Children's immunity is extremely susceptible to various bacteria and viruses, especially in the cold season. In case of inflammation and bacterial diseases, doctors prescribe Amoxicillin for children, as it is one of the most effective and safe means for a growing body.
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Release forms and composition of the antibiotic
The substance amoxicillin was created in the early 1970s. as a semi-synthetic antibiotic that has become part of the penicillin class. By its chemical properties, the drug resembles ampicillin, but has its own hydroxyl group. Due to this difference and resistance to sulfuric acid, the antibiotic is better absorbed and is almost completely absorbed from the digestive tract. In addition, the drug is safe for children and does not cause serious side effects in them, so it can be used from 3 years of age.
On sale, the drug can be found under the brand name "Amoxicillin" in various forms of release:
- granules to create a suspension;
- capsules;
- solution for intramuscular injection;
- pills.
For children, the most preferred form of administration is a suspension, which is formed by mixing granules with water, but the doctor may prescribe injections or capsules, depending on the severity of the disease.
The antibiotic contains the pure substance amoxicillin and additional components for better absorption of the drug.
- In 1 capsule or tablet is 250 mg or 500 mg of amoxicillin trihydrate. In addition to it, the composition of the tablets includes magnesium stearate, cellulose and other components.
- Granules for suspension are dissolved in water so that 5 ml of the finished substance contains 250 mg of amoxicillin trihydrate. They are sold in a dark bottle in which water is poured after purchase.
- In 1 ml of a clear solution for intramuscular injection is 150 mg of pure substance.
Pharmacological properties and indications for use
Amoxicillin is a medicinal substance that can act on the cell membranes of bacteria, thereby stopping their reproduction and spread throughout the body. In addition to destroying membranes, the antibiotic also destroys certain enzymes, which accelerates the death of fungi. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. The only resistant microorganisms to this drug are bacteria that produce beta-lactamase. This is an enzyme that can neutralize amoxicillin molecules and neutralize its effect. However, pharmacists found a way out of this situation and combined amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, which allows amoxicillin to act regardless of the presence of beta-lactamase.
Dosage forms of the drug imply only two ways of assimilating the antibiotic - orally through the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream or directly into the muscle and bloodstream. The antibiotic crosses the histohematological barriers and reaches cells and tissues throughout the body. This leads to its high efficiency. Once in the digestive tract, after 3 hours it is at its maximum concentration in the blood.
There is a direct relationship between the dosage and concentration of the substance, so you need to carefully monitor the medication. The substance is excreted through the urogenital system (50 - 60%) and through the colon in full within 2 to 3 days after administration.
The antibiotic Amoxicillin is used to treat bacterial diseases throughout the body.
It is especially effective in the fight against infections of the respiratory tract, heart diseases, urogenital system, gastrointestinal tract and inflammatory processes in the upper layers of the epidermis.
Among the diseases for the treatment of which an antibiotic is used, the following:
- otitis;
- cystitis;
- pyelonephritis;
- bronchitis;
- sinusitis;
- pharyngitis;
- pneumonia;
- gonorrhea;
- peritonitis;
- cholecystitis;
- dysentery;
- typhoid fever;
- leptospirosis;
- endocarditis;
- Borreliosis
- salmonellosis;
- urethritis;
- endometritis;
- sinusitis.
When “Amoxicillin” is used during acute respiratory illnesses, the child is less acutely aware of the manifestation of the disease and generally heals faster.
Age restrictions on admission
The antibiotic Amoxicillin is recommended for use from the age of 3, but the pediatrician can prescribe it even if the child is not yet 3 years old. This occurs in situations where infectious inflammation has developed rapidly, reached a critical stage, and we are talking about serious complications.
Age restrictions also imply a dosage adjustment. So, if adults need at least 250 mg of the drug per day, then the dose for the child is calculated depending on his body weight. In addition, children are not prescribed antibiotic capsules because of difficulty with swallowing. A suspension has been specially developed for them, which is easy to swallow and does not hurt the throat if it is swollen during acute inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Amoxicillin injections are given to children only in critical situations, when prompt medical attention is required.
Instructions for use and dosage of Amoxicillin for children
Take an antibiotic twice a day, but the number of doses may vary depending on the daily dosage. Suspension "Amoxicillin" for children is given once a day in a dosage that is determined in accordance with the age of the baby.
- The normal dose for a child of 2 to 10 years old is 125 mg per day, and 250 mg are prescribed only in a critical situation.
- Children whose age is more than 10 years and body weight more than 40 kg are recommended to give 250 mg of the active substance at a time up to 3 times a day.
In case of complications, the dose is increased to 1 gram, and if the child is diagnosed with an acute infection of the genitourinary system, the dose is increased to 3 grams at a time.
