Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines that attack bacteria and fight infections. They are needed for bacterial infections. Bacterial infections include: ear infections, pneumonia, sinus infections, strep throat, and bladder infections.
Antibiotics should not be used to treat viral infections.

Antibiotics will not cure a cold. Examples of viral infections include: colds, most causes of vomiting and diarrhea, and respiratory flu. Green nasal discharge does NOT indicate a bacterial infection. Respiratory viruses are very good at making thick, green nasal discharge. While antibiotics are generally fairly safe medicines there is still small risk of side effects of other adverse reaction. The bigger concern is increasing the amount of resitant bacteria in the community. Therefore they should only be used when there is a reasonable chance to help the child’s illness.

When do problems occur with antibiotics?

Misuse

Failing to complete the full course of an antibiotic when prescribed for a bacterial infection.

Overuse

Using an antibiotic for a viral infection and other use, when not needed. Many parents believe that their child has become “immune” to a particular antibiotic because of overuse. It is true that overuse of antibiotics in a community can increase the risk that your child will acquire an infection with a bacteria resistant to a particular antiobiotic. Once a child has not been on an antiobiotic for more than 60 days it is generally believed that the individuals risk for having a resistant bacteria is similar to the community at large. Exceptions of course exist in children with particular serious medical conditions (i.e. immune problems, cystic fibrosis, central lines).

Resistance

  • “antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria” are bacteria (living organisms) that have become resistant (immune) to a particular antibiotic or group of antibiotics
  • with “resistant” bacteria some antibiotics become useless; they can no longer help your child
  • misuse and overuse of antibiotics can increase the development of “resistant” bacteria
  • increasing numbers of “resistant” bacteria can make it harder to help the child with a bacterial infection (fewer antibiotics that are still useful to help fight the infection)

What should be done?

  • Use antibiotics only when absolutely necessary for a BACTERIAL illness
  • Always complete the full course of an antibiotic (even if your child feels better)
  • Discard all unused and old antibiotics (many liquid suspension only have a shelf life of around 2 weeks)
  • Remember: often ear infections can heal without antibiotics; your pediatrician may suggest a “wait and see” plan
  • NEVER treat your child with “leftover” antibiotics!

Other references