Although adults and children both suffer from ear infections, they are commonly a concern for parents of young children. According to AskDrSears.com, ear infections will cause a child to exhibit a combination of the following symptoms: becoming fussy or having a fever, exhibiting cold symptoms and waking during the night, or starting to pull or bat at the ears. When the doctor determines symptoms are due to an ear infection that is bacterial in nature, an antibiotic is prescribed that must be taken in its entirety to ensure the infection is cleared up. If one antibiotic does not seem to work or your infant exhibits an allergy to the first prescription, stronger and different antibiotics may be used.
Amoxicillin
Available in pill or suspension form, amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin family of drugs, so should not be used or prescribed for patients who are allergic. Your doctor should also be aware if you are allergic to cephalosporins including Keflex and Duricef. This drug can pass through breast milk, so breast-feeding mothers should advise their doctor of this before taking it. Amoxicillin also makes birth control pills less effective, according to Drugs.com. It is commonly the first drug of choice when treating an ear infection. Double-dose amoxicillin may be used if the first prescription does not get rid of the infection.
Augmentin
Augmentin also belongs to the penicillin group of drugs, and contains a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, according to Drugs.com. The clavulanate potassium is used to overcome antibiotic resistance in certain bacteria, thus causing the amoxicillin to be effective. Augmentin is frequently used when a first round of amoxicillin is not effective against an ear infection. AskDrSears.com states that Augmentin ES, which combines Augmentin with added amoxicillin, is now commonly used against resistant bacteria.
Azithromycin
Used as a second line defense against an ear infection, azithromycin belongs to the macrolide family of antibiotic drugs. It should not be taken by patients with an allergy to erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin or troleandomycin, according to Drugs.com. Azithromycin will also interact with several drugs, herbs, vitamins and minerals, so advise your doctor of every type of supplement you are taking currently.
Cefuroxime
Also a common treatment for resistant bacteria, cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that prevents the bacteria cell wall from forming correctly, resulting in its death, according to Drugs.com. This drug should not be used if you are allergic to other cephalosporin antibiotics such as cephalexin. It also interacts with birth control pills and several other drugs, so inform your doctor of all drugs and supplements you are currently taking.
