Ear infections occur very often in infants and young children between the ages of three months and three years. Babies and toddlers prove vulnerable to ear infections because they have undeveloped immune systems and have horizontal Eustachian tubes, as described at Merck. The Eustachian tube connects the ear to the nasal passages and is almost vertical in adults. In children, it is also more susceptible to blockages and trapped fluids because the tube is shorter and narrower. The use of pacifiers or soothers by infants also increases pressure and prevents proper drainage of fluids from the ears, increasing the risk of ear infections. The Cleveland Clinic advises that pediatricians usually recommend antibiotics for ear infections in babies.
Penicillins
Penicillin antibiotics include amoxicillin, the most commonly prescribed antibiotic to treat ear infections, as listed by the MayoClinic.com. It is easily absorbed, has few side effects and it is available in liquid form for babies. Infants typically respond to amoxicillin within 48 to 78 hours as the infection and pain subsides. Physicians usually prescribe amoxicillin for three dosages a day for 10 days, though longer dosages may prove necessary for severe or chronic infections in babies. Stop dosages immediately if the baby develops a skin rash as this may indicate a penicillin allergy. Inform a physician about rashes or other symptoms.
Sulfonamides
A study published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends sulfonamide antibiotics for ear infections, particularly if the infant is allergic or sensitive to penicillins. This group of antibiotics called sulfa drugs includes the medications bactrim and septra. A combination of sulfonamide antibiotic called acetyl sulfisoxazole proves a popular treatment for treating chronic ear infections in infants because only one dose a day is required. Side effects of sulfonamides include stomach cramps, diarrhea and dizziness. Some infants may also be allergic to sulfonamides; report rashes and any unusual symptoms to a physician immediately.
Macrolides
Macrolides antibiotics such as the commonly prescribed erythromycin are used in combination antibiotic treatments for ear infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC lists clarithromycin, azithromycin and other macroclides antibiotics that inhibit protein growth and reproduction in bacteria, to treat ear infections in infants.
Cephalosporins
Physicians do no commonly prescribe cephalosporins antibiotics for ear infections, unless the infant does not respond to penicillins and macrolides. Oral cephalosporins include cefdinir, cefpodoxime and cefuroxime, as listed by the UMMC. Physicians can give them as intramuscular injections to infants suffering from vomiting and that cannot take oral antibiotics. The UMMC also suggests using cephalosporin antibiotic injections as a second-line of treatment in cases of severe infection. This antibiotic family is similar to penicillins and babies that have adverse reactions to penicillin may also be allergic to cephalosporins.
