Question
How should erythromycin capsules be taken for a 19-month-old baby weighing 18 pounds?
Answer
Erythromycin capsules are a type of macrolide antibiotic, and for pediatric use, the dosage must be calculated based on the baby’s weight. Typically, the medication instructions suggest a dosage of 7.5 to 12.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken four times a day for children. However, due to the possibility of gastrointestinal discomfort such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or abdominal pain caused by these antibiotics, it is recommended that the baby take the medication after meals or use medications like atropine combinations to alleviate side effects. To minimize side effects, it is suggested that the baby take the medication twice a day, with the recommended dose possibly being half a packet each time. Additionally, please note that whether erythromycin capsules are still available for use in Taiwan needs to be further verified through medical information checks.