Middle ear infections, or otitis media, develop when viruses or bacteria infect the fluid behind the eardrum. Toddlers with ear infections may experience significant pain when the volume of inflamed fluid builds up and presses on the eardrum. Physicians may prescribe amoxicillin, a penicillin-like antibiotic, for particular types of ear infections. Alternately, doctors may order Augmentin, a combination drug containing both amoxicillin and clavulanate, according to the Daily Med website.
Effects
Some strains of bacteria release a substance called beta-lactamase that reduces the effect of antibiotics like amoxicillin. The combination of drugs in Augmentin is designed to get around this problem. The clavulanate interferes with the action of beta-lactamase, allowing the amoxicillin to work more effectively against the child's ear infection, explains the Daily Med website.
Identification
Amoxicillin works well against many of the bacteria that cause ear infections, including alpha- and beta-hemolytic strains of streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, selected forms of staphylococcus and Haemophilus influenzae. Augmentin, on the other hand, works well against beta-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis that cause middle ear infections, states the Daily Med website.
Indications
Since physicians can't tell whether a toddler's ear infection is caused by a virus or a bacteria, they'll consider the child's symptoms before making a decision about antibiotic therapy. Typically, they'll prescribe antibiotics for toddlers up to the age of 2 years with a certain diagnosis of otitis media, as well as youngsters who have a probable ear infection and either a fever above 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit or moderate to severe ear pain, notes MayoClinic.com.
Contraindications
A particularly troublesome bacteria known as methicillin-resistant staph aureus, or MRSA, is increasingly prevalent in hospitals and communities around the world. Neither amoxicillin nor Augmentin are effective against these bacteria.
Dosage
When physicians order amoxicillin for toddlers with ear infections, they'll prescribe 25 mg/kg/day in two divided doses or 20 mg/kg/day given in three equal doses over a 24-hour period for moderate to severe infection, according to RxList.com For severe ear infections, the recommended dose is 45 mg/kg/day in two doses or 40 mg/kg/day in three doses. Doctors will order 40 mg/kg/day of Augmentin divided into three equal doses.
Forms
Since toddlers are at risk for choking when they try to swallow pills, drug manufacturers produce both Augmentin and amoxicillin in oral suspensions and chewable tablets.
Warnings
Amoxicillin and Augmentin can cause life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions called anaphylaxis. Parents should seek emergency medical care if their toddlers develop itching, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing or facial swelling after taking these antibiotics.
