Antibiotics are powerful medicines. However, they aren't always needed. Also, using them in the wrong way can cause serious problems.

Here is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about when antibiotics are needed, why your child's doctor won't always prescribe an antibiotic, antibiotic resistance, and how to use antibiotics safely.

What's the cause of my child's illness?

Bacteria and viruses are 2 types of germs that can make your child sick. Common infections caused by bacteria include urinary tract infections and strep throat. Colds and flu are caused by viruses.

Some infections may be caused by either bacteria or viruses. Common infections caused by either bacteria or viruses include ear infections, pinkeye, gastroenteritis (tummy bugs), and sinusitis.

When will my child need antibiotics?

Keep in mind that antibiotics only treat infections caused by bacteria. Antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses.

Before an antibiotic is prescribed, your child's doctor will want to make sure that an antibiotic is the right medicine for your child. Your child's doctor will need to determine whether the cause of the infection is bacterial or viral. A decision will be made based on your child's health, signs and symptoms of their illness, lab results, where you live, and the time of year.

Why won't my child's doctor prescribe an antibiotic?

Keep in mind that your child's doctor will prescribe an antibiotic only if needed. Antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses.

Colds are caused by viruses. Most common cold symptoms—runny nose, cough, sore throat, and congestion—are mild, and your child will get better without using any medicines. Green or yellow mucus occurs in both viral and bacterial infections, so your child still may not need antibiotics.
Flu is caused by viruses. Most children with the flu (also called influenza) need nothing more than bed rest, a lot of fluids, and fever medicine to ease discomfort, although some children will need antiviral medicines forflu.

If you have any questions or concerns, ask your child's doctor.

What are the side effects of antibiotics?

Each year, more than half a million children go to the emergency department because of the side effects of drugs—most often from antibiotics. The risk of side effects is one reason to only use antibiotics when they are truly needed.

Some common side effects of antibiotics are

Nausea
Vomiting
Mild diarrhea

Less common side effects are

Abdominal pain
Allergic reactions
Severe diarrhea, requiring hospitalization
Nerve damage
Seizures
Inflammation or tearing of tendons (cords that connect bone and muscle)
Blood cell changes, such as lowered white blood cell numbers
Blood changes, such as slowed-down blood clotting and bruising
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a painful, blistering rash)
Irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure

If you have any concerns or questions about the side effects, contact your child's doctor.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Many doctors are concerned that soon, no antibiotics will be left that work against common bacteria. Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics—the antibiotics will no longer work against them. Especially when overused, antibiotics can cause resistant bacteria to develop and grow.

What's the best way to give antibiotics to my child?

If your child's doctor prescribes an antibiotic, here are some health and safety tips to keep in mind.

Make sure you give the medicine exactly as directed. That means having your child take the recommended dose according to the schedule on the label (for example, 1, 2, or 3 times a day). If the medicine is a liquid, use the dosing device that comes with the product (do not use a household spoon).
Store the antibiotic as directed. Some antibiotics need to be refrigerated.
Your child needs to take all the antibiotic. This means that if your child's doctor prescribes taking the medicine for 7 days, be sure your child takes it for the full 7 days, even if they're feeling better before then.
Never give your child antibiotics that were prescribed for another person or for an earlier illness. Any leftover antibiotics may be the wrong ones for the problem your child has. They may also be expired, or you may not have enough for a complete course of treatment.
Contact your doctor if your child doesn't get better or seems to be getting worse after taking the antibiotic for 3 full days. Sometimes the antibiotic might not be correct for the infection, or the bacteria might be resistant to the antibiotic. Your child's doctor may decide to prescribe a different antibiotic.
Ask your child's doctor if he wants to see your child again after all the prescribed antibiotics are taken. Sometimes your child's doctor may want to check if the infection is gone.

Remember

Antibiotics aren't always the answer when your child is sick. If you have any questions about your child's treatment, ask your child's doctor.

Visit www.HealthyChildren.org for more information.

Disclaimer

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Antibiotics Aren't Always Needed