Why we recommend antibiotics for your baby
We have given your baby an intravenous (via a vein) or intramuscular (via a muscle) antibiotic to treat a suspected infection.
Our investigations and clinical exam suggest your baby is now well enough to continue treatment at home, if you give them this antibiotic by mouth (orally).
The antibiotic is called amoxicillin.
Important
Your baby must finish the complete course of antibiotic, even if they look well.
This is to make sure their infection is treated fully and successfully.
Keep the antibiotic in your fridge, out of the reach of children.
Giving oral (by mouth) antibiotics
We usually give a dose of amoxicillin 3 times a day. These doses should be spaced evenly throughout the day, approximately 6 hours apart.
We will prescribe a suitable dose for your baby. You can read about the dose on the medicine label.
To give your baby their dose, do the following.
- Shake the bottle well.
- Measure the correct dose using the syringe provided.
- Make sure you hold your baby in a comfortable position.
- Place the tip of the syringe inside your baby’s mouth, between the gums and inside their cheek.
- Slowly release the medicine into their mouth.
- Make sure you allow time for your baby to swallow.
Clean the syringe after use by taking it apart and washing it in warm soapy water. Leave it to dry before the next dose.
When to give antibiotics
It can be helpful to match the antibiotic medicine to your baby's feeding schedule.
Try to give it to them just before you feed them (when they are slightly hungry).
If your baby is bottle fed, you can also mix the medicine with 10ml of milk before giving them the rest of their feed.
Make sure you give your baby the whole dose. Do not add the dose to a bottle that is already full.
It is safe to give the medicine before, during or after a feed, so do what works for you and your baby.
If your baby vomits after a dose
Small vomits
Small milky vomits are normal. You do not need to repeat the dose.
Your baby will have taken enough of the medicine for it to work.
Large vomits
If your baby has a large vomit less than 30 minutes after taking the medicine, give them a full dose again.
If your baby has a large vomit more than 30 minutes after taking the medicine, do not give them another dose. Wait 6 hours and give them the next dose, as normal.
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Contact your midwife if your baby cannot keep down more than 2 doses in a row. They will assess your baby and decide if they need to be reviewed in hospital. |
Unused antibiotics
Do not save your antibiotics for future illnesses. Your local pharmacy can dispose of them for you.
Do not give your antibiotics to anyone else, because this may harm them.
Side effects
Amoxicillin is considered safe for newborns.
Some babies can experience side effects such as vomiting and diarrhoea. These symptoms usually pass quickly.
Signs of allergic reaction
Take your baby to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E) or call 999 immediately if your baby develops any of the following:
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- swelling to the face, lips or tongue
- a rash.
These signs may indicate they are allergic to amoxicillin.
When to seek medical help
If you are worried about your baby, make an urgent GP appointment or attend your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).
Signs to look out for include:
- difficulty breathing, including rapid breathing or grunting
- unusually tired, floppy or less alert
- difficulty feeding, including not waking for feeds or not tolerating feeds
- diarrhoea that lasts more than 4 days or is severe, watery or contains blood
- change to skin colour
- high or low temperature.
More information
Medicines for Children on amoxicillin for bacterial infections
Contact information
Kingston Hospital Neonatal Unit Reception, Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm