Zithromax (Azithromycin) Patient Information

Does any of this happen in your home?

• Your child has been crying all night
• Won’t eat
• Wakes up every hour or two
• Runs a fever
• Pulls at his or her ears

If so, your child may have an ear infection. Bacteria often cause this problem. Antibiotics may help, but
sometimes they don’t.You play a big role in getting your child well.The more you know about ear infections, the
better you can fight them.

What causes an ear infection?

An ear infection (also known as otitis media) begins when fluid builds up in the middle ear. (The middle ear
is the space just behind the eardrum.) When this fluid does not drain from the middle ear as it should, bacteria
often grow.These bacteria can cause an ear infection.

Why does my child keep getting them?

Your child can’t catch an ear infection from another child.BUT, if your child catches a cold from another
child, the cold can lead to an ear infection.That’s why children in day care or school get them a lot. I think my child has an ear infection.

What should I do?

If you think your child has an ear infection, call your doctor.Your doctor may write a prescription for an antibiotic. But don’t push for one, because sometimes it is not needed. Let your doctor decide. Can ear infections cause hearing loss or speech problems?

Ear infections can sometimes create a brief hearing loss.

This is because fluid builds up in the middle ear.Children learn to speak by hearing others, so an infection may
result in speech and language delays.

What are antibiotics? How do they work?

Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria.They can also stop bacteria from growing.Your doctor will decide if
your child needs an antibiotic. And if your child needs it, your doctor will decide which antibiotic is the right one.

Are antibiotics good for fighting colds?

No! They don’t work against colds or the flu. VIRUSES cause colds and the flu. Antibiotics treat BACTERIAL infections.Your doctor can tell the difference. My child feels better.

Does she need to take the rest of the doses?

Yes! Your child may start to feel better before all of the medicine doses have been taken. But the medicine is still working. If you stop early, the infection might not be gone. Give your child ALL of the medicine your doctor tells you must be taken.