Amoxycillin vs. Penicillin V

[mummyh]

Just been to doc with my 3 yr old who has been diagnosed with tonsillitis. With previous infections (mostly of the ear), she's been given Amoxycillin which isn't too difficult to get her to take. This time, doc prescribed Penicillin V, which I've just given her and was clearly absolutely vile. Why would doc prescribe something different this time? (she finished a course of Amoxycillin just over a week ago for an ear infection).
Thanks

[sherrardk]

My (nearly) three year refused to take the Amoxycillin that she was prescribed last week for an ear infection so I asked for something else and was given Erythromycin. I presume that the doctors must have a preferred medicine but also have an alternative one if it doesn't work or won't be taken by the patient.

[lillylemon]

Different antibiotics are given for different infections. Ear infections - Amoxicillin, throat infections - penicillin, Chest infections - Clarithromycin or amoxicillin, skin or tissue infections - flucloxacillin, Dental infections - amoxicillin or metronidazole.

[Sqad]

lillylemon has summed it up succinctly, but there are differing organisms for each category mentioned which may require a change of antibiotic tactics.

In answer to your question......Amoxycillin is a "wide spectrum penicillin, hitting a wider range of organisms.

[anneasquith]

oh ho !!!!!!!!!

[carlton23]

He`s back......yesss.