Does your little one keep getting ear infections? If this disease keeps recurring even after giving antibiotics, it can be very annoying and distressing for a mother or father, right? So at times like these, your doctor may prescribe you a medicine called 'Xylitol'. Many people get a little nervous when they hear this name. So today, let's simply talk about what this medicine is, what it does, and what things to be careful about when using it.
What is Xylitol?
Simply put, Xylitol is a prescription medical food that is used to help prevent recurrent ear infections in young children.
Imagine, there are bacteria that cause infections inside our ears. These bacteria attach to the membranes inside the ear and settle there, causing infections. This liquid called xylitol reduces the ability of those bacteria to attach to the membranes inside the ear. Then, the bacteria cannot grow there, so the infection is reduced. You may see names like `Xylarex` as a brand name for this.
Doctors may also prescribe this medicine for other conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before starting xylitol for your child, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your child's or your condition | Reasons to inform the doctor |
|---|---|
| Chronic diarrhea | Xylitol can cause diarrhea, which can worsen an existing condition. |
| Stomach or digestive problems | This medication can cause stomach upset, so it is important to be aware of the potential problems. |
| Allergic reaction to xylitol or other medications, foods, or dyes | This is essential to prevent allergies. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | The doctor should be aware of the possible effects on the baby (if used by the mother). |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | (If used by the mother) The possibility of the drug passing to the child through breast milk should be considered. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is an oral solution. Follow the instructions on the prescription label that your doctor gives you.
Very important: Use a specially marked measuring spoon or cup to measure the medicine. Kitchen teaspoons and measuring spoons will not work. They are not accurate and may give your child an incorrect dose. If you do not have such a measuring device, ask your doctor about it.
This medicine is usually given with meals and/or after a snack . Do not give this medicine to your child more often than your doctor tells you to.
Be especially careful when giving to small children.
Doctors recommend this medicine for babies as young as 6 months in some selected cases. However, there are some things to be careful about when giving it. Therefore , be sure to talk to your pediatrician about giving this medicine to your child and get advice.
Attention: If you think your child has taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or take your child to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine is for your child only, do not give it to anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If this happens, don't panic. Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to the next dose (for example, it is within an hour or two), skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the scheduled time. Never give two doses of medicine at once, that is, do not double the dose.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medication, xylitol can cause some side effects. Let's break them down clearly.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. These are rare but serious. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome. | |
| Stomach discomfort | Stomach upset, gas, stomach pain. |
| Diarrhea or loose stools | This is the most commonly seen side effect. |
Special attention should be paid to diarrhea . If young children have persistent diarrhea, they can lose water and salts from their bodies, leading to dehydration. This is a dangerous condition. Therefore, if your child's diarrhea doesn't stop, if it's happening more often than usual, if they have symptoms like dry mouth and lips, sunken eyes, or decreased urination, tell your doctor immediately.
How should I store the medicine?
- Be sure to keep it in a place where children cannot reach it or see it .
- Keep the medicine bottle at room temperature. That is, between 15-30 degrees Celsius. Do not put it in the refrigerator.
- If the expiration date on the medicine bottle has passed, be sure to throw away any remaining medicine.
This is just a summary. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor. The advice given by the doctor who examines your child is the most accurate and important, rather than what you find on the internet.
Take-Home Message
- Xylitol is a medicine that a doctor recommends to prevent frequent ear infections in children.
- Always use the measuring spoon or cup that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use the teaspoons you have at home.
- Before starting the medication, tell the doctor about your child's other illnesses, allergies, and other medications he or she is taking.
- The most common side effect of this medication is diarrhea. If your child has severe diarrhea or shows signs of dehydration, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you notice any signs of an allergy, such as skin rashes or facial swelling, inform your doctor immediately.
- If you have any problems or concerns, the best person to resolve them is your doctor.
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