Only the doctor chooses the dosage form of the drug and prescribes its dosage, so you should not treat the baby yourself - this can lead to serious complications.
In pills
It is best for children to buy Amoxicillin Children's, since such an antibiotic is presented in tablets and capsules in dosages of 125 and 250 mg and is easy to use.
Children take the drug as follows:
- At the age of 2 to 5 years, 1 tablet (125 mg) per day. This dose should be divided into three equal parts.
- At the age of 5 - 10 years - 250 mg per day, i.e. 2 times a day for a 125 mg tablet.
- From 5 to 10 years - 250 mg tablet 3 times a day.
Children should take Amoxicillin tablets before meals or an hour after it for better absorption, drinking plenty of water. Between receptions should pass at least 8 hours.
Capsule
Capsules are more convenient to use than tablets, because they have a special shape for easy swallowing. The powder that is inside them can be dissolved in water and drink a suspension. Children should take the drug in capsules after 10 years - a capsule of 250 mg or 2 capsules of 125 mg at a time three times a day. The course of treatment is from 5 to 14 days.
In granules
Amoxicillin granules are the most convenient form of medicine for treating children. The suspension obtained from them is not only easy to take, but also convenient for small dosages.
To prepare the suspension, you should purchase Amoxicillin granules in a pharmacy and dilute them according to the instructions (usually a strip is drawn on the bottle to which plain water should be poured). Before using the suspension, shake the bottle and use a measuring spoon of 5 ml, which will contain about 250 mg of the active substance.
The dosage for children is:
- Older than 10 years - 10 ml up to 3 times a day, and with complications and the critical stage of the disease - 15 - 20 ml 3 times a day.
- At the age of 5 - 10 years - 5 ml of suspension up to 3 times a day.
- At the age of 2 to 5 years, 2.5 ml of the suspension 3 times a day.
- Younger than 2 years - 20 mg of the drug per 1 kg of body weight per day. This norm should be divided into 3 doses.
If the child is less than 3 months old, then he is prescribed the maximum dose per day - 30 mg per 1 kg of weight, and this dose is reduced for premature and newborns, or the time interval between doses is increased.
In injections
For children under 5 years of age, the dosage of the drug is calculated individually by the attending physician, depending on the severity of the disease and its stage.
Children aged 5 years and older are prescribed Amoxicillin in injections:
- 50 ml per 1 kg of body weight at a time intramuscularly;
- 90 - 150 ml per 1 kg of body weight intravenously per day.
Injections and droppers are most often necessary for severe infectious diseases or serious complications that they caused.
Drug Interactions with Other Drugs
Amoxicillin is acceptable for children to use as part of general drug therapy along with other medications.
However, medical consent and permission to combine "Amoxicillin" with other drugs is necessary, since it is capable of:
- enhance the effect of metronidazole, aminoglycosides, anticoagulants and cephalosporins;
- reduce the effectiveness of hormonal drugs;
- increase the toxicity of methotrexate;
- to come into conflict with bacteriostatic drugs, i.e. mutually weaken the therapeutic effect.
A drug that suppresses tubular secretion reduces the rate of excretion of the antibiotic from the body, thereby increasing its concentration and causing an overdose.
Contraindications, side effects and overdose
The main contraindication to taking the antibiotic (and in general pinicillins) is an allergy to it or the components of the drug, as well as:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- severe renal failure;
- Infectious mononucleosis;
- bronchial asthma.
Doctors do not recommend taking the antibiotic for children under 3 years old, as well as for people with diabetes, since the medicine contains sucrose.
In general, Amoxicillin is well tolerated by patients, but sometimes they may experience nausea or vomiting, runny nose, or conjunctivitis during treatment. Rarely, an antibiotic also provokes fever and stomatitis with tachycardia. Mild allergic reactions in the form of a rash or itching are possible.
In case of failure to follow the instructions for admission, the patient may experience symptoms of an overdose: nausea, diarrhea and neurotoxic reactions. In this case, immediately rinse the patient's stomach and prescribe symptomatic therapy.
Amoxicillin analogues
Structural analogues of Amoxicillin is the entire class of penicillins, since they all have a similar chemical structure.
Among them:
- Amoxicillin Solutab;
- Amoxillate;
- Apo-Amoxi;
- Gonoform;
- Ospamox;
- "Flemoxin solutab";
- Hikontsil;
- "Ecobol".
Replacement of drugs is carried out in case of an allergic reaction in the patient to Amoxicillin or in the absence of a therapeutic effect.
Amoxicillin for children is an effective antibiotic that helps babies to ease the disease process and reduce it. The drug not only quickly neutralizes pathogenic microorganisms, but also facilitates the course of the disease, which contributes to the rapid recovery of the child.
