Children's diseases are often accompanied by bacterial complications. Also, the pathology may initially have a microbial character. To treat this condition, separate drugs are needed - antibiotics. With their invention, medicine made a huge breakthrough. After all, now it has become possible to cure diseases that were previously considered fatal.
Today's article will tell you how the antibiotic Amoxicillin is used. Instructions (for use by children), reviews and features of the use of this medicine will be presented to your review. You will learn about substitute drugs and get acquainted with the results of treatment with such agents.
Preliminary antibiotic profile
Quite often in pediatrics, the drug Amoxicillin is used for children. Instructions for its use must be studied before treatment. Even if the medicine is prescribed by a competent and experienced specialist - do not be too lazy to read about it. Abstract of the drug is quite voluminous. It describes all the indications and contraindications. An application chart is also detailed.
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It belongs to the group of synthetic penicillins. The medicine begins to act immediately after ingestion. The active substance of the same name - amoxicillin - inhibits the synthesis of the bacterial membrane. As a result, the pathological cell is destroyed and its death occurs.
The medicine has a bactericidal effect. It is effective against various microorganisms: streptococci and staphylococci, Escherichia and shigella, salmonella and so on. The drug fights against pathogens that cause gonorrhea and meningitis, stomach and intestinal ulcers, anaerobic microorganisms. And this is not the whole list. As you can see, the spectrum of action of the drug "Amoxicillin" (for children) instructions is very wide.
The composition and form of the drug
You already know that the main component of this medicine is the active substance of the same name. The composition of the drug may contain a different amount. You can buy tablets or capsules in the pharmacy network. Amoxicillin suspension for children is also on sale. The instruction says that the medicine may contain additional components: simethicone, sodium saccharin, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sucrose, guar gum, as well as various flavorings. The drug in the form of tablets often does not have additional additives. The medicine, available in capsules, has a gelatin shell.
The lowest dosage of Amoxicillin is 125. Instructions for use for young children recommend choosing exactly this amount of active ingredient. Older children are prescribed a drug that is available in a dose of 250, 500 and 1000 milligrams. In hospitals, an agent in the form of a solution for injection can be used to treat patients.
Structural analogues and their trade names
Amoxicillin (for children) may have different trade names. The instruction says that this medicine is quite effective and safe. Therefore, based on the main component, a mass of drugs with different names is produced. The following can be distinguished:
- Flemoxin;
- Amoxisar
- Gonoform;
- Amosin
- "Danemox";
- "Grunamox";
- Ecobol and so on.
Amoxicillin-based preparations are often prescribed in combination with another active substance, for example, Amoxiclav, Flemoclav and others. Remember that even structural analogues of the drug must be selected by a specialist. Self-administration of antibiotics is unacceptable.
Indications for treatment
The medicine "Amoxicillin" (for children), the instruction advises to use as prescribed by the doctor. As you know, the drug belongs to broad-spectrum antibiotics. This means that it is effective in treating many bacterial diseases. The medication is powerless against different types of viruses. So, the instructions call the following situations indications for the use of tablets and Amoxicillin suspensions for children:
- acute as well as chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia, lung abscess);
- infections of the ENT organs (otitis media, pharyngitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis);
- chronic and acute diseases of the biliary tract, intestines and stomach (cholecystitis, intestinal infections, peritonitis);
- genitourinary diseases (pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis, bacteriuria);
- infections of the skin and soft tissues, accompanied by the separation of pus;
- sepsis and so on.
The drug is recommended to be used after a preliminary examination. If time permits, then you must first do bacteriological culture to determine the sensitivity of microorganisms to this antibiotic. But, as practice shows, often with a disease you can not hesitate. Therefore, pediatricians prescribe an antibiotic at their discretion.
Application restrictions
What information is still provided to the consumer about the Amoxicillin product by the instructions for use? Tablets for children are prescribed only after 10-12 years. Until this age, capsules and pills are contraindicated. If necessary, treatment should be preferred suspension. Despite this, there is a structural analogue of Flemoxin. It is available in tablets intended for children. Moreover, its form is solutab. This suggests that the tablets can be pre-dissolved in water, which is very convenient.
