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A Prescription Primer
A Guide to Commonly Prescribed Medications for Children
By Alesia Hanson, Pharmacist
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.
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, suspension | Stomach 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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