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Shall I give antibiotics to my baby for cough?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.

Answered by Dr. Lalit R. Bansal

Education:

DAB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Lalit R. Bansal is a pediatrician and child neurologist with expertise in epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, and clinical neurophysiology. He provides specialized care for children with complex neurological conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment. With a patient-first approach, he combines medical excellence with compassionate support, helping children and families navigate health challenges and achieve better long-term outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Vixme-O is the Cefixime-Ofloxacin oral suspension reconstituted syrup. I am afraid that antibiotic is an overdose for this age. Can cold get cured naturally?

Answered by Dr. Lalit R. Bansal

Education:

DAB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Lalit R. Bansal is a pediatrician and child neurologist with expertise in epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, and clinical neurophysiology. He provides specialized care for children with complex neurological conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment. With a patient-first approach, he combines medical excellence with compassionate support, helping children and families navigate health challenges and achieve better long-term outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At January 29, 2016
Reviewed At August 16, 2023

Education:

DAB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Lalit R. Bansal is a pediatrician and child neurologist with expertise in epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, and clinical neurophysiology. He provides specialized care for children with complex neurological conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment. With a patient-first approach, he combines medical excellence with compassionate support, helping children and families navigate health challenges and achieve better long-term outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Baby Cough and Antibiotics Awareness Builder

Baby's cough and cold?

Five quick questions help you understand what is typically fine, what to mention to your doctor, and what warrants a call today regarding your baby's cough, cold, and medication.

This tool provides educational information only and does not diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance. Medications should be taken after consulting a physician. The dosages will be prescribed by the physician. Do not alter, start, or stop medications without consulting a healthcare professional.

Education:

DAB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Lalit R. Bansal is a pediatrician and child neurologist with expertise in epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, and clinical neurophysiology. He provides specialized care for children with complex neurological conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment. With a patient-first approach, he combines medical excellence with compassionate support, helping children and families navigate health challenges and achieve better long-term outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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