Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Amoxicillin Dosage for Children
Amoxicillin is a narrow spectrum Penicillin-based antibiotic that is usually prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Certified by the world health organisation (WHO) as a very safe drug for children, it is usually prescribed for respiratory infections like whooping cough, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and throat and middle ear infections. Some skin infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also treated with this antibiotic, based on the culture results.
What Is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is derived from Penicillin, the oldest known antibiotic. It is a better version of its predecessor, the Penicillin, in its ability to tackle a much larger variety of bacterial strains and in its improved ability to get absorbed into the bloodstream. Sold under different brand names, this generic drug called amoxicillin is widely used to treat both gram negative and gram positive bacterial infections occurring in the ear, throat, and upper respiratory system.
Amoxicillin, in combination with potassium clavulanate, is a widely used combination that has enhanced absorption characteristics. The clavulanate additive prevents the formation of the bacterial cell wall, thereby broadening the spectrum of bacteria that can be countered with amoxicillin.
When Do Doctors Prescribe Amoxicillin For Your Kid?
Amoxicillin is an anti-bacterial drug that is used to treat specific strains of bacteria. Contrary to the popular belief among people, this drug does not work against viral infections like flu and the common cold, simply because of its targeted mechanism of action against the bacterial cell wall. Some common infections of the ear, nose and throat (ENT) system are effectively treated with amoxicillin. Here is a list of conditions for which doctors usually prescribe amoxicillin for children.
Acute otitis media, a common type of middle ear infection in children
Respiratory infections like sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia
A whooping cough
Throat infections like 'strep throat' caused by the streptococcal strain of bacteria
Tonsilitis
Some skin infections
Urinary tract infections
Many mothers tend to self-medicate kids with amoxicillin when the child suffers from these conditions recurrently. It is a very risky and unhealthy practice to administer antibiotics without consulting the doctor, as the dosage and combination may be specific to specific cases. This not only leads to improper treatment but also paves the way the for development of amoxicillin-resistant bacterial strains in the body.
How To Use Amoxicillin?
The generic antibacterial drug called amoxicillin is available under different brand names in the market. It is also available in combination with some chemicals for enhanced action. The child starts getting better usually within two to three days of drug intake. The drug comes in different forms of consumption.
Oral suspension: The oral suspension is particularly suitable for children. The antibiotic comes as a powder that can be reconstituted in water or milk. It is usually flavoured to enhance the colour and taste. The cleanliness of the diluting ingredients is essential. Usually, a dosing syringe or a measuring cup is used for accurate dilutions.
Paediatric Drops: Paediatric drops are readymade diluted syrups of the desired concentration. It is usually used for small children, where the dosage is very less, and the drug is administered as drops. It comes in a bubble gum flavour.
Capsules: Capsules of amoxicillin are also available with varying doses. It is given for slightly grownup children. It is usually taken with water, milk or juice.
Regular Tablets: Amoxicillin is also sold as oral tablets that come with immediate release (IR) and extended release (ER). The immediate release tablets come as generic drugs only. The immediate release and the extended-release tablets differ in their respective rate of drug absorption, and the doctor prescribes the preferred version depending upon the patient's condition.
Extended-release Tablets: These tablets are believed to be more effective as they have sustained and elevated doses over long periods.
Chewable Tablets: Mildly flavoured chewable tablets are available in the market making it easier for children to consume this drug.
The amoxicillin drug in any of the above forms has to be stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sun and out of reach of children.
Drugs To Avoid Using With Amoxicillin
The treating doctor must be informed about the other drugs that the child is taking. There are many drugs with which amoxicillin has unwanted and adverse reactions, by way of increased or decreased efficacy of the other drug. The ability of the body to collectively excrete the drugs also matters in deciding treatment options. Some of the drugs that should be avoided are:
Other anti-bacterial medicines like macrolides, chloramphenicol, tetracycline and sulphonamides
Probenecid
Allopurinols
Warfarin
Methotrexate, widely used to treat cancer
Live cholera vaccine
Venlafaxine
Some children may be taking vitamin supplements or herbal medications for other conditions. Mentioning these drugs to the doctor can be very helpful in avoiding any unwanted reactions, as there is known evidence of an interaction of amoxicillin with vitamins and herbs.
