http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/814301?src=wnl_edit_specol&uac=61764CK
Above is a Medscape article from the CDC regarding how to safely fine tune your antibiotics (both when to use and doses). Note if the link is wonky, I highly suggest you simply register with Medscape as they keep a useful urgent care pearl about every 6 weeks, at least based on casual following.
Now before you roll your eyes about "another article about how antibiotics are the Satan and Apocalypse of otitis media" let me say I do have empathy for the medical provider who is tired of being the "conscience of the world". We all know the real world scenario that the government CDC "suits"-who have no patient contact- miss. Your typical urgent care otitis media is a single mom who has been told to "go home and pound sand" by their pediatrician once or even twice. Tired due to 3 nights of lost sleep and about to get fired from her job due to poor performance and not enough sick days, she demandingly comes into urgent care on Day 3 to 5 of the infection. As such, this article has some pearls on use and indications.
My favorite was tip #3, where it honed in on the proper duration of antibiotic therapy to lessen the amount of resistance. For children 2 or younger with "severe infections" use a 10 day therapy. For pediatric patients 2-5 years old, aim for 7 days. Lastly, for children 6 years old or more, squeeze by with a 5-7 day duration of therapy.
The fact that OM is still the #1 reason for pediatric antibiotics in this country proves the discord from the academics and society. Use the tips to soothe parents and minimize the chance of antibiotic harm.
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