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| |    Common Childhood Antibiotics by George H. McCracken, Jr., M.D. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. Don't be surprised if your child's healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic you haven't heard of--there are now more than 60 antibiotics approved for use in pediatrics. About a dozen antibiotics that are given by mouth (or oral antibiotics) account for more than two-thirds of all antibiotics used in infants and children. A brief description of some of the most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics follows: Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox and others, generic). This is one of the oldest, yet still most frequently prescribed, penicillin-like drugs used in children. It is the preferred drug for initial treatment of uncomplicated acute middle ear infections (or otitis media). Amoxicillin and clavulanate (Augmentin). Clavulanate is added to amoxicillin to broaden its activity. Clavulanate works by binding enzymes that can inactivate amoxicillin. This combinatpaion of drugs is commonly used for recurrent or difficult to treat middle ear infections and sinusitis. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is an erythromycin-like drug that can be administered once daily for five days as treatment for upper respiratory infections. This antibiotic and a similar one, clarithromycin (Biaxin) (see below), also are effective for pneumonia in older children and adults. Cefixime (Suprax) belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and is useful for treatment of urinary tract infections and some forms of diarrhea. Cefprozil (Cefzil), is a cephalosporin that is frequently used to treat upper respiratory infections in children. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) is a cephalosporin, and it is the only drug listed here that is not given by mouth. It is administered intramuscularly (a shot in the muscle) or intravenously (by vein). It is frequently used for outpatient management of respiratory and other infections because its broad antibacterial activity is maintained in the bloodstream and tissues for 24 to 36 hours after it is given. (Most antibiotics are removed from the body much sooner, so their antibacterial effect doesn't last nearly as long). Cefuroxime (Ceftin) is a cephalosporin used principally for treatment of upper respiratory infections. Cefdinir (Omnicef) is a newer cephalosporin with antibacterial activity similar to that of cefuroxime, but is better tolerated because of its superior taste. Cephalexin (Keflex, Ketab, generic) is one of the oldest cephalosporins marketed. It is used principally for treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (for example, impetigo). Clarithromycin (Biaxin) is an erythromycin-like drug that can be used for upper respiratory infections. This antibiotic and a similar one, azithromycin (Zithromax) (see above) are effective for treatment of pneumonia in older children and adults. Penicillin V (Pen-Vee K, Veetids, generic) remains the preferred treatment for strep throat and some skin infections. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, generic). This is a sulfur derivative that is commonly used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections and to treat one form of diarrhea (shigellosis).
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