It is also critical to communicate to the doctor about any known history of allergy to amoxicillin or penicillin, before starting the treatment. If the child is suffering from any kidney disease, asthma or hay fever, the doctor has to be informed about it as well, as it will be very critical in deciding the course of treatment.
Amoxicillin Dosage for Kids According to Weight / Age
The dosage of amoxicillin for kids is very different from that of the adults. Typically, the dosage is determined considering parameters like the age of the child, his or her weight, and the degree and nature of the infection. The table below gives a general guideline for determining the dosages.
Infection
Age / Weight
Moderate Infection
Severe Infection
Ear, nose and throat infection
Above 3 months and weight <40 Kgs
25 mg/kg per day every 12 hours or 20mg/kg per day every 8 hours
45 mg/kg per day every 12 hours or 40mg/kg per day every 8 hours
Above 3 months and weight >40 Kgs
500mg two times a day or 250mg thrice a day
875mg two times a day or 250mg thrice a day
Lyme disease
Weight > 40 kg
500mg to 1g every eight hours for 14 days
500mg to 2 g every eight hours for 10-30 days
Weight < 40 kg
25 to 50mg/kg/day three times a day for 10-21 days
100mg/kg/day three times a day for 10-30 days
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Newborns or babies till 12 weeks age
2 doses of 30mg/kg per day
Age more than 12 weeks
50mg/kg for ten days divided as 2 or 3 doses
Otitis Media (Ear Infection)
Age between 4 weeks till 3 months
20-30mg/kg per day after every twelve hours
Age 4 months to 12 years
20-50mg/kg daily after eight to twelve hours
80-90mg/kg per day divided into 2 doses every twelve hours
Tonsillitis or Pharyngitis
Age between 4 weeks till 3 months
20-30 mg/kg daily taken every twelve hours
Age 4 months to 12 years
3 doses of 20-50mg/kg per day every eight to twelve hours
Pneumonia
Age more than 5 years and weight > 40 kg
500mg to 1g every eight hours
Age between 2 months and 5 years and weight < 40 kg
20 to 90mg/kg/day divided in doses
Urinary tract infection
Age > 3 months and weight < 40 kg
25mg/kg/day divided in doses every 12 hours
45mg/kg/day divided in doses every 12 hours
Weight > 40 Kgs
500mg two times a day or 250mg three times a day
875 mg two times a day
Skin or Skin Structure Infection
Weight > 40 Kgs
500mg two times a day or 250mg three times a day
875mg two times a day or 250mg thrice a day
Above 3 months and weight >40 Kgs
25 mg/kg per day every 12 hours or 20mg/kg per day every 8 hours
45 mg/kg per day every 12 hours or 40mg/kg per day every 8 hours
A fair idea about the permissible dosage is essential in avoiding any overdose conditions. The numbers mentioned above are a general guide to the drug concentrations. The dosage prescribed by the doctor to the specific cases has to be followed diligently.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If a dose of amoxicillin is missed, it can be given immediately, provided there is a considerable gap before the next dose. If the time is up for the next dose, then there is no requirement to give a double dosage.
What If Your Child Vomits?
Vomiting is a common side effect of amoxicillin in children. Since the gut microflora is altered by the intake of this drug, it can cause vomiting. Make sure that the kid is taking enough fluids and electrolytes. Usually, consuming food along with the medication helps to control vomiting. Probiotics also help restore the good bacteria in the stomach.
What If You Give an Overdose?
An overdose of the antibiotic may cause intense side effects in children. Depending upon the magnitude of overdose, children experience severe rashes, kidney damage, nausea, and less urination along with many other symptoms. In such cases, immediate medical treatment is mandatory.
How To Treat Overdose?
There is no particular antidote for an amoxicillin overdose in children. To remove the excess amoxicillin from the body, multiple doses of activated charcoal are used. Activated charcoal immediately interrupts the circulation of the antibiotic. Sometimes, doctors wash the stomach to flush out the medicine. Treatment is also given to correct the symptoms arising out of the overdose. Haemodialysis is done for severe cases.