A contraindication to the use of the drug will be hypersensitivity and an allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics. No medication is prescribed for infectious mononucleosis, lymphocytic leukemia, severe gastrointestinal diseases. It is forbidden to take an antibiotic for children with hay fever, bronchial asthma, impaired liver function, and diseases of viral etiology.
Unpleasant effects of therapy
In some cases, the drug provokes the appearance of adverse reactions. What does the instruction say about this about the antibiotic Amoxicillin (suspension for children)? A medicine in liquid form or in the form of tablets can provoke an allergy. This side effect is considered the most unpleasant and dangerous. It manifests itself in a rash, hives, itching, swelling or shock. If you notice such symptoms in a child, then you urgently need to stop treatment and call emergency care. Perhaps only an allergic reaction to the medication is a reason for its cancellation.
Among the other side effects, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and general malaise are described. With such manifestations, therapy should be continued.
"Amoxicillin" (tablets) for children: instructions and dosage
As you can already find out, the medicine in the form of pills is prescribed for children after 10-12 years. At this age, the dosage of the drug corresponds to the adult. If the child weighs more than 40 kilograms, then 250-500 mg of the active substance is prescribed for him to take. In severe cases of the disease, it is recommended to increase the dose of the drug to 1 gram. Multiplicity of application - 3 times.
The medicine is taken orally without prior grinding. The duration of therapy depends on the disease and ranges from 5 to 12 days. Often, a medication is recommended for use within 7 days.
Amoxicillin (suspension): instructions for use for children
For children under 10 years of age, the drug is recommended to be taken in the form of a suspension. The same form of the drug is prescribed for those patients whose body weight is less than 40 kilograms. Before use, it is necessary to dilute the powder. To do this, use only clean chilled water. Following the instructions, pour liquid into a container with loose substance up to the mark. Shake the product well after that.
How to give Amoxicillin Syrup? Instructions for use (for children 5-10 years old) recommend a dose of 250 mg three times a day. If the child is not yet 5 years old, then the medicine is prescribed 125 mg three times a day. If the patient's age is in the range from 0 to 2 years, then the portion is calculated by body weight. For every kilogram there should be 20 mg of amoxicillin. So, if the baby's weight is 10 kilograms, then he is supposed to have 200 mg of active substance per day. Each subsequent administration of the suspension should be carried out no earlier than after 8 hours. The duration of treatment is determined individually. Please note that the prepared solution can be stored for no more than 14 days. After this time, the drug becomes ineffective and dangerous for the child.
Additional Information
It contains specific instructions for using the drug "Amoxicillin" instructions for use. For children under 18 years of age, the drug is not prescribed in combination with metronidazole. When combining the active substance with other compounds, preference is given to clavulanic acid. Long-term use of the drug can provoke fungal infections. Therefore, in such situations, it is advisable to prescribe funds based on nystatin and other antifungal substances for prophylactic purposes.
An overdose of the drug is marked by severe nausea and vomiting, which does not bring relief. In severe cases, dehydration occurs. Treatment of such manifestations is often carried out within the walls of the hospital. The patient is washed with a stomach and sorbents are prescribed that remove the remains of the active substance from the body. Drinking plenty is also shown. In case of repeated vomiting, rehydration therapy is prescribed.
How much does Amoxicillin (capsules) medicine recommend use? Children should be treated with this drug for at least 5 days. Usually, an improvement in the patient's condition is noted after 2-3 days of regular use. At the same time, parents mistakenly believe that the child is completely healthy. In order not to once again stuff their child with an antibiotic, mothers and fathers independently cancel the medication. Thus, they make an irreparable mistake. After all, the remaining microorganisms develop resistance. Subsequently, these strains secrete a specific enzyme - penicillinase. Amoxicillin-based products are powerless in front of them.
