Infections

What antibiotics are given to HIV infected children?

Children aged under 18 months who test HIV positive or have been exposed to HIV should receive prophylactic cotrimoxazole to reduce the risk of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. They should remain on prophylactic cotrimoxazole after discharge until their infective state is known. For children who are known to be HIV-infected and antiretroviral treatment is unavailable, prophylactic cotrimoxazole should be continued indefinitely. If the child is on antiretroviral therapy after discharge, stop cotrimoxazole when clinical or immunological indicators confirm that the immune system has been restored for at least 6 months.

In areas with high HIV prevalence, many children need prophylactic cotrimoxazole. So it is better to give amoxicillin for treating hidden infections in children with no complications, and keep cotrimoxazole for prophylaxis.

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