Side Effects of Amoxicillin in Kids
The dosage and frequency of administration vary depending on the severity of the infection and the age of the child. It is advisable to strictly stick to the dosage prescribed by the doctor and finish the full course to avoid development of an antibiotic-resistant strain of the bacteria. Although considered a very safe drug, amoxicillin may cause some mild side effects in children.
Stomach discomfort with nausea and mild to severe diarrhoea: This common side effect occurs as a result of changes in the gut flora caused by the antibiotic. If the diarrhoea results in considerable loss of body fluids, it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner immediately.
Patches around the mouth, throat and vagina (for girls)
Sudden swelling of the throat and tongue coupled with difficulty in breathing: This is categorised as 'anaphylaxis' or a severe allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention
Hives or itchy red patches on the skin
Loss of appetite
Tiredness or weakness after taking a dosage of the drug
General fatigue
Heavy periods in girls
Paleness of the skin
Taste aversion
Unusual bleeding
Burning sensation while urinating
Usually, the side effects subside in a day or two as the child's body gets acclimatised to the drug, but it is better to keep the doctor informed about any new allergic reaction.
Safety Measures While Taking Amoxicillin
While administering amoxicillin, it is better to consult the doctor and get an opinion on the other allowed medications. Vomiting and diarrhoea are common side effects of antibiotic intake. Do not give medication to stop watery stools without consultation with the doctor.
Also, when a child is treated with amoxicillin, the urine sugar levels may show some false positives. In such cases, other methods of measuring the sugar levels can be adopted.
Important Things To Remember About Taking Antibiotics
Some very important things to follow while taking antibiotics are:
Strictly follow the dosage and timelines prescribed by the doctor. Increasing or decreasing the dosage can delay the recovery process.
Complete the course of antibiotic given for an infection. If the medication is stopped in between, it leads to the development of resistant strains of bacteria.
Watch out for any adverse reactions or side effects, especially in children.
Avoid any allergic food substances and medicines that have a proven interference with the antibiotic.
Amoxicillin is a safe and effective treatment option for children suffering from various bacterial infections. If your doctor prescribes this drug, keep the above pointers in mind to ensure your child’s quick recovery.
Also Read: 13 Home Remedies for Cold and Flu in Babies Read more
Suggested for you
Why is Approval Seeking So Important For Toddlers?
Is your 17-month-old baby prone to seeking constant approval? Well, you're not alone. Such behaviour usually surfaces after toddlers develop social awareness. They crave to gain the praise, attention and approval of those who matter most to them. They also love getting small rewards in the form of a “well done” or “wow”!
Why Toddlers Seek Constant Approval?
1. To Send Signs of Being In Trouble
You have barely moved away from the play pen when you hear your baby wail again. Most times, the only way your child may alert you of his physical needs is by seeking attention. Is it a wet diaper that’s making him cold or a tummy infection that’s hurting him? A child will express discomfiture by crying or throwing a tantrum. If you find your child seeking such attention, examine carefully and visit a paediatrician if need be.
2. Ignored Emotional Needs
A 17-month-old child seeking approval isn't uncommon. kids usually require a good amount of continual attention when they're doing something. So, you needn't be worried if your child calls out for your attention when he’s building blocks, dragging a play cart, chasing butterflies, or doing just about anything else. The emotional demands of a toddler compel him to seek approval and praise for the smallest of actions. In case this need is ignored, there may be a natural outburst in the form of tantrums, anger, or hurting oneself/others. If such situations become a daily occurrence, you may need to consult your doctor to check for ADHD or other medical conditions.
3. Reconsider Your Schedule
In today’s fast-paced world, working parents don't get to spend time with their children. As a result, busy dads or work-stressed moms often find themselves dealing with toddler seeking approval tactics at home, day care centre, pre-school, playgrounds, etc. This is because their free time is taken over by kids who have been waiting long enough to get a nod or praise for the things that mean most. Spending more quality time with babies will dissuade them from seeking approval for everything, and will make them more independent and carefree in the long run.
The Best Way To Show Your Attention
There are times when kids enjoy enough parental attention, yet they misbehave. In other words, regardless of you taking care of your kid’s approval seeking behaviour, you'll find your son crying needlessly or breaking things. To curb this behaviour, along with acknowledging his good actions, you need to inflict light punishment. Your firm and steady approach will calm him down gradually. Make sure you acknowledge and encourage his acceptable behaviour and deal with all not-so good actions deftly. This will help your kid learn the right ways of getting attention.
Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
This 37-Year Old Mom Managed To Lose 15 Kgs After Pregnancy! She Shares Her Secret
Weight loss becomes a struggle for most of us, especially after pregnancy. Our bodies go through changes of huge magnitude and need time to recover. And yet we see media reports on celeb moms ‘rocking a slim body 3 months after giving birth’. All this has turned post pregnancy weight loss into a race, with many women turning to unhealthy habits and fad diets. What we tend to forget is that weight loss MUST be a healthy one! This is the story of mommy Sameeta Deepak, a 37 year old mom with two kids. A terrible health scare after pregnancy made her realise the need for a healthy weight loss journey - and she lost 15 kgs in the process!
Sameeta Deepak, a mother of two kids, piled on a lot of weight especially after her second pregnancy. Her highest recorded weight was 80 kg which was after her second pregnancy. But after an experience that really shook her from within, she embarked on a 'weight loss after pregnancy' journey. Today, with her younger child just 14 months old, Sameeta has already lost a whopping 15 kgs!
What Motivated Sameeta?
The first pregnancy made Sameeta gain considerable weight. Her second pregnancy just added on to it. She faced many health problems due to the excess weight. The effects of her diets and exercise didn’t last long either...
What was worse was the severe egg and honey allergies she also struggled with. The slightest exposure would mean a trip to the emergency room! Her allergies not only kept her from focusing on weight loss, but also kept her from spending time with her children - from lifting her kids to breastfeeding her daughter - all of it was just too daunting! She says, “I spent almost five hours a day on the Internet on studying how allergies can be cured? I didn't want to give up. The time allergic attack last happened, my daughter was 10 months old and son was 5 and half years...”
When, after giving birth for a second time, she landed in the hospital for the 6th time in a year - her doctor gave her an ultimatum:
“My doctor said if this happens again we won't be able to save you.”
This ultimatum finally made her determined to not just focus on losing weight after pregnancy, but also on her overall health. She made up her mind to do it this time, and NOT give up. And she has succeeded so amazingly!
What’s Her Secret To Success?
The one key secret that worked to aid Sameeta in her post pregnancy weight loss was learning from her past attempts at weight loss and not repeating the mistakes she had made. She understood that it was these mistakes that interfered with her weight loss journey by either making it very difficult, or by making the kilos come back as soon as the diet/exercise stopped!
Check out her healthy tips for losing pregnancy weight that you too can start implementing in your day-to-day life. They are very easy to follow.
1. Do NOT Give Up Fats! Just Choose The Right Kind of Fat
We generally believe that fats are bad for us, especially when we are trying to lose weight. Our weight loss diet means we resist fat-filled products to lose weight. But then what happens? We ultimately give in to our cravings and binge on them - it’s a vicious cycle! Sameeta says, “We are so obsessed with low fat, low calorie, no ghee, no butter kind of foods. And I was also one of them. We have been cursing and degrading saturated fat for the past 20 years.”
But the truth is this: Some fats are GOOD for us! While saturated fats or trans fatty acids (found in processed, fried, baked foods and meats) clog arteries and increase rick of heart disease, unsaturated fat actually does the opposite! If we restrain ourselves from consuming any fats, it will only mean our body feels deprived and weight loss will never happen. So, please start eating some of these foods to get good fats:
Nuts
Avocados
Salmon
Flaxseeds
Tofu
Eggs
However, this doesn’t mean we go overboard with our indulgences - moderation is key!
2. Daal is NOT Enough for Your Body's Protein Needs
Protein is key to gaining strength, as it helps in building muscle and subsequently increasing muscle mass. This is what you want to achieve when you're trying to lose excess body fat. Many of us think the daily daal-chawal is enough for this. However, lentils are NOT enough! Sameeta realised that she was making a mistake: “Being vegetarian and allergic to eggs, I used to think lentils are sufficient for protein intake, which was not the case.”
