Antibiotics in children: when they do not help and why not to improvise

Antibiotics are important medicines for some bacterial infections, but they do not treat viruses. Colds, many coughs, flu and many common respiratory infections are viral: in these cases antibiotics do not speed recovery and can cause side effects.

In newborns and young children, the decision should always be made by the pediatrician, based on examination, symptoms, age and the overall picture.

When they often do not help

They often do not help for:

• common cold;
• runny nose;
• viral cough;
• flu;
• many viral bronchitis episodes;
• fever without a bacterial diagnosis.

This does not mean ignoring symptoms: it means observing, supporting fluids, watching breathing and calling the pediatrician if warning signs appear. See newborn cold and newborn cough.

If they are prescribed

If the pediatrician prescribes an antibiotic:

• ask for dose and times in writing;
• confirm treatment duration;
• use a dosing syringe or measuring tool;
• store as instructed;
• do not stop or extend without advice;
• note any reactions.

To avoid measuring mistakes, read medicine doses in children.

What to ask the pediatrician

You can ask:

• what bacterial infection is suspected;
• when improvement is expected;
• which side effects to watch;
• what to do if your baby vomits a dose;
• when to call back;
• how to store the medicine.

These questions do not challenge the clinician: they make treatment safer.

When to call back

Call back if:

• rash, swelling or breathing difficulty appears;
• your baby repeatedly vomits the medicine;
• significant diarrhea occurs;
• symptoms worsen despite treatment;
• you cannot give the doses;
• you gave the wrong dose;
• your baby seems very sleepy or poorly responsive.

To organize medicines and times, use the medication safety checklist.

Useful links

• Newborn medicines
• Medicine doses and child weight
• Newborn cold
• Newborn cough
• Medication safety checklist