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Amoxicillion

We had a child that had an ear infection and was perscribed Amoxicillin....A few days later, my older daughter got an ear infection, my husband gave her 2 to 3 doses of the other child's perscription...I am more concerned about the older child since the first child only missed a couple doses...Is the older child at risk for something..is she less immune to amoxicillin now since she only took 2-3 doses and then stopped?
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535822 tn?1443976780
I very much doubt it, but she didnt get the full course of anti biotic..and the the older child would not benefit from 2 doses ...Next time they should have a prescription each and take it all ...How are they doing has the infection cleared up in both?
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1801781 tn?1461629469
sorry did not mean to post all of the page!  
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1801781 tn?1461629469
Your husband should be told to NEVER give a child another one's medication.  There is a chance of allergic reaction if they have never had it before.  For the antibiotic to be effective it must be given for the full time or the infection will be knocked down but not killed and it will most likely return.



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Antibiotics: Misuse puts you and others at risk
Antibiotics can be lifesavers, but misuse has increased the number of drug-resistant germs. See how this affects you and what you can do to help prevent antibiotic resistance.
By Mayo Clinic staff

If you think antibiotic resistance isn't a problem or doesn't affect you, think again. A prominent example of the dangers of antibiotic resistance is the spread of MRSA — or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA was once a concern only for people in the hospital, but a newer form of MRSA is causing infections in healthy people in the community.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when antibiotics no longer work against disease-causing bacteria. These infections are difficult to treat and can mean longer lasting illnesses, more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and the need for more expensive and toxic medications. Some resistant infections can even cause death.

Although experts are working to develop new antibiotics and other treatments to keep pace with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, infectious organisms adapt quickly. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria will continue to be a global health concern — and using antibiotics wisely is important for preventing their spread.
When is it appropriate to use antibiotics?

Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, certain fungal infections and some kinds of parasites. Antibiotics don't work against viruses. The chart shows common illnesses and whether they're caused by bacteria or viruses. Taking an antibiotic when you have a viral infection won't make you feel better — and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Bacterial infections Viral infections

    * Some ear infections
    * Severe sinus infections
    * Strep throat
    * Urinary tract infections
    * Many wound and skin infections



    * Most ear infections
    * Colds
    * Influenza (flu)
    * Most coughs
    * Most sore throats
    * Bronchitis
    * Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)

Consequences of antibiotic misuse

If antibiotics are used too often for things they can't treat — like colds, flu or other viral infections — they become less effective against the bacteria they're intended to treat. Not taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed also leads to problems. For example, if you take an antibiotic for only a few days — instead of the full course — the antibiotic may wipe out some but not all of the bacteria. The surviving bacteria become more resistant and can be spread to other people. When bacteria become resistant to first line treatments, the risk of complications and death is increased. In the United States alone, thousands of people die each year of antibiotic-resistant infections they contracted in the hospital.
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