HUGE amount of Amoxicillian

mrszimm

I took DS to see the on call pedi yesterday evening. She said he had a small ear infection, and prescribed him Amoxicillian (sp?). This is DS's first time being sick, but DD used to get ear infections often, so I'm not concerned.

However, when I picked up his medicine I was surprised b/c it is in a HUGE bottle. It contains 300 mg and he's supposed to receive 3 teaspoons 2x/day in which he will finish the whole thing off. The pharmacist said that it was the new trend to give higher dosage of antibiotics. I'm confused as to why such a large dosage is necessary for a small ear infection. DD used to get double ones and never had that much prescribed. Anyone with medical/pharmaceutical background have expertise to share?

BurnNurse

Follow your dr's orders, but its large and/or unncessary doses that have lead to the outbreak of "super bugs" such as MRSA, CDiff, VRE.  The bugs develop a tolerance to the abx since we so freely use them. 

However, I will say that you should follow Drs orders and that antibiotics are completely and totally necessary when an infection is present.  

princesstggr

you always use "high dose" amox for hard to get into tissues like ears or sinuses. The lower dose is good for strep throat or pneumonia b/c those tissues take up the meds easier.

simplejude

If you are really concerned, call your doctor and ask why. For the weekend at least, I would follow dr.'s directions.

rissa06

i don't know if this helps. .  but our doctor prescribes high doses of Amox. for DS's ear infections . .  when i did question it, she said that they use the higher doses to fight ear infections . .