Download Treating Bacterial Infections: Ear Infections, Sinus Infections, Strep

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Treating Bacterial Infections:
Ear Infections, Sinus Infections, Strep Throat, and Pneumonia
When your healthcare provider finds that your child needs an antibiotic to treat a bacterial
infection, she will choose the antibiotic based on your child’s type of infection, health history,
and expert guidelines. Healthcare providers will prescribe an antibiotic that is most likely to cure
the infection with the fewest side effects.
What antibiotic is the right choice for my child?
Antibiotics can treat illnesses caused by bacteria. When antibiotics are necessary, it is important
that your child receives an antibiotic that targets her specific bacterial infection.
Amoxicillin is the recommended antibiotic for most children with the following bacterial infections:
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Ear infection (also known as otitis media)
Sinus infection (also known as sinusitis)
Strep throat
Bacterial pneumonia
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and
healthcare providers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia recommend amoxicillin because
it is generally safe and effective when used to treat these infections.
Why is amoxicillin a good choice for my child?
Compared to other antibiotics, amoxicillin is:
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less likely to cause complications, such as diarrhea and upset stomach
more effective for treating ear infections, sinus infections, strep throat, and pneumonia
less likely than other commonly used antibiotics to create antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Please talk to your healthcare provider about why amoxicillin may be the best treatment for your child.
Written 1/15
©The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 2015. Not to be copied or distributed without permission. All rights reserved.
Patient family education materials provide educational information to help individuals and families. You should not rely on this information as
professional medical advice or to replace any relationship with your physician or healthcare provider.
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