Antibiotics for Kids: What You Should Be Aware Of

Children get sick, it’s just a fact of life.

Their immune systems are still maturing, and children have not quite mastered germ control strategies. Having a sick child at home can be a stressful time. You may wonder how best to take care of them and if antibiotics are needed. While different illnesses may have the same symptoms, the cause of the illness can vary. This means the treatment needs to be different as well. This article discusses the different types of antibiotics used for children and the myths and facts you should know.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are a type of medication used to treat bacterial infections in and on our bodies. What do antibiotics do? They are used to stop the growth of bacteria, allowing our natural immune systems to fight off the rest of the illness. Antibiotics only kill bacteria and have no effect on viruses. Not only do they kill the bad bacteria causing illness, but they also decrease the number of good bacteria in our bodies, specifically in the digestive tract where the medication is broken down.

Types of antibiotics

There are a lot of antibiotics on the market today ranging from natural to prescription and they come in a variety of formulations — pills, liquids, creams, eye drops, and sprays. For a parent it may be hard to determine what type of illness your child has and if antibiotics are needed.

Not all bacterial infections require a trip to the doctor or prescription antibiotic use. Mild bacterial infections can be treated at home with the help of natural antibiotics and supportive measures. For any illness that is moderate to severe and lasts for more than a week, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider because it may be necessary to start a prescription antibiotic, which is more potent than its natural counterparts.

“Natural antibiotics” for children

Some substances derived from naturally occurring things, like plants and minerals, have antibacterial properties. Such home remedies are used to support health or ease discomforts without medical intervention. They can include the use of herbs, spices, or foods thought to soothe or heal various ailments. However, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional before trying home remedies.

There are many combinations of bacteria-fighting ingredients found in home remedies that have been used for years. These natural substances may help to bolster the immune system, thus potentially reducing the length of illness or the severity of symptoms. Some classic examples are gargling with warm salt water and drinking hot tea with cinnamon and honey. The following list includes some common “natural antibiotics:”

• Honey. Honey is a natural antibacterial agent due to its hydrogen peroxide content.
• Garlic. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antibacterial effects.
• Cinnamon. Cinnamon is a spice that reduces inflammation.
• Ginger. Ginger fights bacteria and decreases nausea.
• Clove. Clove is sometimes used by dentists to decrease oral bacteria.
• Echinacea. Echinacea can reduce inflammation.

Pharmaceutical antibiotics

There are many different prescription antibiotics available for kids. Since medications can have many names, it is easier to discuss them as families of medications — meaning that these medications are broken down into groups that are all similar and related.

Some antibiotics work to kill many kinds of bacteria (broad-spectrum) and others work best for specific bacteria. The table below shows some of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for children:

Different antibiotic formulations

Adults and older children are often given antibiotics in pill form, however for many children that may be difficult to swallow. Almost all antibiotics that are prescribed for children can come formulated as a liquid. These medications have a fun flavor additive to improve the taste and make it easier for children to take.

Certain bacterial infections do not require antibiotics to be ingested. For example, a child with bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) may only need antibiotic eye drops and would not need to take oral medication. For bacterial infections on the skin such as rashes, scrapes, or wounds it may be better to apply the medication directly to the affected area.

Antibiotics can come as a cream, spray or even powder for easy application. Many topical antibiotics like Neosporin, Bacitracin, and Betadine can even be bought over the counter and found in the first aid aisle.

Antibiotics for children – what to avoid?

Oral fluoroquinolone and tetracycline antibiotics are generally avoided in children, adolescents, and pregnant women. They carry the risk of damage to the tendons, muscles, and joints for people of all ages, and during the growth phases in children, these antibiotics affect the development of cartilage. Oral tetracyclines are another family of antibiotics that are generally avoided in children under the age of 8. These antibiotics are known to permanently stain teeth, among other potential side effects.

What is the best antibiotic for kids?

The best antibiotic for your child is the one that specifically treats the type of bacterial infection they have. Different antibiotics treat different bacteria and if it is not the correct medication it may cause more harm than good. Healthcare providers consider many things when prescribing an antibiotic such as the type of bacteria involved, and how the medication works in the body. They also consider the side effects, potential allergies, and how the medication is taken.

Should you give antibiotics to kids?

Yes, you can give antibiotics to kids but there are important rules to follow. Prescription antibiotics are a serious medication and are only given, if necessary, by their healthcare provider. Do not share prescription antibiotics with other children as they are given for very specific reasons. Sharing antibiotics can cause your child to not receive the complete course and may harm those whom the medication is not intended for.

Antibiotics have side effects including decreasing the number of good bacteria in our digestive tract. The healthcare provider will determine if the benefits of the medication outweigh the risk of side effects before prescribing a medication to your child.

Parental tips for giving antibiotics to kids

Prescription antibiotic misuse is a serious health concern linked to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. If your child’s illness requires antibiotics be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. The following are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Follow instructions. Take antibiotics exactly how the healthcare provider instructs.
2. Complete the course. Do not stop taking the medication early, even if your child feels better after a few days.
3. Take as directed. Taking antibiotics as directed will help kill any lingering germs in the body and prevent antibiotic resistant strains of germs from developing.
4. Keep track. Make a note for yourself to track the doses given so you do not miss any.
5. Research. Read about the potential side effects so you know what to expect.
6. Healthcare provider prescriptions. Do not take a prescription antibiotic without your healthcare provider giving it to you.

The myths and facts of antibiotic use

Antibiotics can be a complicated topic. There is a lot of information out there about safety and efficacy, it can be overwhelming to try and sift through it all. Below are some common misconceptions and facts that you should be aware of:

It is important to understand what antibiotics do and how they work before you use them. Prescription antibiotics are serious medications that must be used appropriately. Misuse of these medications can cause adverse effects like stomach issues and antibiotic resistant germs. Not all bacterial infections require a course of antibiotics; our immune systems can fight off most mild infections with supportive care. If your child has an illness that lasts for more than a week or seems severe it is always best to see a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.