Penicillin

[Lauren2103]

My little boy (14 months) was prescribed penicillin today for possible scarlet fever. This is to be taken 4 times a day on an empty stomach for the next 10 days.

I stupidly forgot to ask the doctor before we left due to my son screaming during the check up so I just rushed out to settle him.. But how often do I need to space this? I know every 6 hours makes it even but his awake times are usually 7am - 7.30/8pm so doing 6 hours would mean having to wake him during the night? Does anyone have any medical knowledge and know if a slightly smaller dose time is still effective? Giving him medicine is an absolute battle so giving him during the night is likely to fully wake him up as it can take a good 15 mins to get 5ml into him with a lot of crying and fighting.

Also, his first dose today was at 6.30pm as our appointment was late so how does that work with the 10 days as he obviously won’t get the full 4 times a day dosage today?

Sorry if this is a stupid question but I can’t seem to get my head around how to space the doses.

thanks

Keep giving him doses until you have run out, doesn’t matter that it’s not full days at the start and end.

Not sure what the official guidance but being realistic I always gave it when I could, so before breakfast, before lunch, before tea and before bed. They always recovered and it’s hard getting antibiotics into kids sometimes so I just did whatever I could! A pharmacist can advise tomorrow though if you don’t get any better replies on here

Yeah as above, four doses in waking hours and if it wasn't around food that was a bonus but I didn't/couldn't stick to that.