They are strong medications that can stop some childhood infections and save children's lives. But antibiotics can cause more harm than good when they aren't used the right way. Knowing how and when your child should use antibiotics is the key to their effectiveness.
Antibiotics work in infections caused by bacteria.
Usually, antibiotics kill these bacteria or stop them from growing. However, when used incorrectly, antibiotics don't finish the job and the surviving bacteria become stronger. They become part of a new strain of bacteria that can recognize and resist the antibiotic created to destroy them. Of course, antibiotics are still a vital part of your child's medical care. But, it's important to limit their use to times when they're truly needed.