Shall I give antibiotics to my baby for cough?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 3.5 month old baby is suffering from slight cold and cough for the past 15 days. The doctor suggested antibiotic syrup, Xpect PD cough syrup and Sinarest AF 10 drop twice daily. He is 15 pounds. When I am trying to give him cough syrup he is vomiting and not taking it. Also the amount of antibiotic prescribed is too high I hope. What shall I do now? Please guide me.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

For infants with cough and cold, antibiotics are fine to give. As per AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) guidelines, Sinarest (combination of Chlorpheniramine maleate, Phenylephrine hydrochloride, Sodium citrate, and Menthol) and cough syrup are not indicated in this age, as they may cause more harm than benefit. I am not able to comment without the name of antibiotic. I would appreciate if you could provide me with the generic name of the medicine you are giving her. This would help to provide proper guidance and dosage. If the child has any respiratory distress such as chest retraction, increased respiratory rate or nasal flaring then should get a chest X-ray to make sure there is no pneumonia and get treated appropriately.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Cefixime is good for this age. You have to see the concentration of Cefixime you have with you.

Usually, Ofloxacin should not be used in this age group unless there are no other antibiotics or severe organism resistance. If you have to use an antibiotic, you can give her Amoxicillin instead of Cefixime-Ofloxacin.

I have not come across enough evidence in medicine for natural therapy for the cure of cough, especially for this age group.