for children: list and description of drugs. Antibiotics for children

An antibiotic is a natural or artificially synthesized substance designed to combat the activity of bacteria and microscopic fungi. Antibiotics do not work on viruses (acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections)! There are antibiotics for both external and internal use.

Antibiotics include:

  1. Drugs to suppress coccal bacteria;
  2. “Broad spectrum” drugs.
  3. Preparations for affecting gram-negative bacilli.
  4. Anti-tuberculosis drugs.
  5. Preparations for treating fungi.

Antibiotics for children are used in the following cases:

  1. Otitis.
  2. Purulent sinusitis in acute form or its exacerbation.
  3. Peritonsillitis.
  4. Streptococcal tonsillitis.
  5. Pneumonia.
  6. Epiglotitis.
  7. Exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis.

Before deciding which antibiotic to give your child, you should measure the general temperature. For children under 3 years of age, the temperature at which you should think about giving the child an antibiotic is 39° C, for children under 3 months – 38° C. In other cases, an increase in general body temperature without other symptoms is not an indicator for prescribing antibiotic.

Side effects when taking antibiotics:

  • Allergic reaction.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Vomit.
  • Thrush.

List of names of antibiotics that can be prescribed to a newborn

  • Amoxicillin, Flemoxin Solutab, Augmentin, Amoxiclav, Ampicillin. Used to treat bronchitis and pneumonia.
  • Cefuroxime axetil, Zinacef, Zinnat Axetin. They help with ENT diseases and are used to continue treatment with other antibiotics so as not to cause addiction.
  • Azithromycin, Sumamed, Hemomycin. Used to treat respiratory diseases.

There are also certain rules taking antibiotics:

  • You cannot change the treatment regimen on your own.
  • If the disease recurs, you should use an analogue drug.
  • To individually select an antibiotic, it is recommended to undergo a culture test.
  • The time and frequency of administration must be strictly observed.
  • In parallel with treatment, you should follow a diet

It should be remembered that children's antibiotics are produced mainly in suspensions; there are no antibiotics in suppositories. Long or frequent use antibiotics are addictive body, and medicine simply stops helping the child. Antibiotic injections should be carried out only if there are no analogues in the form of tablets or syrup. Probiotics (in the form of medicine or food) should be used along with antibiotics.

Let us note once again that the indication for the use of an antibiotic is the bacterial nature of the disease. Thus, bronchitis or sinusitis are mainly viral infections, and a special test is required to determine streptococcal sore throat. Antibiotics can be used against such diseases only if they are associated with bacterial infection. This can be confirmed after visiting a pediatrician and undergoing the necessary tests. Self-medication with antibiotics can have serious consequences.


If the intended beneficial effect from antibiotics exceeds negative impact antimicrobial agents on the child’s body, the doctor prescribes antibacterial therapy. The form in which the drugs will be prescribed largely influences the mood of the child during treatment.

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

Peculiarities


Antibiotics in the form of a suspension are often called “children’s antibiotics” by parents. Indeed, medications in this form are very convenient to give to newborns, infants, and older children. After all, it is not always possible for a child, even at 5-6 years old, to swallow a pill on his own, but to give injections to children if there is a worthy and gentler alternative, caring parents Naturally, I don’t want to.

If the doctor does not insist on injections, then it makes sense to ask him whether 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 in factories. This product is then packaged in bottles.

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

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


Antibiotic drugs in the form of a suspension are created primarily for children. They are intended for infants, infants, children under 5-6 years of age, and sometimes older if the child is capricious and refuses to take the pills on his own. From the age of 12, 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 the dry preparation varies.

Indications

Antibiotics in the form of a suspension can be prescribed to children for various ENT diseases, for intestinal infections caused by bacilli and bacteria, for dental diseases, for inflammation of the genitourinary system, during rehabilitation after operations.

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

The need to take antibiotics should be decided by a doctor, especially since since that year antibacterial drugs can no longer be purchased freely; the pharmacist will definitely ask you for a prescription.

Review of Suprax drugs


A strong and effective antibiotic of the cephalosporin group is prescribed for advanced forms of the disease, for severe cases, or if antibiotics are weaker ( penicillin group or groups of macrolides) had no effect. The drug will be prescribed for bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, pharyngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and diseases urinary tract caused by microbes, such as cystitis. A child may be prescribed Suprax for otitis media.

The pharmacy will offer you a children's version of the antibiotic - granules for preparing a suspension. It needs to be done in two stages. First add 40 mg chilled boiled water. Shake and let sit. Then add the rest of the liquid to the mark on the bottle. Shake again so that no undissolved particles remain.

The dosage should be calculated taking into account the weight and age of the child:

Pantsef

A powerful third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic will be prescribed to children with complex pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and tonsillitis. The drug is effective in the treatment of sinusitis, acute or chronic bronchitis, purulent otitis. In pharmacies, Pancef is available both in granules for diluting the suspension, and in powder, which is used for the same purposes. Capacity – 100 mg.

The suspension should also be prepared in two steps, adding water and shaking until the substance is homogeneous.

The dosage of the drug is calculated according to the formula, depending on 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 that is often prescribed for bronchitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis and otitis. Effective for skin infections. The pharmacist can offer you powders for preparing a suspension in 125 mg and 250 mg packaging. "Klatsid" has a distinctive feature. This suspension can be given to the child with, before or after food. It doesn't have of great importance. In addition, the suspension can be washed down with milk (it is usually contraindicated to take antibacterial drugs with milk).

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

Dosage of the drug

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

Cephalexin

The first generation cephalosporin antibiotic is used to treat children with the most various diseases upper and lower respiratory tract. The doctor will recommend Cephalexin for bacterial diseases genitourinary system – for cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, etc.

The pharmacy will offer you suspension powders of different “calibers” - 125 mg, 250 and 500 mg. As well as granules, from which you can also prepare a suspension in a 250 mg bottle. You should take the prepared suspension about an hour before meals.

Dosage of the drug

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


Azithromycin

This one is strong and universal antibiotic with a wide spectrum of action, it quickly copes with microorganisms that cause tonsillitis, tonsillitis, including purulent tonsillitis, otitis, and atypical respiratory diseases caused by chlamydia and mycoplasma.

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

Dosage

Macropen

A worthy representative of the macrolide group can be recommended by a doctor for bronchitis, even chronic, otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, 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.

