Amoxicillin is a prescription antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin that works by killing bacteria or by preventing its growth. Amoxicillin is commonly used to treat leptospirosis, lyme disease and typhoid fever in children, according to the Mayo Clinic. This medication may also be used to treat other common childhood infections as determined by your child's pediatrician. Fortunately, amoxicillin is available in liquid or chewable tablet form that makes this medication tolerable for your child to use. As the parent, you will be administering this medication to your child; therefore, follow these guidelines to ensure proper dosage.
Before Taking Amoxicillin
Step 1
Tell your child's pediatrician of other medications that he is taking. Alert your doctor of previous allergic reactions your child has had to penicillin drugs or other types of medications. Avoid giving amoxicillin to your child if he is allergic to ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin or cephalosporins, according to Drugs.com.
Step 2
Tell the pediatrician if your child has any other medical conditions, such as asthma, liver disease, kidney disease, blood clotting disorders, mononucleosis, diarrhea caused by antibiotics or a history of any allergies, states Drugs.com.
Step 3
Request the liquid or chewable tablet form of amoxicillin from your doctor.
Dosage Instructions
Step 1
Understand the dosage amount and schedule recommended by your doctor. Schedule doses around school and other activities in which your child may be involved. Review the additional dosage instructions included with the medication.
Step 2
Shake the liquid form of amoxicillin before giving it to your child. Carefully measure the proper dose. Tell your child to chew the chewable form of amoxicillin, if given in this form.
Step 3
Make sure your child finishes the entire bottle or packet of medication to avoid a recurrence of the infection. Continue giving amoxicillin even if your child's symptoms improve. Alert your doctor if your child has severe diarrhea, as this may be a sign of an intestinal infection. Watch for possible side effects that your child may experience including fever, sore throat, headache, skin rash, bruising, bleeding, agitation, confusion or seizure, according to Drugs.com.
Step 4
Schedule a follow-up appointment for your child after she has finished the course of amoxicillin treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- Complete the entire course of medication. Reward your child for taking the medication.
