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 rece ntly conducted in Japan, as well as the results of previous studies in the literature were reviewed. Adverse effects of beta-lactam, macroli de and azalide antibiotics commonly observed in children included gast rointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and loose stool, and hypersensi tivity such as rash and fever. The incidences were 1-6% and 0.2-1.6%, respectively. Eosinophilia, thrombocytosis, and elevation of serum glu tamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transami nase were common abnormal laboratory findings. Although many of the an tibiotics used in childen are relatively safe, cautions should be give n because developing children tend to have adverse effects unique or c ommon in children, in addition to those commonly seen in adults.