Child Prescribed With Antibiotic And Steroid. Side Effect?

Posted on Wed, 13 Mar 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 Answered on

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My son is 1yr 9months. This is the first time he has been prescribed an antibiotic (Novamox) and a steroid (Betnesol) for his cough. What are the normal side effects of antibiotics and steroid.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (2 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

Antibiotics have several side effects. But some times they are required to be used. Side effects of antibiotics depend on the antibiotic used.

Novamox is a very commonly used antibiotic with few side effects. Do not worry.
It can cause a allergic reaction. Rashes, itching, breathing difficulty etc occur. Nausea and vomiting are seen rarely.
A common side effect we routinely see in our practice is loose motions. But do not worry they subside on their own.
Prolonged antibiotic usage may result in fungal infections.

Steroids cause certain side effects particularly if they are used for prolonged period of time. A short course of steroid like in a case of bronchial asthma may not be associated with much problems.
Prolonged steroid usage can cause weight gain, fluid retention, high blood pressure, altered sugar levels, infections (as steroids reduce bodies resistance to infections), etc.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar