Expert: Moshe Adler, MD - 2/7/2005

Question
hello,
I'm concerned about my son who is 2 years and 10 months old (he will be 3 in April). He weights only 12 kg and length 90.5 cm. Since september he started to complain about his left ear. The nurse gave him some antibiotic Amoxycilyn (to take 1 week) then after 3 or 4 weeks I send him in A&E because he cried so much about the same ear. they gave him again the same amocycilin. after 3 weeks gp saw him and gave me some drops for the ears which the other doctor didn't agree so I didn't use those drops and now again last week he complained about earache and Gp gave him antibiotic ERYTHROMICYN. I still have another 2 days to give this medication but I just don't feel that it's helpig him. He is not eating properly since October last year, He lost some weight, which he hardly put on and he is touching his ear all the time. And this time he had a temperature as well. He doesn't have any discharge or anything from his ear. So can you please tell me what should I do or try,what can be wrong or is there any other medication that I should talk with  my doctor about. I am very worried about him. Thank you in advance

Ibadete (the mother)

Answer
Amoxicillin usually works very well for ear infections, but the dose was increased quite a bit a few years ago.  If he did not get the higher dose (90 mg/kg per day), then he should get the same medication, at the higher dose.  If it was the higher dose, the next medicine I usually try is Augmentin.  Augmentin, Omnicef, Ceftin, Vantin and Rocephin are probably the most effective for ear infections.  Those are the ones I would ask your doctor about.  

Moshe Adler, MD