Sameeta added a lot of paneer, tofu, soya and yogurt to manage her protein intake. She even started having whey protein to ensure she gained protein. This ultimately helped promote weight loss in her body.
3. Do One of These Simple Physical Activities
Difficult as it may seem for us moms, there is no escaping physical activity if we want to lose weight. However, gymming and lifting weights is often considered 'too rigorous exercise' by most people. It seems impossible for the busy schedules most of us have. However, the right kind of physical activity can give you overall weight loss even without hitting the gym!
Simply indulge in some high cardio exercises like zumba. Also try running, yoga and cycling. If you can, try and combine this with basic strength training through squats, pushups and lunges. We recommend trying out the 30 Day Fitness Challenge to surprise yourself over what you can achieve in a month!
On her insights about the right workout, Sameeta says, “Sometimes, I indulged in high cardio exercises, which helped in weight loss but I later learnt losing only muscle mass is not a healthy way. Adding strength exercises was a big twist in this journey.” Today Sameeta indulges in weight strengthening for 5 days a week for her combination workout. If you really want to speed up your weight loss and fitness journey, you can take a leaf from her book and consult a fitness trainer. A professional will also be able to guide you on exercises you can do at home.
4. Don’t Just Aim for Weight Loss; Aim for Healthy Living
Finally, we often think that weight loss is often synonymous to being fit - which couldn’t be farther from the truth! A healthy lifestyle that balances a clean diet with exercise for both our physical and spiritual self will automatically result in weight loss - but this time it’ll be healthy!
Sameeta shared that she attends the Sant Nirankari congregation every Sunday for her spiritual wellness. This has helped her understand what she thinks is her biggest learning on this journey:
In the past, I had deep dived into exercise and healthy eating and followed all kinds of diet plans but I was not able to understand what is right and what is wrong. Nothing seemed to work. But this time I didn't feel like I was on a diet. Now it has become my lifestyle.
The weighing scale can only give you a numerical reflection of your relationship with gravity. That's it. It cannot measure beauty, talent, purpose, life force, possibility, strength or love. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up!”
We couldn't agree more, Sameeta! This mommy's weight loss journey is truly an inspiration - not just to lose the extra kilos but to embrace a healthy life, believe in oneself, and achieve the goals that we set for ourselves. Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Hello,
meri pregnancy ko 35 weeks complete ho gye hai, expected week kitne rahenge, 40 weeks tk ya usse pehle delivary hone k chances hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. pahle bhi ho sakta hai vate kijiye. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. which bath tub is suitable for a new born baby
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. the child should be comfortable in the bathtub and you can choose from one which is available in the shopping section and here you can ask questions related to the health of child and mother
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
1 hour ago
Q. Hlo
I have tailbone pain in the 5th month of pregnancy.. What is the reason for it? What should I do?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. N simple pressure no problem. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
9 mins ago
Q. Hi, my AFI is 6.5...doctor suggested for induction...is it ok or shall I ask to wait for 2 weeks
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 mins ago
A. definitely the levels are very less there is need to take proper decision vif there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 mins ago
Q. how long should I give d3 syrup for babies
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 mins ago
A. you can give up to 6 months to one year also ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 mins ago
Q. what is the purpose of giving d3 syrup for babies
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 min ago
A. you have to continue vitamin d3 supplement till you are not able to take the child in sunlight for at least 10 minutes daily.
before 1 year of age : if you are giving 400 units you have to give 1ml everyday and if you're giving 800 units you have to give 0.5 ml everyday.
the thing is that you have to keep the child in sunlight for at least 10 to 15 minutes daily between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for proper vitamin d exposure.
so if you are able to take the child in sunlight you can stop vitamin d supplement.
after 1 year of age vit d drops dosage is 0.7ml once a day from 800units vitamin d drops.
vitamin D is required for many metabolic processes in the child as well as for the growth and development of the bones and development of the tooth
Check out this new Memory
Devendra sharma
Father of a 3 yr old boy
New Memory
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
mariyabuzar
Mom of a 1 yr 2 m old girl
New Memory
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Kirti Suri
Mom of a 5 m old girl
New Memory
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Vinil Jain
Father of a 8 m old boy
New Memory
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
SAROJ
Mom of a 4 m old boy
New Memory
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive