Patient's question:
Erythromycin granules for a 19-month-old baby weighing 18 pounds, how much should they take in one dose? The instructions state that children should take 7.5-12.5 mg/kg per dose, four times a day. I don't understand the dosage on the packaging. Could you please tell me if my baby should take one full packet or half a packet per dose? Also, could you please ask if it's still safe to take now?Doctor's answer:
First, note that the medication you mentioned, erythromycin granules, belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics, and oral medication for children must be administered based on weight estimation.Guidance: I am unaware of the reason for choosing this medication for treatment, but it has significant gastrointestinal side effects, which may cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, dry vomiting, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain. This medication is typically prescribed only when the child has penicillin resistance or allergy, or when cephalosporin is not suitable. If the child is taking it orally, it is recommended to take it after meals or to add a medication like atropine mixture to completely eliminate the side effects. Additionally, due to this side effect, it is suggested to choose a twice-daily oral regimen for the child, with each dose recommended to be one and a half packets.