Did you know that your body is home to approximately 10 trillion bacteria? Existing both on the skin and in the alimentary canal, the majority of these bacteria pose no threat to an adult. However, the same cannot be said about your child, whose immune system has yet to develop fully.

Fortunately, an appropriate Amoxicillin treatment for a sick child should start his or her recovery. Available in both syrup and capsule forms, this antibiotic is a suitable treatment for a range of bacterial infections including those of the skin, middle ear, lungs and urinary tract. Your child's doctor will prescribe the dosage depending on the type of infection, age, and weight of your child.

Best Storage Practices, Uses, and Dosage

Dosage and Timing for Giving Amoxicillin to Children

Several factors must be considered when prescribing Amoxicillin, and for this reason, the dosage may vary from person to person. Below, the dosage and ideal timing for administering Amoxicillin to children are explained.

• Bacterial Infections Treatment
  The Amoxicillin 250 mg dosage for child who is below 4 years of age and weighing not more than 40 kgs is 250 mg per dose. The dosage should be administered 3 times per day for the period advised by your child's doctor. Your child should take the Amoxicillin in the morning, afternoon and before bedtime. There should be at least 4 hours between each dose.
  
  Children within the age bracket of 5 and 11 years and weighing above 40 kgs should be prescribed a similar dosage of 250 mg, to be taken 3 times per day. It is essential that you complete the treatment entirely to ensure a full recovery.
  
  
• Gonorrhea Treatment
  Also popularly referred to as "the clap”, approximately 78 million cases of Gonorrhea are reported globally. If not treated early and properly, this sexually transmitted disease (STD) can cause serious and sometimes permanent health complications.
  
  If your child is between 1 and 4 years old and weighing less than 40 kg, a 50 mg dosage, taken 3 times per day should be adequate.
  
  In the case of children who are 5 -11 years old, the dosage may be increased to 3g per dose, to be taken 3 times every day for the recommended duration or until the prescription is finished.
  
  
• Missed Medication
  Timing is highly critical when taking the medication. Nonetheless, if you happen to forget to give your child the drug at the right time, you can still do so if an hour hasn't elapsed yet. However, if the next prescription is nearly due, you should just skip the missed dosage and take the next. Then, ensure that you don't forget again since missing several times may affect the medicine's efficiency.

Best Tips for Giving Amoxicillin to Your Child

It is in your child's best interest that he or she takes the Amoxicillin for 3-year-old as advised by the doctor. This is mainly in regard to the quantity and frequency you give your child the Amoxicillin dosage. For best results, observe the tips provided below:

• Complete Dosage
  Complete the prescribed dosage even if your child feels better after a few days of the treatment. This is the only way to ensure that your child will recover fully.
  
  
• Shake Well Before Use
  If taking the liquid form, ensure that you shake the bottle and its contents well every time you use it. Use a medicine cup, calibrated measuring spoon or oral syringe to determine the right dosage. An ordinary table or teaspoon will not provide accurate measurements.
  
  
• Mix with Baby-food
  You should mix the oral fluid into baby formula or into other liquids. This could be ginger ale, fruit juice, water or milk for example. It's essential that the child drinks this mixture immediately and completely.

Proper Storage

Like any other medicine, the primary concerns when storing Amoxicillin are the risks of unauthorized access, contamination, and exposure to excessive heat or direct sunlight.

Therefore, your storage place should be inaccessible to children, at room temperature and away from direct light, heat or moisture. The container should be adequately sealed to prevent the entry of any foreign bodies. Except for the oral liquid, you should keep your Amoxicillin away from the refrigerator.

Once 14 days have elapsed, you should discard any unused medicine. Do not try to preserve it by freezing. This applies to all other outdated drugs and those no longer in use. Your health practitioner can advise you on how to properly dispose of medicines after use.

Warnings and Side Effects of Amoxicillin Use

Special Case Warnings

Several categories of people have been cautioned against using Amoxicillin for their wellbeing. These include:

• During Pregnancy
  Use of Amoxicillin during pregnancy is not advised. You should only do so if it is necessary. Even then, ensure that you have discussed the possible risks and benefits of the decision before taking the antibiotic. This will help you to make an informed choice.
  
  
• Breastfeeding Mothers
  Likewise, breastfeeding mothers are not advised to take Amoxicillin. Some situations, however, make it necessary. In such a case, ensure that your health practitioner has explained the benefits and risks associated with taking medicine in your state. Also, after using the medication, ensure that your baby is closely monitored for any possible undesired side effects.
  
  
• Use with Alcohol
  So far, no tests have been conducted to determine how the medicine interacts with alcohol in the body. To be on the safe side, you should avoid mixing the two. Otherwise, you should discuss the matter with your doctor before beginning the treatment.

Possible Side Effects

The side effects that one could develop from using Amoxicillin are quite numerous, ranging from joint pains and skin yellowing to nausea, among others. The most commonly experienced side effects, however, are fever, sore throat and nose bleeding.

• Fever
  Basically, any case of high body temperature or a sudden elevation in body temperature can be defined as a fever. The introduction of foreign bodies in the form of the drug triggers the fever. In many cases, fevers are harmless. Nonetheless, it is essential that you seek professional assistance if the condition persists.
  
  
• Nose Bleeding
  This is common, especially among the elderly (60+ years). It often occurs when one has taken the drug for an extended period such as a month. It is rarely serious, however, if it persists seek the assistance of a health worker.
  
  
• Sore Throat
  This is usually in the form of pain, irritation or scratchiness that one feels especially when swallowing. It is often the result of a viral infection. However, it can also result from the consumption of Amoxicillin. It should not last long, but if it does, you should consult your doctor.

Conclusion

While our bodies harbor a vast number of harmless bacteria, some bacterial strains have been known to cause infections of the skin, urinary tract, lungs and other organs, especially in children. Though the doctor may prescribe a treatment of Amoxicillin dosage for 9 years old and below according to various parameters, it is up to you to use it as advised to in order to achieve full recovery.