Is your child showing symptoms of a bacterial infection? Chat with a board-certified pediatrician 24/7/365. They’ll prescribe antibiotics based on their diagnosis, if medically appropriate.
Get started
Antibiotics are medications prescribed to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing harmful bacteria in the body or stopping their growth, allowing the body's immune system to fight the infection effectively.
There are many antibiotic medications, but only certain antibiotics can effectively treat specific illnesses. It's important to discuss your child's allergies and previous intolerance of antibiotics with a pediatrician so they can determine the most effective choice for their infection and safely prescribe what is needed.
There are four antibiotics commonly prescribed for strep throat, which is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is treated with the following antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin clavulanate (AugmentinES, Augmentin), Cefdinir (Omnicef), or Azithromycin (Z-pack, Zithromax).
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause pneumonia. If your child's doctor determines the cause of their pneumonia is bacterial, they will likely prescribe one of the following antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin clavulanate (AugmentinES, Augmentin), Cefdinir (Omnicef), or Azithromycin (Z-pack, Zithromax).
Antibiotics kill bacteria or stop their growth, allowing the body's immune system to fight the infection effectively. They use a variety of mechanisms to eliminate or neutralize bacteria, but they generally work by:
Antibiotics are considered safe when used correctly and for the right reasons.
Unfortunately, even if used correctly, side effects of antibiotics are common. And because of their side effects, pediatricians usually won't prescribe antibiotics unless they are sure they are required.
Common side effects of antibiotics are stomach aches, nausea, and diarrhea due to the change in the flora (bacteria) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your child may also develop rashes or experience an allergic reaction after taking an antibiotic.
Five out of 100 children experience allergies due to antibiotics. Allergic reactions vary, but some of these can be serious and can cause a child to end up in the emergency room if life-threatening.
If your child experiences side effects from an antibiotic, let their doctor know.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria become immune to the effects of a specific drug (antibiotic-resistant bacteria), making it less effective over time and increasing the potential for widespread resistance in our communities. A few forms of antibiotic misuse include:
The risk of antibiotic resistance is one reason it's important only to administer antibiotics to your child when they have a bacterial infection. Always consult a physician so they can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine proper treatment.
While antibiotics are typically safe, they do carry risks. Potential side effects are always present, and incorrect usage may lead to antibiotic resistance. Moreover, in cases where a child has underlying medical conditions or is on specific medications, antibiotics could trigger reactions or interfere with other treatments.
To help prevent this, seek guidance from a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and before using antibiotics.
Ensure your child takes antibiotics exactly as the doctor prescribed. The duration and amount of antibiotics will vary based on the infection. Antibiotics may be given for 3 to 14 days, depending on the infection type. Ensure your child finishes the full antibiotic course as directed to prevent lingering infections. You can give antibiotics with food to prevent an upset stomach.
Connect with a board-certified pediatrician from Blueberry Pediatrics to get antibiotics online. Our doctors can diagnose many childhood symptoms and illnesses right from the comfort of home. Blueberry's pediatricians take note of your child's medical history, current symptoms, and vitals before providing a diagnosis or other guidance. When deemed medically necessary, our doctors will write an antibiotic prescription and send the prescription straight to your pharmacy of choice.
You can chat with a board-certified pediatrician today:
A pharmacist cannot prescribe antibiotics, only a doctor can write an antibiotic prescription.
The most common side effects of antibiotics are stomach aches, nausea, and diarrhea due to the change in the flora (bacteria) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Tiredness is not a common side effect of most antibiotics, if at all. If your child experiences fatigue, it may be due to their underlying illness.
The time it takes for antibiotics to work may vary depending on factors like the type and severity of the infection and the specific antibiotic used.
You should start noticing an improvement in your child's symptoms within 24-72 hours after starting treatment. Even if they start feeling better, it's important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your child's doctor; this ensures the infection is completely eradicated and reduces the risk of it returning.
If your child is still experiencing symptoms or if they get worse after a few days of treatment, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's doctor for further evaluation and perhaps a change in medication.
Five out of every 100 children experience allergic reactions to antibiotics. These reactions can vary from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be life-threatening, necessitating a trip to the emergency room.
If your child is allergic to a certain antibiotic, they will react to it immediately after consumption. Symptoms can vary in type and severity, from a rash (hives) to trouble breathing to swelling in the tongue and throat.
If your child has a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic, known as anaphylaxis, this can be life-threatening. If they develop these symptoms, you should seek in-person medical attention immediately.
Yes, urgent care centers can prescribe antibiotics. Virtual healthcare services like Blueberry, allow your child to be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated, without leaving the comfort of home - plus no costly copays. Not to mention, our doctors are all board-certified in pediatrics.
Your child's symptoms should improve about 48 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment. Typically, antibiotics are prescribed for 3 to 14 days; length of time and dosage is dependent on their infection. Even if you see improvement in their symptoms, it's important to continue administering the full course of prescribed antibiotics.
Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can cause bacteria to change and adapt, creating resistant strains that won’t be killed by common antibiotics we use now, such as amoxicillin. When bacteria are resistant, they can more easily spread from person to person and are more challenging to cure, causing more dangerous infections.
One example of overuse is taking antibiotics for a viral infection, while an example of misuse could be not completing a course of antibiotics as prescribed.
After joining Blueberry, open the app and answer a few quick questions about your child's symptoms.
Send your child's relevant vitals, ear exam, photos, or videos securely via our app.
Speak with a pediatrician and get a diagnosis, prescription (when appropriate), and doctor's note (if needed).
