Question

Which antibiotic is contraindicated for the treatment of infections in infants and young children? A. Tetracyn (tetracycline) B. Amoxil (amoxicillin) C. Cefotan (cefotetan) D. E-Mycin (erythromycin)

Short answer

Answer: A. Tetracyn (tetracycline)

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Option A

Tetracyn (tetracycline) is an antibiotic that is contraindicated for the treatment of infections in infants and young children due to the potential for causing permanent teeth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia.

Evaluate Option B

Amoxil (amoxicillin) is a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of infections in infants and young children and is generally considered safe in this age group.

Evaluate Option C

Cefotan (cefotetan) is a cephalosporin antibiotic that can be used to treat infections in infants and young children, generally considered safe in this age group.

Evaluate Option D

E-Mycin (erythromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic that can be used to treat infections in infants and young children and is generally considered safe in this age group.

Identify the contraindicated antibiotic

After evaluating each option, it becomes clear that the antibiotic contraindicated for the treatment of infections in infants and young children is Tetracyn (tetracycline). Therefore, the correct answer is: A. Tetracyn (tetracycline)

Key concepts

Contraindicated Medications

Contraindicated medications are those that are not recommended for use in a particular group of patients due to potential risks. In infants and young children, certain medications can be harmful because their bodies are still developing. Tetracycline is one such medication that is contraindicated for this age group. This means it should not be used because of the risk of causing permanent damage, such as teeth discoloration and developmental issues. When prescribing medications, healthcare providers must consider these risks and select safer alternatives.

Infant Healthcare

Infant healthcare involves special care and considerations because infants are in a critical phase of growth and development. Administering medications to infants must be done with caution. Pediatricians assess the safety and efficacy of drugs before recommending them. Safe antibiotics are prioritized that effectively treat infections without causing harm to the child's developing systems. For instance, amoxicillin is a common choice as it is typically safe and well-tolerated by the very young. Regular check-ups and monitoring are essential aspects of ensuring optimal infant healthcare.

Antibiotic Safety

Antibiotic safety is crucial, especially when treating young patients. The goal is to use antibiotics that effectively address infections with minimal side effects. It's important to choose antibiotics that do not negatively impact the child's future health.

• Avoid drugs with known severe side effects
• Choose antibiotics based on the infection type and patient age
• Utilize safe dosing practices

Doctors must balance treating infections with avoiding potential long-term harm. Medication history and allergies should also be considered to prevent adverse reactions.

Tetracycline Risks

Tetracycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, presents significant risks when given to infants and young children. The primary concern with tetracycline is its potential to cause permanent teeth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia. This is because tetracycline can bind to calcium ions, affecting tooth and bone development. Additionally, it can interfere with overall growth in children. These risks make it unsuitable for young patients, prompting healthcare providers to seek alternative, safer antibiotics.