why children lose their hearing and what we can do 195
Treating ear infections
To treat sudden (acute) ear infections
For pain and fever:
• give paracetamol (acetaminophen) by mouth
3 to 4 times a day as needed.
age 3 months to 1 year ��������������������� 60 to 120 mg
age 1 to 5 years ��������������������������������� 120 to 250 mg
age 6 to 12 years ������������������������������� 250 to 500 mg
or
• give ibuprofen by mouth.
age 1 to 2 years ��������������������������������� 50 mg, 3 to 4 times a day
age 3 to 7 years ��������������������������������� 100 mg, 3 to 4 times a day
age 8 to 12 years ������������������������������� 200 mg, 3 to 4 times a day
Note: Do not give ibuprofen to children younger than 1 year old or
who weigh less than 7 kg.
For the infection:
• give amoxicillin by mouth, for 3 to 10 days.
age less than 3 years ������������������������� 125 mg, 3 times a day
age 3 years or more �������������������������� 250 mg, 3 times a day
or
• give amoxicillin with clavulanic acid as syrup (preferably sugar-free)
by mouth, for 5 days.
age less than 6 years ������������������������� 125 mg, 3 times a day.
(If syrup is not available give half a 250 mg tablet,
3 times a day.)
age 6 to 12 years ������������������������������� 250 mg with 3 times a day.
(If syrup is not available give one 250 mg tablet,
3 times a day.)
When will
he feel
better?
The ibuprofen will
help his pain right
away while the
antibiotic treats his
infection over the
next week.
Make sure you
give all the
antibiotic or the
infection may
come back.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)