Adverse effects of antibiotics

The adverse effects caused by antibiotics and the interactions between other drugs based on the results of clinical studies on children recently conducted in Japan, as well as the results of previous studies in the literature were reviewed. Adverse effects of β-lactam, macrolide and azalide antibiotics commonly observed in children included gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and loose stool, and hypersensitivity such as rash and fever. The incidences were 1-6% and 0.2-1.6%, respectively. Eosinophilia, thrombocytosis, and elevation of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase were common abnormal laboratory findings. Although many of the antibiotics used in children are relatively safe, cautions should be given because developing children tend to have adverse effects unique or common in children, in addition to those commonly seen in adults.