Dosage:

Azitrox

A macrolide antibiotic that is quickly absorbed and quickly eliminated from the body without accumulating in tissues. It is recommended for a child suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis, including purulent otitis. The drug is very effective for sinusitis, sore throat, tonsillitis, as well as for some inflammations Bladder, ureters. A suspension of this antibiotic can be made from ready-made pharmaceutical powder.

Dosage

Augmentin

An antimicrobial drug of the penicillin family, common in pediatrics, helps cope with respiratory infections and ENT diseases. It has proven to be equally effective in treating a number of urinary tract infections, as well as infections of bones and joints. In pharmacies, pharmacists have three concentrations of dry matter for preparing the “children's form” - 125 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg.

Dosage

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

Amoxicillin

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

Dosage

The prepared suspension can be stored for no more than two weeks.

Amoxiclav

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

Dosage

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

Ospamox

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

On pharmacy shelves there is a large selection of substances for preparing Ospamox suspensions. This is a dry substance in concentrations of 125, 250 and 500 mg and granules of 125 and 250 mg.

Dosage

The suspension cannot be washed down with milk!

Zinnat

A second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic can be prescribed by a doctor to a child for the treatment of pneumonia, bronchi, complex lung abscess, tonsillitis, otitis media, and infectious skin diseases. Copes perfectly with microbes that cause cystitis and pyelonephritis. In pharmacies, among other forms, it is available in granules for self-diluted suspension.

Dosage

Infants under 3 months of age are not prescribed antibiotics.

Hemomycin

A representative of the macrolide group has proven itself to be the basis of therapy for pneumonia, including atypical pneumonia, sore throat, otitis media, sinusitis, and diseases of the urinary system (cystitis, urethritis). Recommended by specialists for skin infections and stomach diseases. If the doctor has prescribed Hemomycin, the pharmacist will offer you two types of dry substance for suspension - at a concentration of 100 mg and 200 mg.

Dosage

The finished suspension should not be stored for more than five days!

Sumamed

This well-known bacteriostatic antimicrobial drug of the macrolide group is considered a “universal soldier”. It successfully copes with most ENT diseases, respiratory infections, skin and genitourinary infections. For children, pharmacists present it in the form of a powder, from which it is quite easy to prepare a suspension containing 100 mg of antibiotic in 5 ml of the finished substance. The name of the drug in the form of a suspension often contains the word “Forte”.

Dosage

Take the suspension 1 hour before meals or two hours after meals. The suspension can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place, tightly closed, for no more than five days.

  1. Do not violate the recipe for preparing the suspension. Dilute the dry substance exclusively with water, not milk, juice or tea.
  2. Monitor the expiration date of the suspension. Usually, it is short - from 5 to 20 days. After this time has elapsed, the medicine cannot be taken.
  3. Do not violate the schedule for taking the drug, do not interrupt the course of treatment prescribed by the doctor, even if the child’s condition has improved.
  4. When giving the suspension at a fever, avoid antipyretics. They can create the wrong illusion of the effectiveness of treatment by “bringing down” the fever. With a correctly prescribed antibiotic suspension, the temperature should drop on its own. This will be one of the criteria by which the doctor will evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.
  5. If you take the suspension for a cold, do not rush to add cough or runny nose medications to your treatment regimen. All additional medications should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account drug interactions drugs.
  6. Do not draw conclusions about the ineffectiveness of the antibiotic in the first 48 hours, especially based on reviews of “experienced” mothers from the Internet. To understand whether the medicine is working, you need to wait three days. If relief does not occur, tell your doctor, he will change the prescribed antibiotic to another antimicrobial drug.

You can also find a lot of useful and interesting information in the video “When Antibiotics Are Needed” by Dr. Komarovsky.

Diseases in childhood– a frequent and inevitable phenomenon. A child’s body cannot always cope with infections on its own, so the doctor prescribes antibacterial drugs. Parents should not be afraid of prescribing antibacterial drugs, because when correct use and strictly following the doctor's instructions, medications do much more good than harm. Moreover, for children today antibiotics are most often prescribed in suspension, which contain the optimal dosage and have a milder effect.

Antibacterial drugs were invented not so long ago; they are obtained synthetically. They are effective in treating bacterial infections. If the disease is caused by other reasons, these medications will be useless. A pediatrician will not recommend the use of antibiotics without a good reason. He will prescribe a suitable drug and prescribe a dosage in accordance with the age of the little patient and the severity of his illness.

Parents make the three most common mistakes when treating their children:

  1. They begin treatment with antibacterial drugs without a doctor’s prescription when it is not necessary.
  2. Neglect of doctor's recommendations. Often parents do not give their children antibiotics prescribed by the doctor, thereby worsening the situation.
  3. Self-discontinuation of the drug. These medications have a cumulative effect. At the first improvement, parents stop taking the medication, thereby canceling its effect.

Important! The course of antibiotics must be completed to the end; only a doctor can stop them.
Before prescribing a specific medicine, the doctor clarifies the diagnosis to determine the nature of the disease. It is not possible to do this quickly using laboratory methods, but the course viral infection somewhat different. Typically, the virus affects the body for a short time, and the child’s high fever does not last longer than three days. If the symptoms of the disease and the fever do not disappear or weaken after three days, if the temperature is above a certain point for a long time, we can talk about a bacterial infection and prescribe antibiotics. Another sign of a bacterial infection is the presence of pus that discharges from the nose or is manifested by the appearance of purulent sores on the tonsils.

Prescription of antibiotics is necessary for the following diseases: otitis media, pneumonia, sinusitis, and when tonsillitis occurs. Children's antibiotics in suspension are also prescribed for intestinal infections, diseases of the genitourinary system, dental diseases, as well as when restoring the ambassador surgical operations. For life-threatening infections, such as meningitis, antibacterial drugs are prescribed immediately, without tests or tests. If there is time and there is no threat to life, it is advisable to donate blood and a smear to determine the type of bacteria and the antibiotic to which they are sensitive.

Antibiotics in the form of a suspension are the most popular antibacterial drugs for children today. They have their own advantages:

  • The dosage of the active substance in the suspension for children is usually reduced. Thanks to this, the drug has a gentler and more gentle effect on the body.
  • These medications are absorbed faster than similar medications in tablets.
  • The suspension is much easier to give to both infants and schoolchildren. After all, even at 6-7 years of age, children are not always able to swallow a whole tablet. Injections are a great stress for any child, and the suspension is a more gentle alternative. In addition, most suspensions have a pleasant fruity taste. The baby will not have to drink bitter medicine, and parents will not have to force him to do it.

When prescribing antibiotics for children, check with your doctor whether it is possible to replace drugs in the form of injections or tablets with a suspension.

Children's antibiotic in suspension it is a powder of small granules. The solid substance is ground or crushed in the factory, after which the finished product is placed in a container. The drug must first be prepared following the instructions included in each package.

There is a special mark on the bottle to which you need to add water. It is located close to the neck and is clearly visible. The water should be potable and at room temperature. The first portion of water is added to half the required volume, after which the bottle should be shaken thoroughly so that the powder is evenly distributed in the water. After 30-40 seconds, add the remaining volume of water and shake the suspension thoroughly again. You can prepare the drug in three steps for more thorough mixing.

The prepared suspension is stored in the refrigerator. Before giving it to your child, you need to shake the bottle thoroughly, since the powder does not dissolve in water, but forms a suspension that settles at the bottom. The bottle can be placed in a cup with warm water to slightly warm the medicine. A measuring syringe or measuring spoon is required with each drug in order to correctly measure the required dose.
Important! The concentration of the active substance in the drug may vary. Be sure to check the dosage when purchasing an antibiotic.

Self-prescription of antibiotics for yourself or a child is not recommended, as it can lead to negative consequences, best case scenario the drug will be useless, at worst, they will appear dangerous complications. The fact is that the doctor prescribes this or that medicine to the baby depending on the disease, its causes and its severity. At various diseases Different drugs are used, although there are also broad-spectrum drugs that target many different bacteria. But in any case, it is better to entrust the prescription of a suitable drug and the choice of the exact name of the drug to a pediatrician.

A common childhood cold, which is characterized by a slight runny nose, does not require the use of antibacterial drugs. The fact is that colds are caused by viruses that do not respond to antibiotics. But often a “cold” also refers to some other childhood illnesses, or during the course of the disease a bacterial infection occurs, since the body is weakened. You can't do without antibiotics here.

Prescription for colds is relevant if the baby is sick very often and seriously, with constant relapses, and the illness lasts for a long time. The choice of the appropriate drug depends on many factors, including the age of the patient. The following list can be made of the most popular antibiotic suspensions for children with colds.

  • Drugs of the tetracycline group. Prescribed to children strictly over eight years of age. These drugs were among the first to appear, so many infections acquired immunity to them.
  • Group of aminopenicillins. This includes drugs that have a wide spectrum of action, namely Amoxicillin and Ampicillin. They are considered one of the safest and are prescribed even to children. infancy.
  • Macrolide group. These are the most modern antibiotics, which include Erythromycin and Azithromycin. Fromilid is one of the most popular drugs among macrolides, which is prescribed to children.
  • Fluoroquinol group. Most strong drugs, which destroy even the most resistant bacteria. They are appointed as “heavy artillery” when nothing else helps. These include Moxifloxacin and Levofloxacin.

Attention! In no case should you give an antibiotic for a cold for prevention!

Cough is a symptom of many diseases. So, when prescribing antibiotics for children with a cough, the doctor looks exactly at the cause that caused it. Viral diseases are accompanied by a cough, which can last for several days and change its nature over time. Cough occurs with whooping cough, with pneumonia and bronchitis in children, with a viral infection. It can also start with allergies. The doctor's examination includes a visual examination of the throat and taking a smear for analysis. An antibiotic is prescribed only if the bacterial nature of the disease is confirmed.

Medicine for cough in a child should be chosen depending on the diagnosis and age of the patient. For coughs, modern macrolide antibiotics are usually prescribed. These are Fromilid, Azithromycin, Sumamed, Macropen. The drugs are available in the form of a suspension; they have a fruity taste and a pleasant aroma. The child will be happy to drink this medicine.

When a cough is accompanied by a runny nose, the prescription of antibiotics depends on the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Often restorative therapy is sufficient, but long-term illness with the addition of a bacterial infection requires the prescription of antibiotics.

  • For coughs and runny nose, the pediatrician most often prescribes Augmentin, Flemoxin Solutab or Amoxiclav, which are available in the form of a suspension.
  • Cephalosporins are also effective in treatment, for example, Cefataxime or Cefuroxime, which are broad-spectrum drugs.
  • Modern drugs of the macrolide group are effective for protracted forms of the disease. These include Fromilid, Sumamed, Clarithromycin.

The suspension form allows you to give medicine to children without problems and dissatisfaction on their part.

The most common throat diseases in children are tonsillitis, pharyngitis and purulent tonsillitis. It is for these diseases that antibiotics should be prescribed. Each of the diseases is accompanied unpleasant symptoms, and can also lead to complications.

Important! Treatment with antibacterial drugs for throat diseases should begin as soon as the doctor has prescribed them, since the likelihood of complications in preschool children is very high.

Antibiotics for sore throat in children are prescribed from penicillin series. The most popular are Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav, Flemoxin Solutab. They are used when the disease is caused by streptococcal infection. If a child is allergic to penicillin, then modern macrolide drugs will come to the rescue: Fromilid, Erythromycin, azithromycin. Sometimes Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone and other broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed.

Taking antibiotics in any case harms the body, because the medicine kills not only harmful, but also beneficial bacteria. However, subject to several simple rules harm can be reduced to a minimum.

  • The minimum course of treatment is five days. Under no circumstances should you interrupt it, even if the child feels better. Otherwise, the disease may return in the coming days, and the bacteria will already become resistant to the drug being taken and will not respond to it.
  • It is necessary to strictly observe breaks between antibiotic doses; children should be given medicine at the same time with equal intervals.
  • The suspension should be shaken thoroughly before use by children so that the suspension is homogeneous.
  • The medicine must be taken with big amount clean water room temperature or take the medicine with food.
  • Antibacterial therapy affects the gastrointestinal tract, so it is necessary to take appropriate medications that support normal microflora intestines.

Important! If there is no improvement within three days after starting antibiotics, you should contact your pediatrician to change the medication.

Mothers try in every possible way to protect children under one year from taking antibiotics. On the one hand, this is correct, since the baby’s immune system is not yet fully formed. On the other hand, infections can be very dangerous for the baby, so prescribing antibacterial drugs is indispensable. For infants and children up to one year old, antibiotics are available in the form of a suspension. Firstly, it is easier to give such a drug. And secondly, the suspension has a more gentle effect on the intestines. Many medications are contraindicated for babies under six months of age. The list of approved medications is small: Amoxiclav, Amoxicillin, Sumamed. Some medications, for example Fromilid, can be taken starting at 6 months.

