Ear infections---caused when fluid that has built up inside the ear fosters the growth of bacteria or viruses---are a common medical problem among infants. While some ear infections clear up on their own, others require treatment with antibiotics that can fight bacteria. Pediatricians typically prescribe mild antibiotics first and progress to stronger ones, only if necessary, to minimize side effects and drug resistance.
Amoxicillin
Pediatricians who decide to prescribe antibiotics for a baby's ear infection usually start with a mild medication called Amoxicillin, reports the National Institutes of Health. Amoxicillin stops bacterial growth, states Drugs.com. The National Institutes of Health cautions parents to continue to give their babies antibiotics such as Amoxicillin for the entire prescribed time, even after the ear infection symptoms disappear, because stopping too soon could cause the infection to remain. The March of Dimes warns that stopping any antibiotics before the end of the treatment time for an ear infection could cause the infection to come back---and possibly require even stronger antibiotics. Amoxicillin can cause side effects such as diarrhea, upset stomach and vomiting, cautions the National Institutes of Health.
Ceftriaxone
Ceftriaxone interferes with bacteria's ability to build cell walls, causing the bacteria to rupture and die, according to Drugs.com. A stronger antibiotic than Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone may help babies whose ear infections didn't clear up after completing a round of Amoxicillin, the National Institutes of Health says. However, Drugs.com warns that Ceftriaxone may cause complications such as fatal kidney and lung problems in newborns with jaundice or high blood bilirubin, or it may cause complications in newborns who have received IV medications containing calcium during the past 48 hours. Common side effects of Ceftriaxone, according to Drugs.com, include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Cefaclor
Cefaclor blocks the synthesis of mucopeptides---crystal lattice structures---in bacterial cell walls, Drugs.com says. While Cefaclor can help some babies with ear infections, its safety and effectiveness hasn't been established for infants younger than 1 month old, cautions Drugs.com. Side effects of Cefaclor can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, kidney function impairment and blood problems such as anemia, Drugs.com reports.
