Amoxicillin Shortage: What Parents Need to Know

Amoxicillin Nur Afsar U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA respiratory syncytial virus RSV Hina Talib

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Nov 27, 05:21 pm

Amoxicillin is one of the common antibiotics that pediatricians usually prescribe to children, including babies. However, on October 28, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported a shortage of "oral powder for suspension," a power mixed into liquid form before use and can serve as a life-saving medication for little kids.

Nur Afsar, M.D., board-certified OB/GYN and new mom, told the outlet that it breaks her heart to imagine her baby crying as the baby didn't feel unwell. Afsar being a physician understands the shortage and the prevention of antibiotic resistance. However, she hoped there would be a remedy soon as she also couldn't handle her pain.

On the other hand, parents across the country rely on the medication mentioned earlier to treat common ailments such as sinus, strep throat, and ear infections, amongst other things. However, Dr Afsar noted that amoxicillin and similar antibiotics do not work against viral infections.

Antibiotics are typically considered safe medications for young ones, and they must begin to feel better within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment. Such medications are suggested to be administered over the prescribed length despite the child feeling better.

Shortage can have devastating impacts on kids

A shortage of an integral medication like amoxicillin can have devastating impacts, specifically on kids that desperately need it and when it's clinically necessary to prescribe antibiotics. Moreover, experts noted that high demand due to an early intense illness season is one possible reason.

There has also been a previous uptick in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in the United States. Although a medication like amoxicillin does not cure the virus, doctors may prescribe such if the symptoms are linked with a bacterial infection.

The Washington Post reports that the antibiotic is defined as a preventative, considering that RSV can gradually lead to secondary bacterial infections.

Hina Talib, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist, points out that this phase has served as a tsunami of viral illness ever since school for the parent of young children and a pediatrician. Sadly, parents say the diseases keep on coming.

According to Parents, most viruses that cause cough and cold symptoms are cured using supportive care measures such as steam and rinses. Furthermore, kids may also face pneumonia, sinus infection, strep throat, and bacterial ear infection, potentially needing an antibiotic like amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin stops the growth of certain types of bacteria

Doctors may prescribe amoxicillin if your baby or child has a bacterial infection. This medication is a prescription antibiotic commonly used to treat various infections caused by bacteria.

Amoxicillin can stop the growth of certain types of bacteria. However, taking too much amoxicillin harms your precious child, such as kidney damage or failure.

The common side effects of amoxicillin can include diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. On the other hand, the severe side effects of this drug are serious allergic reactions, watery and bloody stools, severe skin rash, unusual bruising and bleeding and more.

Moreover, suppose your child needs to take amoxicillin due to their illness. In that case, they should first inform their doctor about any vitamins, medications, and herbs their child is taking to have an accurate solution, per Healthline.