Positive opinions
You already know how the instruction for children advises you to use the medicine "Amoxicillin". Reviews about this drug are mostly positive. If the remedy is chosen correctly and the microbes do not have resistance to it, then you will notice the effect of the treatment.
Parents of children who have been prescribed amoxicillin-based drugs say that on the second day there was a noticeable improvement. In children, body temperature decreased to normal values. In the treatment of bronchitis and pneumonia, the cough became less intrusive. The simultaneous use of bronchodilators contributed to the dilution of sputum and its soft separation from the walls. Colonies of bacteria cease to multiply under the action of the drug "Amoxicillin" already in the first hours after application.
Consumers note another important plus of the drug "Amoxicillin 250". Instructions for use (for children) say that the suspension contains fragrances. Thanks to them, the medicine acquires a sweetish taste. It is very easy to give to a child. Kids are happy to take an antibiotic and do not refuse treatment. Also, the tool has an affordable cost. A suspension of 100 ml will cost you only 130 rubles. You can buy tablets and capsules for 150-200 rubles, depending on the dosage.
Negative reviews
Some consumers have negative opinions about the antibiotic dosage of 1000, 500 mg and Amoxicillin 250 mg. The instruction to young children does not recommend giving such servings of medicine. After all, this is a lot for the kids. When prescribing the drug and choosing a single serving, the weight of the patient should be considered. Often, doctors do not pay attention to him and prescribe an antibiotic in accordance with age. But even at 5 years old, a child can weigh only 17 kilograms. A pediatrician will prescribe such a patient to take a medicine of 250 mg three times a day. But in fact, the child is supposed to only 340 milligrams per day. This portion is always divided into three doses. At one time, the baby should take no more than 114 milligrams of the active substance. If parents do not make an independent calculation, then there will be a high risk of overdose. As a result, the child will begin vomiting, diarrhea. All this is fraught with its consequences.
Moms and dads often notice an increase in temperature after the start of treatment. Parents interpret this symptom as a side effect. But doctors have their own opinions on this matter. Even some sources indicate that any antibiotic can cause fever in the first hours of admission. After entering the human body, the active substance begins to actively destroy bacteria colonies. Poisoned microorganisms cause intoxication. Moreover, the more of them, the more pronounced symptoms. Therefore, an initial increase in temperature does not mean that the antibiotic is not suitable. On the contrary, this symptom indicates the correct treatment.
Recommendations of specialists
The most commonly prescribed dose of Amoxicillin is 250 (for children). Instructions are always attached to the antibiotic. Doctors recommend that you carefully read it before using the product. Despite the fact that the medication has few contraindications, special attention should be paid to this item. Also, pediatricians recommend not to be lazy and independently calculate the daily norm of the active substance. After all, no parent will wish their child additional unpleasant symptoms associated with an overdose.
Doctors say that the drug "Amoxicillin" strongly affects the intestines. Therefore, often against the background of its intake, digestive problems are noted. They are manifested by diarrhea, thinning of the stool, a feeling of incomplete bowel movement. The medicine can increase flatulence, provoke abdominal pain. To eliminate all these symptoms, as well as to increase immunity, it is recommended to take probiotics and prebiotics.
If within 2-3 days after the start of treatment the child does not show improvement, then you should contact the pediatrician again. This fact suggests that the antibiotic is incorrectly selected. Even with prolonged use, the drug will not be able to cope with the pathology. It must be replaced.
Finally
Antibiotics are widely used in pediatrics. But they should not be used for a common cold. A few decades ago, the drug "Amoxicillin" was prescribed for prevention. Such therapy has proven to be useless. The remedy not only did not accelerate recovery. It disrupted the intestinal microflora and reduced the body's immune defense. Therefore, the antibiotic Amoxicillin should be prescribed by a specialist strictly according to indications. The first signs that such therapy is needed are cough, green snot, fever lasting more than 5 days, and so on. Health to you and your baby!