Oral antibiotics at home

Your baby was given antibiotics for a suspected infection. We have given these antibiotics through a small plastic tube in their vein (a cannula) or as an injection into their muscle.

Our doctors are now happy that your baby looks well, and their tests are not worrying. This means we can give your baby oral antibiotics instead, and you can go home to finish the treatment. The oral antibiotic is called amoxicillin.

How to give the oral antibiotic to your baby

This is a quick reminder of how to give the liquid medicine. For more detailed information, and a video, look at the resources at the bottom of this leaflet.

  1. Prepare the dose. First, shake the bottle. Then, use the syringe to draw up the correct volume of antibiotic (this is written on a label attached to the bottle).
  2. Give the antibiotic. Place the tip of the syringe inside your baby's mouth between their gums and the inside of their cheek. Gently push the plunger of the syringe to release the liquid in small amounts at a time. Allow your baby to swallow each amount before giving more.
  3. Clean the syringe. After the whole dose has been given, take the syringe apart and wash it in warm soapy water. Leave it to dry then put it back together for the next dose.

Tips:

  • Store the antibiotic in the fridge and make sure it is somewhere children can't get to it. Further storage instructions are written on the label attached to the bottle.
  • It can be helpful to give the medicine before a feed when your baby is slightly hungry. But the medicine can be given before, during or after a feed. Do whatever works best for you and your baby.
  • If you are bottle feeding your baby, you can mix the correct volume of antibiotic with a small amount of milk (5-10 ml) and give this before feeding. Our nurses can show you this method before you go home if you think you'll prefer it.
  • It is important your baby completes the full course of antibiotic. Once your baby has finished the course, take the leftover solution to a local pharmacy to be discarded.


What to do if your baby vomits after taking the medicines

  • Small milky vomits are normal for babies and they will have received enough of the medicine for the treatment to work.
  • If your baby has a large vomit within 30 minutes of giving the medicine, repeat the full dose of antibiotic.
  • If your baby has a large vomit more than 30 minutes after giving the medicine, wait until the next dose of antibiotic is due.

How and when to seek help

Most babies will have no problems taking the medicine at home. But do not hesitate to get help if you feel something is wrong with your baby. For non-urgent concerns you can call the PATCH team on 07929 797519 for advice from 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday.

Allergic reaction If your baby develops a rash (hives), swelling of their face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing (fast or noisy breathing, or struggling to breathe).   Call 999 or bring your baby to the Emergency Department immediately.
Baby is unwell  This might be if they are very sleepy or floppy, not feeding well, have fast or noisy breathing, are struggling to breathe, or have a high or low temperature.  Call 999 or bring your baby to the Emergency Department immediately.
Baby is not able to take the medicine If you have missed two doses of the medicine because your baby has vomited, or if they won't swallow the medicine.

Call the PATCH team on 07929 797519 for advice from 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday. Outside of these times, call switchboard on 01895 238282 and ask for the 'Neonatal Registrar'.
Getting help

If you have questions about the medication supplied by the hospital, you can contact the Medicines Information Pharmacist by calling 01895 238282 from Monday to Friday during working hours.

Useful resources

These resources are from the Medicines for Children website