- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Alesia Hanson, RPh Registered Pharmacist | ||
 |
Can you give a child too much antibiotic? Can they overdose? Will giving them more make them get well quicker?
Giving more doses or larger doses of an antibiotic than prescribed will not make a child get well quicker. One can overdose, and in most cases this will cause stomach upset and diarrhea because the antibiotic kills off the good bacteria in the GI tract. In rare occasions, the diarrhea can continue and worsen and require another antibiotic to take care of the bad bacteria that has taken over and resolve the diarrhea. Your child will recover most quickly by following the dose prescribed by his/her physician.
Related Expert Q&A
- One of my twin's head is a little misshapen. Should I be concerned? What should I do?
- What is positional molding?
- Can you give a child too much antibiotic? Can they overdose? Will giving them more make them get well quicker?
- What is the difference between generic and name brand medications?
- How do you know when you should take your child to the hospital?
More Answers by this Expert
- Are too many antibiotics, given too often, bad for my baby?
- What's the best way to give infants medicine? I'm having a hard time with my 3-month-old.
- At what age is it OK to give children aspirin?
- I am traveling soon with my child who is constantly on antibiotics. I was told that pharmacists can give me a powdered form so that I can mix it if needed while away. Is this true for all medications?
- My baby is very colicky. Is there anything over-the-counter that I can give him that may help?