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Home › Articles › Health Issues › A Prescription Primer

A Prescription Primer

A Guide to Commonly Prescribed Medications for Children

By Alesia Hanson, Pharmacist

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Septra® (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is a sulfa antibiotic and is used when an individual is allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins, or is used for urinary tract infections. It is available as either a tablet or suspension. The suspension does not need to be refrigerated, but should be shaken before using. Septra® can make the individual taking it more likely to sunburn, and it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. The individual taking the medication should be encouraged to drink extra fluids while on it. Septra® can be given either with or without food.

Zithromax® is a macrolide antibiotic and is available as either a suspension or a tablet. It is used most often for ear infections and respiratory infections. It is not available in generic. It is very convenient because it is only given once daily and only for five days. The suspension should be kept at room temperature and given on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after eating). The tablet can be taken with or without food. It can cause stomach upset, but is not as likely to as other antibiotics.

Allergy Medications
Some children suffer from allergies; the most prescribed antihistamines are Zyrtec® and Claritin®. Neither medication is available in generic. Both medications are available in both a tablet and liquid, and both are approved for use in children over age 2. The most common adverse effects are headache and drowsiness. Both medications can be given with or without food and are dosed once daily.

Prescriptions can be confusing, especially when one is concerned about a sick child. This provides some basic information, but should not override any instructions from a physician.

Medication Generic Use Dosage Form Common Adverse Effects
Mycostatin® Yes, nystatin Diaper rash Ointment, Cream None
Nilstat® Yes, nystatin Thrush Suspension Stomach upset
Reglan® Yes, metoclopramide Reflux Syrup Drowsiness, diarrhea
Zantac® Yes, ranitidine Reflux Syrup Constipation, diarrhea
Pepcid® No Reflux Suspension Constipation, diarrhea
Auralgan® Yes, various manufacturers Ear pain Drops None
Cortisporin Otic® Yes, various manufacturers Ear pain/infection Drops Burning, itching
Floxin® No Ear infection Drops Itching, taste changes
Cipro HC® No Ear infection/pain Drops Itching, taste changes
Garamycin® Yes, various manufacturers Eye infection (pinkeye) Drops Stinging, burning
Polytrim® Yes, various manufacturers Eye infection (pinkeye) Drops Stinging, burning
Amoxicillin Yes, amoxicillin Various bacterial infections Capsules, chewables, suspension Stomach upset, diarrhea
Augmentin® No Various bacterial infections Tablets, chewables, suspension Stomach upset, diarrhea
Keflex® Yes, cephalexin Various bacterial infections Capsules, suspension Stomach upset, diarrhea
Ceclor® Yes, cefaclor Various bacterial infections Capsules, suspension Stomach upset, diarrhea
Cefzil® No Various bacterial infections Tablets, suspensionStomach upset, diarrhea
Septra® Yes, various manufacturers Various bacterial infections, UTI Tablets, suspension Stomach upset, diarrhea, sun sensitivity
Zithromax® No Various bacterial infections Tablets, suspension Stomach upset (rare)
Zyrtec® No Allergies Tablets, syrup Drowsiness, headache
Claritin® No Allergies Tablets, syrup Drowsiness, headache

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