Answers to 8 Common Questions About Your Kids’ Antibiotics
Key takeaways:
Many antibiotics come in chewable or liquid forms that are easier for kids to take. Some liquid antibiotics need refrigeration, others don’t. The pharmacy label is the best place to look for storage recommendations.
If the taste is an issue, ask your pharmacist about ways to mask unpleasant flavors. You can add flavor to many liquid antibiotics or even mix them with small amounts of food or drink.
There are many ways to save on antibiotic medications for kids. Many are available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help make your prescription more affordable.
Taking care of a sick child can leave any parent or caregiver feeling overwhelmed. After seeing your healthcare provider and waiting at the pharmacy, the last thing you should have to worry about is where to store your child’s prescription.
Fortunately, we can clear up the uncertainties you might have about administering antibiotics to your child. Below, we’ll answer eight common questions about children’s antibiotics to help you get your little one feeling better.
1. Which antibiotics are typically prescribed for children?
Antibiotics are medications used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They aren’t helpful for all types of infections, like the ones caused by viruses. Your child’s healthcare provider will carefully decide if an antibiotic will help, and which one is best for your child. Types of antibiotics commonly prescribed for children include:
Penicillins such as amoxicillin (Amoxil), amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin), and penicillin VK
Cephalosporins such as cephalexin (Keflex), cefdinir (Omnicef), and cefadroxil (Duricef)
Macrolides such as azithromycin (Zithromax) and clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Clindamycin (Cleocin)
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)
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2. Do all liquid antibiotics have to be refrigerated?
If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist about how to store your child’s liquid antibiotic. Most should be refrigerated to maintain their effectiveness. Plus, keeping them cold can also help them taste better. But not all liquid antibiotics require refrigeration, and some actually need to be kept at room temperature.
Liquid antibiotics that should not be refrigerated include:
Clarithromycin
Clindamycin
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
Cefdinir
Azithromycin
You can keep liquid amoxicillin in the refrigerator or at room temperature, but refrigeration is preferred if possible.
When in doubt, check the pharmacy label. Most of the time, an extra sticker will be on the bottle that says something like “Keep in Refrigerator” or “Refrigerate” if your liquid antibiotic needs to be kept cold. You can also ask the pharmacist to be sure.
No matter where you store your child’s medication, make sure it’s safely out of reach of small hands. Children can often mistake their medication for food or a sweet treat. So safe storage is important to avoid accidental ingestion.
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3. What if I forget to put a liquid antibiotic in the fridge?
If you forget to put a liquid antibiotic back in the fridge and it’s only been an hour or two, it’s probably fine to keep taking it. But it’s best to check with your pharmacist to be sure.
If you’ve left your antibiotic out of the fridge overnight or longer, you may need a new bottle to make sure it’s safe and effective for your child. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
And always call your pharmacy or healthcare provider if the color, taste, or smell of your child’s medication changes. These can be signs that it isn’t safe to take.
4. Do all liquid antibiotics taste bad?
No. Most liquid antibiotics are flavored by the manufacturer, ranging from fruity strawberry to fresh mint. Most taste good enough that your child hopefully won’t refuse them. But some liquid antibiotics, such as clindamycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate, seem to taste worse than others.
The good news is that there are other flavorings out there to mask those original flavors if your child doesn’t like them. Ask your pharmacist if they can flavor your child’s liquid medication, as most will add flavoring for minimal to no cost.
If adding extra flavoring isn’t an option, there are still some tricks that can help. Ask your pharmacist if you can mix your child’s antibiotic with a small amount of food or drink. Some (but not all) liquid medicines can be mixed with a few spoonfuls of applesauce, pudding, or juice. Or, try giving your child a popsicle before their next antibiotic dose. The cold treat can help numb taste buds so flavors aren’t as strong.
5. Are there chewable antibiotic tablets available for children?
Yes. Some liquid antibiotics are also available as chewable tablets. They’re best for children ages 2 years and older. Chewable tablets can be handy if your child isn’t a fan of liquids but can’t swallow tablets. They’re also useful if you’re traveling or don’t have access to a refrigerator for the liquid form.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to ask your healthcare provider for chewable tablets when they’re writing the prescription. Most of the time, the pharmacy won’t be able to switch from a liquid to a chewable tablet without the provider’s OK.
6. What side effects can antibiotics cause in children?
Your healthcare provider will choose the best antibiotic to treat your child’s infection. But even with the right antibiotic, there can still be side effects. In fact, reactions to antibiotics are the most common medication-related reason that children visit an emergency department.
Some common antibiotic side effects can include:
Mild diarrhea
Nausea
Rash
Serious side effects from antibiotics are more rare, and can include:
C. diff infection: a form of diarrhea caused when the bacteria C. difficile overgrows in the gut
Allergic reactions: which may cause difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face and hands
Keep in mind that this isn’t a complete list. Each antibiotic has its own possible side effects. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can tell you more about the one your child is taking.
Most side effects will go away once your child finishes the course of treatment. A probiotic supplement or yogurt with live cultures may help with stomach upset and diarrhea. If you’re concerned about a side effect your child is having, call your healthcare provider. They can help decide on the best course of action.
If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical care right away.
7. Can I keep leftover antibiotics ‘just in case’?
No. There are several reasons why keeping leftover antibiotics isn’t a good idea.
Most liquid antibiotics expire within days to weeks after they are mixed at the pharmacy. They’re also not as safe or effective to take after the expiration date has passed.
Plus, it’s not a good idea to use antibiotics on your own. Each antibiotic treats a specific kind of bacterial infection. And many infections, like a cold or the flu, won’t respond to an antibiotic at all. Using an antibiotic when you don’t need it can lead to more powerful infections due to antibiotic resistance.
The best way to prevent antibiotic resistance is to make sure your child takes the full course of antibiotic treatment — even if they’re feeling better after a day or two. If you have any medication left over, throw it away.
8. How can I save on children’s antibiotics?
There are many ways to save on your child’s antibiotic medication. Most are available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you navigate your options, which may include GoodRx discounts, copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs. Some pharmacy chains may also offer programs with low-cost or free antibiotics.
The bottom line
Many antibiotics are available as chewable tablets or liquids for children. If taste is an issue, ask your pharmacist about adding flavoring or if you can mix the medication with a small amount of food or drink. For liquid antibiotics, get clear instructions on storage. Some need to be kept in the fridge, but others don’t. Make sure your child takes the full course of their antibiotic, and discard any that’s leftover.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Pediatric outpatient treatment recommendations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Put your medicines up and away and out of sight.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Antibiotic do’s and don'ts.
Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. (2022). Amoxicillin powder, for suspension. DailyMed.
Jancin, B. (2012). A spoonful of frosting helps the clindamycin go down. MDedge.
Michele, T. M., et al. (2022). Safety of chewable tablets for children. Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE).
Nationwide Children’s. (2022). Medicine: How to give by mouth.
Perks, S. J., et al. (2020). Systematic review of stability data pertaining to selected antibiotics used for extended infusions in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) at standard room temperature and in warmer climates. European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy.
Soares, N., et al. (2022). Taste perceptions of common pediatric antibiotic suspensions and associated prescribing patterns in medical residents. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics: JPPT.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Where and how to dispose of unused medicines.
Yan, T., et al. (2020). Probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children. Canadian Family Physician.x
