Pneumonia - Medications

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Treatment of RSV in Children. Ribavarin is the first treatment approved for RSV pneumonia, although it has only modest benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this drug for children who are at high risk for serious complications of RSV.

Side Effects of Antibiotics

Most antibiotics have the following side effects (although specific antibiotics may have other side effects or fewer of the standard ones):

• Allergic reactions (most commonly with medications derived from penicillin or sulfa). These reactions can range from mild skin rashes to rare but severe -- even life-threatening -- anaphylactic shock.
• Infection with Clostridium difficile, the bacteria responsible for causing severe diarrhea, inflammation of the colon (colitis), and abdominal pain (with overuse of antibiotics). This condition can be fatal.
• Interactions with certain drugs, including some over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Patients should inform their physician of all medications and OTC preparations they are taking and of any drug allergies they might have.
• Stomach problems (most common side effect).
• Vaginal infections. Taking acidophilus supplements or eating yogurt with active acidophilius cultures may help restore healthy bacteria that reduce the risk for such infections.

Review Date: 04/13/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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