What you need to know about Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs used to treat sickness caused by bacteria. Not all bacterial sicknesses need to be treated with antibiotics so your doctor may ask you to wait before starting an antibiotic for your child.
Antibiotic drugs do not help a sickness caused by a virus. The common cold is a viral sickness.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about your child's other medications including over the counter drugs, herbals, and vitamins.
Notify the doctor and pharmacist of all your child's allergies, including medication, food, and seasonal (hayfever).
Complete the number of days or doses of antibiotics as directed by your doctor. This will help the medication work the next time your child is ill.
If the antibiotic tastes bad to your child, consider refrigerating it (ask your pharmacist if that is okay) or putting it in a small amount of applesauce or pudding. Ask your pharmacist what food or drink you can give your child after the medication to wash away the taste.
When measuring each dose, use the medicine spoon/syringe provided by the pharmacy. Do not use silverware or kitchen spoons.
Ask your pharmacist how to store this medication. Does it need to be refrigerated or kept out of direct sunlight?
Ask your pharmacist if the medication should or should not be taken with food.
Do not save any left over antibiotics.
Do not share antibiotics.
Common side effects of antibiotics include: diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, or upset stomach. If upset stomach occurs, contact your pharmacist for more information.
If your child experiences problems breathing or gets a rash contact your child's doctor immediately.