The inappropriate use of amoxicillin to children, especially in pediatric age, has further aggravated the problem of antibiotic resistance
What is amoxicillin? It is an antibiotic, with a broad spectrum, used frequently for the treatment of different infections, from those of the respiratory tract to those of the urinary tract. The intake of children for children must take place under control e prescription of the pediatricianto avoid risks of side effects and to develop resistance to antibiotics.
In general, amoxicillin is used for the treatment of respiratory tract infectionsfrom the urinary tract And skin. The dosage varies according to the age of the child, weight and type of infection and can be administered in oral form, in chewable tablets or capsules, often preferred for small children. It is important Always follow the indications of your pediatrician and follow the doctor’s indications for the dosage.
What does Amoxicillin take care of children?
What is Amoxicillin for? It is an antibiotic frequently used in pediatrics and serves the treatment of different bacterial infections in children, ascertained from a diagnostic point of view. The effectiveness of the amoxicillin is due to its ability to interfere with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, thus preventing growth or killing the bacterial cell itself.
When to give amoxicillin? It is of fundamental importance to use this antibiotic only when prescribed by the doctorto ensure the best therapeutic result. Unfortunately, the inappropriate use of amoxicillin to children, especially in pediatric age, has further aggravated the problem of antibiotic resistance, favoring the spread of bacterial strains that do not respond to this therapy. These are bacteria capable of producing an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which makes Amoxicillin harmless, if administered by itself. In these cases, the treatment to be effective requires administration in combination with clavulanic acid, another antibiotic, capable of blocking the activity of β-lactamases, and of neutralizing the infection.
Let’s see now what are the infections negotiable only with amoxicillin and those that respond to aMaxicillin and clavulanic acid:
- average otitis;
- sinusiti;
- Faringiti and tonsillitis;
- Non -complex urinary infections;
- skin and soft fabric infections.
Instead, the infections treated with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid I am:
- Middle and sinusite persistent and acute otitis;
- acute respiratory tract infections;
- Complex urinary and urinary tract infections;
- complex skin infections and soft tissues;
- serious dental infections and abscesses.
To determine the need to administer amoxicillin they are fundamental diagnostic tests that evaluate the cause of the infection and the presence of resistant forms of the bacterium. The specialist must take into account the clinical history of the childrecognize the symptoms and the presence of further infections, including virals, which can make the diagnosis and the choice of therapy more complicated. This is why it is important Avoid use of do-it-yourself and self-diagnosI, because we risk more relapsed and a less effective response to drugs.
How to give love to children
Amoxicillin is available in different formulations such as tablet (soluble or chewable, OroysPirebiBi) of 1000mg., rigid capsules 500 and 1000 mg, suspension powder e drops. If in combination with clavulanic acid it is in 1000 mg coated tablets (875 amoxicillin +125 of clavulanic acid), or powder and syrup.
Depending on the needs and difficulties of the child, it is necessary to evaluate the best solutionboth in the format and in the methods of administration. For example, the tablets must be ingested entirely, but swallowing could be annoying or difficult in some situations, and therefore a preparation powder to be dissolved in water or drops could be easier to administer; If recommended by the pediatrician, the tablet could also be shredded. In this case, they could be easily mixed with a quantity of food, so as to make sure the child takes the whole drug.
The dosage of amoxicillin in children (and its form combined with clavulanic acid) depends on the weight and severity of the infection, including recurrent and resistant forms. The prescription of the specialist, in the doses and in the duration, must be followed carefully because the therapy is effective and in cases of more serious infections Complications are avoided. Usually the administration is from 2 to 3 times a day, at regular intervals (usually every 8 hours 3 times a day, every 12 for 2 times a day), possibly always at the same hours (for example every day at 8 and at 16).
Since it is a widely used antibiotic it is useful to know When Don’t give Amoxicillin to childrenfor example in the presence of:
- Penicillin allergy: If the boy or girl has a well -known allergy to penicillin or other antibiotics, such as cephalosporins;
- theViral nfections: In respiratory tract infections, influences, colds, Amoxicillin should not be used, which acts against bacteria;
- Renal or liver problems: In case of severe renal or hepatic insufficiency, amoxicillin can accumulate and interfere further with the normal functionality of these organs. In particular, for many years the hepatotoxicity has been studying (i.e. damage caused by a drug/substance to the liver structure) of the amoxicillin (alone or together with the clavulanic acid);
- interactions With other drugs: If the boy or girl is taking drugs that can interact with amoxicillin; For example, anticoagulants, drugs used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and tumors (based on Methotrexate), drugs used in some metabolic hereditary diseases (allopurinol based).
Risks of amoxicillin in children
Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, frequently used for pediatric infections, safely. The possible Risks of amoxicillin in children They could come from pre -existing pathologies, not yet diagnosed, from a greater sensitivity of the body in metabolizing this type of antibiotics. Let’s see in particular what are the possible side effects:
- allergic reactions (not previously diagnosed): they can vary from rashes and itching to more serious reactions such as swelling, breathing difficulties and anaphylaxis. It is vital to recognize it in time because anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially lethal allergic reaction, which requires immediate assistance. If the child shows signs of allergic reaction, stop the drug immediately and seek medical assistance;
- gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain these can be the most common symptoms. Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, and can request a further medical evaluation. Administering the drug with food can help reduce gastric irritation, in some cases;
- fungal infections: Oral lily of the oral and vaginal candidiae above all. Funge infections often present themselves, due to prolonged antibiotic treatments, which damage the intestinal bacterial flora, and require a precise diagnosis because they must be treated with antifungal drugs and not with amoxicillin;
- rserious skin ezioni: Severe rashes such as Stevens-Johnson’s syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. These reactions are rare but serious, preceded by fever and influence, with the appearance of bubbles and involvement of the mucous membranes, dehydration, risk of pneumonia and sepsis;
- Hematological and liver effects: rare reactions may include effects on blood (such as anemia or leukopenia) and on the liver (like jaundice);
- Effects on the nervous system: Rarely, side effects such as confusion, agitation or convulsions may occur. If not transient these symptoms are dangerous and must be monitored, with the suspension of the treatment.
THE’improper or excessive use of antibiotics can contribute toantibiotic-resistancethis can make future infections more difficult to treat, as they are caused by bacterial strains with different characteristics, which may require more powerful antibiotics and with greater antibiotics side effects. This is the greatest risk, consequent the indiscriminate intake of amoxicillin, in children as in adults.
The direct consequences are the worsening of symptoms, with immediate and secondary complications, and the aggravation of the general health framework. The unconscious intake of drugs, in particular antibiotics, has a weight above all in terms of community health, because the diffusion of resistant bacteria It involves the increase in more difficult infections to eradicate, especially in babies and children, more fragile and not curable with all types of drugs.