In conclusion, it should be said that absolutely all antibiotics negatively affect certain body systems. At the same time, without antibacterial therapy It is simply impossible to cure many diseases. With proper use of antibiotics and care for recovery after therapy, the risk to the child is minimized.

During the development process, a child’s fragile body is repeatedly exposed to various types of pathogenic microorganisms. After visiting a doctor, the parents of a young patient begin to anxiously study the instructions for the prescribed medications, fearing that antibiotics will be used in the children's treatment regimen. This kind of anxiety is exacerbated by regular media reports about the negative consequences of using a particular product.

Data official statistics, in turn, indicate the need to use antibiotic therapy in the treatment of children themselves of different ages, starting from the moment the baby is born.

All contradictions are resolved with a competent approach to the system of eliminating the disease, both from the doctor and the parents, namely:

  • antibacterial and antimicrobials are prescribed only by a specialist based on the clinical manifestations of the disease and test results;
  • Control of the child’s medication intake in accordance with these recommendations is carried out by an adult.

The two points stated above will help minimize the side effects of drugs on the body, the possible manifestations of which worry parents so much, and will speed up the recovery process of the little patient as much as possible.

To date, the list of known antibiotics contains more than 10,000 items; 5% of them are actively used to combat pathogens.

Systematization of such a number of drugs is carried out according to a number of characteristics, including the structure, generation of the drug and the mechanism of action on the infectious agent.

One of the classifications provides for the division of antibiotics according to the spectrum of action into different types pathogens:

  • anticoccal, inhibiting the growth of colonies and destroying representatives of the genus streptococci, staphylococci, as well as clostridia - macrolides, cephalosporins (first generation), lincomycin;
  • anti-tuberculosis - rifampicin, streptomycin;
  • antifungals - ketoconazole, diflucan;
  • affecting gram-negative bacilli - cephalosporins (third generation), polymyxins;
  • broad-spectrum drugs - aminoglycosides, amoxicillins.

You should know that most diseases accompanied by nasal discharge, cough, slight increase body temperature, do not require the use of antibiotics. The development of acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections occurs under the influence of viruses that are resistant to antibacterial drugs.

If on the 4th–5th day of illness, instead of the expected recovery, the condition worsens, it means that bacterial infections have joined the pathogens.

In this case, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and targeted drugs is completely justified.

Medicines that destroy pathogens are used by pediatricians when a child develops:

  • bronchitis;
  • pneumonia;
  • acute purulent sinusitis;
  • otitis;
  • cystitis;
  • paratonsillitis;
  • furunculosis;
  • pyelonephritis;
  • urethritis, etc.

As a rule, when high temperature, not accompanied by other symptoms, antibiotics are not prescribed until the diagnosis is definitively clarified.

If a small patient is admitted to the clinic in in serious condition specialists immediately include in therapy generic drugs, characterized by a wide spectrum of action; Treatment correction occurs after receiving laboratory test results.

When choosing a remedy, the attending physician will not only take into account the child’s well-being, but will also definitely clarify his weight and age, since all medications are recommended taking into account the above parameters (for example, the tetracycline group can only be used when patients reach 8 years of age).

The frequently prescribed list of antibiotics for children includes the following medications:

  • Augmentin - combined modern drug to relieve symptoms of diseases caused by bacteria. May provoke allergic reactions in the body. Children's antibiotic Augumentin suspension is not used to treat newborns and patients under three months of age. The active ingredients are clavuanic acid and amoxicillin.
  • Zinnat - is offered in tablet form and in the form of granules (for dilution in water and preparation of a suspension). The solution is used in pediatric therapy for babies over 3 months old, tablets - for small patients who have reached the age of three.
  • Amoxicillin is an antibiotic characterized by a broad spectrum of action. It is used for pneumonia and sinusitis, cystitis, otitis and pharyngitis, complicated by tonsillitis.
  • Zinacef - a drug for the treatment severe forms diseases. Available only in powder form for injections and infusions. It is administered under the strict supervision of a clinic specialist.
  • Sumamed is a macrolide that can be purchased in powders (diluted in boiled water) and tablets. The antibiotic suspension is used for children six months of age, and the tablet form is used for adolescents over 12 years of age. Helps cure urethritis, pharyngitis, Lyme disease, gastrointestinal infections, etc.

Powders intended for the production of solutions (syrups) are distinguished by a mild effect on the developing organism, good absorption, and the absence of a large list of side effects.

The prescription of antibiotic suspensions to infants, as a rule, occurs in cases of severe forms of disease. This course of treatment should not be interrupted independently without instructions from a doctor.

The antibiotic contained in the syrup is administered orally (the dose is calculated taking into account the child’s weight). The pleasant taste of the drug and the fruit and berry bouquet of its inherent odors greatly facilitate the therapy process. Typically, taking the medication lasts no more than 5–7 days.

During the treatment period, you should carefully monitor the child's condition and report any changes to the pediatrician.

Recommended for the treatment of most diseases standard circuits therapy, but the choice of agents involved is made in accordance with individual characteristics each small patient (the already mentioned age, weight, as well as the presence of allergic reactions to certain types medications and a history of serious illnesses).

To help with sore throat, macrolides Sumamed and Klacid (in the form of a suspension) and Zinnat syrup are used. At purulent tonsillitis Ceftriaxone injections are used.

Suspensions Flemoxin Solutab, Suprax, Fluimucil successfully fight bronchitis (the latter not only destroys pathogens, but also stimulates the activity of the respiratory tract).

Colds complicated by infections are cured by Augmentin, Macropen, Sumamed and Zinnat.


The main property of antibacterial drugs is the destruction bacterial microflora. They stop the growth of bacteria and lead to their death. Antibiotics are considered strong medications, therefore, only certain drugs from this category can be used before the age of 1 year.

Indications for the use of antibiotics in infants

Many parents do the wrong thing when they try to treat a cold with antibiotics. This disease is caused by viruses. Only antiviral drugs are effective against them. Antibiotics are prescribed to children under one year of age only when the disease is caused by bacteria. Characteristic signs bacterial cold:

  • purulent plaque on the laryngeal mucosa;
  • sore throat;
  • temperature rise in the first couple of days to high performance;
  • nausea;
  • headache;
  • diarrhea.

Antibiotics for children under 1 year of age are also prescribed for other types of bacterial infections. The main indications for their use in childhood:

  • otitis;
  • sinusitis;
  • meningitis;
  • pneumonia;
  • pyelonephritis;
  • purulent sore throat;
  • scarlet fever;
  • cystitis;
  • paratonsillitis;
  • dysentery;
  • cholera.

Only a doctor should choose antibacterial drugs. First, the specialist prescribes an analysis that confirms the presence of a bacterial infection and determines the sensitivity of the pathogen to a specific antibiotic.

Types of antibiotics for children

Common forms of antibiotics are tablets, capsules, granules and injection solutions. They also exist in the form of drops, which are used for inhalation and rinsing. Local treatment carried out using sprays. The most popular among them is Bioparox. Syrups are used for children under 10 years of age. This release form has a pleasant smell and taste.

For babies under 1 year of age, pediatric antibiotics in suspension are more convenient, since at this age they do not yet have the ability to swallow tablets. Depending on the active component drugs are divided into several groups. General scheme for preparing a suspension from dry matter:

  1. Using a special syringe for measurements (usually it comes with an antibiotic), draw 12 ml of boiled water or another amount specified in the instructions.
  2. Add it to the bottle to the powder up to the mark or pour in the crushed tablet, shake the contents well so that there are no lumps.
  3. Keep in the refrigerator between doses. Store for no more than 5 days.

Penicillin antibiotics for children

Drugs from the penicillin category have broad antibacterial activity. In most cases, they are the first antibiotics prescribed. Penicillins have low toxicity. In this group the most a large number of safe drugs, which are allowed from birth.

Penicillins disrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis, but microorganisms can quickly develop resistance to these drugs. Diseases for which these antibiotics are used:

  • scarlet fever;
  • skin infections;
  • tonsillitis;
  • otitis;
  • acute sinusitis;
  • streptococcal sepsis;
  • pneumonia;
  • septic-toxic diphtheria;
  • purulent meningitis;
  • umbilical sepsis.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin suspension is used to treat children under 5 years of age. It is prepared immediately before use. One measuring spoon contains 5 milliliters of suspension and 250 milligrams of amoxicillin. Dosage for children under 2 years of age – no more than 20 mg/kg/day. Amoxicillin is used alone or in combination with clavulanic acid. Indications for antibiotic use:

  • shigellosis;
  • meningitis;
  • endocarditis;
  • borreliosis;
  • salmonellosis;
  • sepsis;
  • leptospirosis;
  • cystitis;
  • urethritis;
  • gonorrhea;
  • bronchitis;
  • angina;
  • pneumonia;
  • pyelonephritis.

Augmentin

Treatment with Augmentin is prescribed not only for infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to this antibiotic. The drug is also used in cases of diseases caused by bacteria that are affected by amoxicillin. The scope of Augmentin is extensive. The list of indications includes:

Disease group

Names of pathologies

Diseases of the ENT organs and respiratory tract

  • recurrent tonsillitis;
  • sinusitis;
  • inflammation of the middle ear.

Odontogenic infections

  • maxillary sinusitis;
  • periodontitis;
  • severe dental abscesses.

Urogenital tract infections

  • urethritis;
  • cystitis;
  • pyelonephritis;
  • gynecological infections.
  • gonorrhea;
  • osteomyelitis;
  • soft tissue and skin infections;
  • other mixed infections.

Newborns and children from 3 months to 12 years old with a body weight of up to 40 kg are prescribed a suspension of 125/31.25 mg in a dose of 5 ml 3 times a day. every 8 hours, and the drug 200/28.5 or 400/57 milligrams - 2 times/day. in 12 hours Daily dose for infants under this age is 30 mg/kg, divided into 2 doses. Augmentin is prescribed in high or low dosages depending on the disease. Doctors recommend the following regimens:

Suspension 4:1, frequency of administration – 3 times/day. (mg/kg/day)

Suspension 7:1, frequency of administration – 2 times/day. (mg/kg/day)

This is a combination antibiotic. For children under 3 months, the dose is calculated at 30 mg/kg. This amount is divided into 2 equal doses and given every 12 hours. The dose for children over 3 months is 20–40 mg/kg. It is divided into 3 doses and given every 8 hours. Amoxiclav is used for the following infections:

  • urinary tract;
  • odontogenic;
  • ENT organs and lower respiratory tract;
  • connective and bone tissues;
  • gynecological;
  • biliary tract.

Cephalosporin antibiotics for children

Penicillins may cause allergies in some patients. In this case, the medications are replaced with antimicrobials for children from the cephalosporin group. They are also used in the development of addiction to penicillins. Cephalosporins act more gently on the body and are less likely to provoke allergies. Active ingredients drugs inhibit the synthesis of the structural basis of the wall of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

Cephalosporins are more often prescribed for severe and acute infections. In pediatrics, 4th generation antibiotics of this group are used. Main indications for use:

  • gonorrhea;
  • meningitis;
  • intestinal infections;
  • penicillin intolerance;
  • genitourinary infections;
  • diseases caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
  • catarrhal pneumonia.

Cefuroxime

The daily dosage for children under 3 months is 30 mg/kg. It is divided into 2-3 doses. The optimal dose for children older is 60 mg/kg/day. Indications for the use of Cefuroxime:

  • pneumonia;
  • tonsillitis;
  • otitis;
  • pleural empyema;
  • lung abscess;
  • osteomyelitis;
  • bronchitis;
  • sinusitis;
  • Lyme disease;
  • meningitis;
  • pharyngitis;
  • sepsis;
  • infections of soft tissues and skin.

Zinnat

Zinnat suspension is approved for children over 3 months. Doctors often prescribe average dosage, equal to 125 milligrams 2 rubles / day. In general, the dose is calculated from the condition of 10 mg per 1 kg of body weight. It is divided into 2 equal doses. For severe infections, the dose is increased to 15 mg/kg 2 times a day, but the child is not given more than 500 mg per day. Pathologies for which Zinnat is used:

  • meningitis;
  • gonorrhea;
  • peritonitis;
  • sepsis;
  • pyelonephritis;
  • urethritis;
  • cystitis;
  • bronchitis;
  • pneumonia;
  • furunculosis;
  • pyoderma;
  • sinusitis;
  • otitis media;
  • Lyme disease.

Children under 12 years of age are given the drug at a dose of 8 mg/kg 1 time/day. or 4 mg/kg 2 times/day. The duration of therapy depends on the type of disease. For mild infections genitourinary tract it lasts 3–7 days, for angina – 7–14, for streptococcus infection – at least 10. Suprax is prescribed for diseases of next list:

  • inflammation of the middle ear;
  • tonsillitis;
  • uncomplicated gonorrhea;
  • agranulocytic tonsillitis;
  • infections of the genitourinary system;
  • acute bronchitis;
  • sinusitis;
  • acute pharyngitis.

Macrolides

These antibacterial drugs for children have minimal amount side effects and hypoallergenic properties. The active ingredients of macrolides do not kill bacteria, but inhibit their growth. As a result, microorganisms die on their own from the effects of immunity. In addition to antibacterial, macrolides have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. General indications to the use of these drugs:

  • community-acquired pneumonia;
  • tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis media;
  • skin and soft tissue infections;
  • diphtheria, whooping cough, toxoplasmosis.

Sumamed

Sumamed suspension is used for inflammatory and infectious diseases caused by bacteria sensitive to azithromycin. General indications for prescribing the drug:

  • Lyme disease;
  • genitourinary infections;
  • respiratory tract diseases;
  • infectious lesions soft tissues and skin;
  • pathologies of ENT organs.

Sumamed suspension is intended for children aged six months to 3 years. For a child weighing up to 15 kg, the dose is measured using a syringe; for a child weighing more than 15 kg, a measuring spoon is used. Recommended doses:

Azithromycin

The finished suspension may contain 100 or 200 milligrams of azithromycin. The drug is given to the child 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals 1 time per day. A suspension of 100 mg/5 ml is prescribed to children from 6 months, 200 mg/5 ml is intended for small patients over 1 year.

Children from six months of age are given 10 mg/kg 1 time/day. For tonsillitis and pharyngitis caused by streptococcus pyogenes, the dose is calculated based on the condition 20 mg/kg. List of diseases for which Azithromycin is prescribed:

  • Infections respiratory system: bronchitis, pneumonia, including atypical.
  • Erythema migrans, which develops after a tick bite ( tick-borne borreliosis).
  • Inflammation of the ENT organs: sinuses, palatine tonsils, middle ear, throat.
  • Skin and soft tissue infections: erysipelas, impetigo, etc.

Hemomycin

Children from 6 months to 1 year are prescribed a suspension of Hemomycin 100 mg/5 ml. Indications for the use of this drug are the following infections:

  • Stomach and duodenum, provoked by Helicobacter pylori.
  • Genitourinary tract: urethritis, cervicitis.
  • Soft tissues and skin: bacterial dermatoses, impetigo, etc.
  • Respiratory tract and ENT organs: sinusitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, otitis media, bronchitis.
  • Other: scarlet fever, Lyme disease.

The dosage of Hemomycin depends on the disease for which this drug is prescribed. One measuring spoon contains 5 ml of suspension and 100 mg of azithromycin. For various infections, the following doses are recommended:

It is recommended to take the drug strictly at the same time, strictly following the dosage schedule. If the child does not get better within 2 or more days, the treatment regimen must be reconsidered. The same applies to cases when the condition worsens or severe adverse reactions occur. Antibiotics for children under one year of age have several more rules for taking them.

It is in childhood that diseases that require the use of antibiotics most often occur. Every year new drugs appear, and the pharmaceutical industry discovers new variations of familiar drugs. One of these new generation medications are broad-spectrum antibiotics for children.

Spectrum of action of antibiotics

Antibiotics are substances of natural, semi-synthetic or completely artificial origin, the task of which is to suppress the development and growth of bacteria, as well as to destroy them.

Bacteria are microorganisms that are found everywhere. The human body always contains from several hundred to 1000 species of bacteria. An adult's digestive tract can contain about 2 kilograms of bacteria. They are necessary for the full functioning of the immune system, and we can say that microflora is a separate and independent “organ”.

However, in addition to beneficial bacteria, without which our body cannot exist, there are also “harmful” bacteria that cause diseases. Many of them are constantly present in the human body, and manifest their pathogenic nature only when the defense of the immune system is reduced.

In the instructions for antibiotic drugs you can see the following designations: “gram+” and “gram-”. All bacteria are divided into gram-positive and gram-negative. Such names come from the name of the Danish scientist Hans Gram, who discovered that various microorganisms differently react to chemicals.

Gram-positive bacteria include streptococci, staphylococci, enterococci, corynebacteria, clostridia, and listeria. They most often affect the eyes, respiratory organs, ears, and nasopharynx.

Gram-negatives include Shigella, Legionella, Pseudomonas, Moraxella, Proteus, coli, klebsiella, salmonella, meningococcus. These bacteria affect the respiratory system, digestive tract and genitourinary system.
Conventional antibiotics can only target one species. Drugs called broad-spectrum antibiotics can fight both types of bacteria.

When to use broad-spectrum antibiotics

Broad-spectrum antibiotic - universal antibacterial drug new generation. In what cases are they prescribed?

These medications are used in the following cases:

  • When can a disease be differentiated and determined without additional tests. Often, a doctor can identify a disease and a group of bacteria, but there is no time to conduct laboratory tests and identify a specific pathogen. In most cases, tests are not necessary to determine the disease.
  • When bacteria are resistant to conventional antibiotics. This may be due to mutations, or due to the developed immunity to the drug due to its frequent use.
  • When the disease is caused not by one type of bacteria, but by several.
  • When is infection prevention necessary during rehabilitation period after surgical operations.

Misconceptions about antibiotics

There are existing stereotypes and misconceptions about broad-spectrum antibiotics. Often parents prefer to be guided by popular opinions about these drugs rather than by doctor’s recommendations. To avoid negative consequences To get the desired result from treatment, you need to know what information about antibiotics is false.

Common stereotypes and misconceptions:

  1. Antibiotics are effective for viral diseases. These drugs do not have any effect against flu, colds, and do not have an antipyretic or analgesic effect.
  2. Price affects the effectiveness of the drug. Expensive antibiotics are intended for treatment in the most severe clinical cases, when the bacterium is immune to all analogues of the drug.
  3. Antibiotics worsen the immune system. The immune system weakens under the influence of the disease, and not due to medication.
  4. To prevent candidiasis from developing after taking antibiotics, you need to take antifungal agents. However, taking these medications does not reduce the likelihood of a fungal infection. It can occur in any case, but the fungus will already be resistant to this drug, and you will need to take another one (which will be an additional burden on the baby’s body).
  5. You should take probiotics along with antibiotics. The effectiveness of such drugs has not been proven. The best solution would be to comply proper diet during the course of treatment.
  6. During treatment you need to take anti-allergy medications. Children can often have an allergic reaction to antibiotics. However, in this case, you should not take allergy pills, but contact your pediatrician to change the antibiotic.
  7. If after starting the course of treatment the child does not feel better, then the drug should be discontinued. During the first 24 hours after starting to take the drug, you may experience a deterioration in your health. This indicates the beginning of the fight against the bacterium and its destruction. If your child has a fever, you should consult your pediatrician.

Types of broad-spectrum antibiotics

Broad-spectrum antibiotics – group different drugs. There are several varieties of this type of medication:

  • penicillins;
  • tetracyclines;
  • aminoglycosides;
  • carbapenems;
  • fluoroquinolones;
  • cephalosporins;
  • macrolides;
  • amphenicols.

Each of these categories is represented in the pharmaceutical market wide list new generation drugs that have different names and indications regarding at what age you can start taking them. Some groups of these medications are not recommended for use in early age However, for the most part, antibiotics for children are quite safe.

Penicillins

Amoxicillin - can be taken by children after 2 years.

Flemoxin Solutab is approved for children over 1 year of age.

Augmentin – can be used from birth.

Amoxiclav is a drug in suspension that can be given to children from birth.

Cephalosporins

Cefuroxime can be given to children from the first days of life.

Axetil - allowed to be given to newborns.

Zinacef - prescribed starting from infancy.

Zinnat – can be used from the first days of life (in suspension).

Ikzym - this antibiotic can be given starting from 6 months.

Suprax - can be prescribed to a child over six months of age.

Ceftriaxone is an injectable drug that is approved for use in newborns.

Macrolides

Sumamed - can be given to children over 3 years old.

Azithromycin is allowed after the child reaches 1 year of age.

Hemomycin is prescribed to children aged 6 months.

Carbapenems

Imipenem should not be given before 3 months of age.

Meropenem can be taken after reaching 3 months of age.

Aminoglycosides

Streptomycin - can be prescribed to patients over 1 month of age.

Gentamicin is approved for newborns.

Netilmicin - can be prescribed to a newborn baby.
Tetracyclines are not prescribed to children under 8 years of age; amphenicols are rarely prescribed to children under 6 years of age. Fluoroquinolones are not recommended for use in children and adolescents. These medications can have a significant negative impact on the child's body.

Rules for taking antibiotics

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are potent drugs whose action is aimed at destroying various bacteria and fungi. In order for the use of these drugs to bring the desired effect, you need to follow the recommendations and rules for their use:

  1. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe a drug. There is no need to self-medicate. Only a medical specialist will be able to determine which bacteria need to be fought and which drug is suitable for your baby. Antibiotics should not be given without a doctor's prescription.
  2. Before prescribing an antibiotic, it is necessary to undergo tests to identify the type of bacteria that caused the child’s illness.
  3. You should take the antibiotic strictly in accordance with your doctor's recommendations. For a complete cure, you need to complete the full course of treatment. There is no need to stop taking the medication after improvement occurs, and you also do not need to reduce or increase the dose yourself. Good dynamics does not mean a complete cure.
  4. Antibiotics should not be taken frequently - bacteria may develop defensive reaction and immunity to the drug. Subsequently, the disease will be extremely difficult to cure.
  5. When visiting a doctor, you must inform about all existing chronic diseases, allergic reactions, drug intolerance.
  6. You need to take the medicine on a schedule. If the drug needs to be taken 2 times a day, then it is advisable that there be about 12 hours between doses. If the child must take the medicine 3 times a day, then it is advisable to do this every 8 hours.
  7. Antibiotics should be taken after meals. It is also recommended to adhere to special diet during treatment. This type of medication can cause problems with your digestive system.
  8. If the drug is in the form of a suspension, syrup, or drops, then before taking, you need to shake the bottle thoroughly so that the liquid becomes homogeneous.
  9. You need to take the tablets with plain water. Other drinks can be given at least one hour after taking the medicine.

As stated above, antibiotics can have negative effects on the digestive system. Many believe that in this case it is effective to take probiotics - preparations containing beneficial bacteria. However, their effectiveness has not been proven.
Pediatricians recommend following a diet during the course of treatment. This will make it easier for the child’s body to tolerate the therapy.
During treatment, it is recommended to consume the following foods:

  • meat low-fat varieties(rabbit, chicken, veal, turkey);
  • any types of fish;
  • fiber-rich cereals;
  • soups, broths;
  • fish caviar;
  • fruits and vegetables;
  • fruit juices (peach, apple).

During the treatment period you should avoid the following products:

  • fatty meats (pork and lamb);
  • fried food;
  • smoked meats;
  • foods high in fat;
  • citrus fruits (depending on the drug);
  • dairy products (depending on the drug).

Antibiotics for children under one year of age

The use of antibiotics to treat a child under one year of age often causes concern among parents. It is difficult to argue with the fact that these drugs have a significant impact on the growing and developing body of the baby. However, in some cases, antibiotics are necessary and cannot be replaced by others. medicines and treatment methods. Refusal of prescribed antibiotics can result in significant complications, deterioration of health, and, in some cases, death.

These drugs can be prescribed to a child under 1 year of age in the following cases:

  • rehabilitation period after surgery;
  • in case of poisoning with toxic substances;
  • for chronic diseases;
  • during acute stage course of the disease.

There are enough antibiotics on the pharmaceutical market that can be considered “light” and suitable for treating infants and infants. Treatment should be prescribed by a pediatrician, who will also determine the dosage regimen and required dosage. You cannot prescribe the drug yourself. It is advisable to take the medication under the supervision of a doctor, monitoring the dynamics of the child’s condition daily.

Negative consequences after taking antibiotics

Antibiotics are powerful medications. Like any drugs, they can cause side effects and lead to significant negative results. Their task is to destroy bacteria, and often they affect not only harmful microorganisms, but also those necessary for our body. Therefore, you can take a specific remedy only on the recommendation of a pediatrician and under his supervision.

As a result of treatment, the following negative consequences may occur:

  • allergic reaction (itching, burning, skin rashes, swelling);
  • disturbance of the microflora of the stomach and intestines (dysbacteriosis);
  • violation metabolic processes body;
  • development of antibiotic resistance (making it difficult to treat with these drugs in the future);
  • hearing problems;
  • asthma;
  • development of kidney and liver pathologies;
  • reduction in the quality of tooth enamel;
  • the occurrence of aplastic anemia;
  • some disorders of the nervous system;
  • oppression normal formation skeletal system and joints.

Antibiotics have been around for quite some time. There are myths and misconceptions about them. To avoid errors in treatment and possible negative consequences, you need to study in detail the information about the recommended drug. It is important to remember that many diseases cannot be cured without antibiotics, and information about them negative impact on children's bodies is often full of exaggerations.

Only a pediatrician can choose the right drug. In doing so, he will take into account the age of the child and what bacteria caused the disease. The parents' task is to follow the doctor's recommendations and follow the rules for taking medications.

It's no secret that potent antibacterial drugs help defeat many diseases. That is why many mothers, whenever their baby has a cold, run to the pharmacy and select the medicine themselves. Others, fearing side effects, postpone drug therapy until the last minute. Understand in which case an antibiotic is needed and choose the best one effective remedy Only a pediatrician can.

IN infancy it is difficult to avoid all kinds of infections. Some of them are easy and do not require specialized treatment, however, in some cases, the child may need an antibacterial drug to recover. Only a pediatrician can select antibiotics for an infant after a thorough examination.

It is important to remember that this group of drugs is potent and has a number of unpleasant side effects, so they are prescribed only for strict indications:

  • An increase in body temperature above 38 degrees, lasting more than 3 days.
  • Severe infectious diseases (acute bronchitis, pneumonia, purulent otitis and sinusitis, sore throat).
  • Life-threatening illnesses (meningitis).
  • Prolonged course of inflammatory processes.
  • Changes in general analysis blood ( increase in ESR, leukocytosis with the appearance of young forms of white blood cells).

In this case, the doctor will prescribe antibacterial agent broad spectrum of action or select a drug taking into account the sensitivity of the microorganisms that caused the disease.

Medicines for babies

The immune system of a newborn child is immature and is not able to fight many pathogenic microorganisms. Antibodies that enter the baby’s body with mother’s milk have special protection, but sometimes these protective forces not enough to eliminate a bacterial infection. That is why prescribing antibiotics for infants is the primary task of a specialist when identifying a severe infectious process.

Modern effective drugs approved for use in young children include:

  1. Penicillin antibiotics – Amoxicillin, Augmentin.
  2. Cephalosporins – Cefuroxime (Zinnat, Zinacef), Ceftriaxone.
  3. Macrolide group drugs – Azithromycin (Sumamed), Erythromycin.
  4. Fluoroquinolones, which are usually prescribed as reserve drugs in severe cases when other antibiotics have not helped - Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin.

At emergency conditions broad spectrum medications will be prescribed. But if there is no threat to the patient’s life, it is better to wait and determine the type of microorganisms, as well as its sensitivity to antibiotics. This will help you immediately select the most effective drug and minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Prescribing antibiotics and any other potent drugs to infants should be carried out according to strict indications, after a thorough examination, interpretation of test data and establishment of an accurate diagnosis.

There are groups of antibiotics that are contraindicated for use in infants. They are prescribed only in special, severe cases, when other drugs have not helped and the risks of the disease largely exceed the consequences of taking the medicine.

The following are not used in newborns:

  • Levomycetin is a toxic drug that, in addition to dyspeptic symptoms and dysbacteriosis, can lead to damage bone marrow patient and cause the most severe pathology - aplastic anemia. Applicable this antibiotic only in extremely rare cases ( typhoid fever, tularemia).
  • Aminoglycosides (Streptomycin, Neomycin, Gentamicin) – which are ototoxic and can lead to hearing impairment and even deafness in children.
  • Biseptol is a hepatotoxic drug from the sulfonamide group. It is used extremely rarely due to the fact that many bacteria are resistant to the action of its substance.
  • Tetracyclines (Tetracycline, Doxycycline) – these medications lead to the destruction of tooth enamel.

For children younger age Drugs from the fluoroquinolone group are used extremely rarely. Despite their high efficiency and relative safety, they lead to severe adverse reaction– disruption of intestinal flora.

Contraindications

Like any other drugs, antibiotics have a number of contraindications for use. They may mean it is impossible to use medicine or taking it with extreme caution (dosage adjustment or prescribing concomitant medications).

Antibiotics should not be prescribed for:

  1. Increased individual sensitivity to the drug or its components.
  2. Allergic reactions in infants.
  3. Intestinal dysbiosis (microflora disturbances may worsen under the influence of medications).
  4. Infectious mononucleosis and lymphoblastic leukemia are diseases for which some antibiotics are contraindicated.
  5. Damage to the kidneys and liver - these pathologies require a reduction in dosage and selection of gentle medications.

Before prescribing antibiotics to an infant, the doctor will necessarily collect anamnesis, carefully examine the child and identify possible contraindications to antibacterial therapy.

Side effects

A fragile child's body is more susceptible to the toxic effects of drugs. That is why infants are much more likely than adults to experience unwanted reactions to take antibiotics. These include:

  • Dyspeptic disorders (indigestion, abdominal pain).
  • Intestinal dysbiosis (diarrhea).
  • Candidiasis of the oral mucosa.
  • Allergic skin rash.
  • Liver damage.
  • Kidney pathologies.
  • Agranulocytosis.
  • Disorders of the nervous system.

When treating with antibiotics, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage prescribed by the doctor, which the specialist calculates taking into account the severity of the disease, the age and weight of the baby.

Antibiotic therapy for children

Treatment infectious diseases Infants have a number of features, which the doctor will definitely tell the mother about at the appointment.

The most important thing is strict adherence to the prescribed dosage and duration of therapy. Do not discontinue the drug before the time specified by the doctor, even if all symptoms disappear completely, as this may lead to chronic form disease and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains.

Along with the antibacterial agent, it is necessary to take probiotics and vitamin-mineral complexes in order to restore and maintain normal intestinal flora.

Medicines for infants

Antibiotics for children can be prescribed both in injection form and for oral administration, which is typical for treatment at home. Infants They cannot swallow tablets and capsules on their own, so medications are prescribed to them in the form of suspensions, syrups or soluble tablets. Such drugs include:

  1. Sumamed (Azithromycin) is an antibacterial agent in the form of a suspension, acceptable for use from 6 months of age.
  2. Zinnat – granules for preparing suspensions.
  3. Flemoxin Solutab is a soluble tablet with a pleasant fruity taste.

Antibacterial agents are a necessary component complex therapy for many diseases. You should not ignore the doctor’s prescription and refuse the medicine for fear of its side effects, since the disease causes much more harm to the baby’s delicate body.