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Can I cetrizine hydrochloride, prednisolone and Amoxicillin to a 12 year old?
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Pediatric Medicine
Question #22375
30 days ago
70

Can I cetrizine hydrochloride, prednisolone and Amoxicillin to a 12 year old? - #22375

Chanchal

My sister has throat pain and headache and it's kind of difficult to breath. These are the symptoms as of now but she had nose blocked with mucus and cough with phlegm for like a month or 2 now we went to doc and he gave her nebulizer treatment and it did got better but now it has started again and I went to take medicine today from a nearby medicine store and the guy gave cetrizine hydrochloride and caffeine tablets, prednisolone 10mg tablets and Amoxicillin capsules (ALMOX - 250) tablets and said give one each of them morning and evening. Are these tablets fine?? Should I give her or not??

Age: 20
Throat pain
Headache
Cough
Blocked nose
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors' responses

It’s important to be cautious when administering medication, especially in children. Let’s break down what each of these medications does to assess their appropriateness for your sister’s symptoms. Cetirizine is an antihistamine, typically used to treat allergy symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing but is generally safe for short-term use. If her symptoms are related to allergies, cetirizine could help. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation and is sometimes used for respiratory issues, but it should be used under a doctor’s supervision, especially in children, due to potential side effects and the need for correct dosing. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It should not be used unless a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, as inappropriate use can lead to antibiotic resistance. Your sister’s symptoms might be due to a viral infection or asthma, in which case antibiotics won’t help. Difficulty breathing and persistent cough should prompt a careful re-evaluation of her condition by a healthcare professional. It’s crucial to have a clear diagnosis first. Since she’s been having symptoms for a while and they’re recurring, I recommend contacting her doctor before starting these medications to ensure they’re necessary and properly dosed. If she experiences increased difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention, as this may require urgent care. Remember, over-the-counter advice is no substitute for professional medical evaluation, especially with worsening or persistent symptoms.

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
27 days ago
5

Hello Chanchal It’s concerning to hear about your sister’s symptoms, especially with throat pain, headache, and difficulty breathing. Given her history of blocked nose, cough with phlegm, and the recent recurrence of symptoms, it’s important to approach this carefully.

Medications Overview 1. Cetirizine Hydrochloride: This is an antihistamine that can help with allergy symptoms and nasal congestion. It can be helpful if her symptoms are allergy-related. 2. Caffeine Tablets: Caffeine can sometimes be included in medications to enhance the effect of pain relievers, but it’s not typically a standalone treatment for respiratory issues. 3. Prednisolone: This is a corticosteroid that can reduce inflammation. It may be appropriate for her symptoms, especially if there’s significant inflammation in the airways. 4. Amoxicillin (ALMOX - 250): This is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It should only be given if a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed.

Recommendations - Consult a Doctor: Before starting these medications, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional, especially since your sister is experiencing difficulty breathing. They can confirm whether these medications are appropriate for her current condition. - Monitor Symptoms: If her breathing difficulty worsens, or if she experiences any severe symptoms (like wheezing, chest tightness, or significant distress), seek medical attention immediately.

Bottom Line While the medications suggested may be appropriate in some cases, it’s crucial to have a healthcare provider evaluate her condition to ensure the right treatment. If you have any doubts, it’s always safer to consult a doctor before administering new medications.

Yes for now you can give but monitor her symptoms regularly.

Thank you and get well soon

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Dr. Nirav Jain
I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.
25 days ago
5

Hello Chanchal, thank you for sharing your concern. The medicine store person is not qualified and knowledgeable enough to prescribe you medicines. And such advise might do more harm than benefit. My advise would be to visit the same doctor again (if he/she is a certified doctor), and tell him/her that there is not relief, they will guide you further. Give Cetirizine. But don’t give prednisolone and Amoxicillin without a certified doctor’s advice.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine

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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
27 days ago
5

Your sister’s symptoms — recurrent throat pain, headache, breathing discomfort, long-standing nasal blockage with mucus, and phlegmy cough — most likely point to a chronic upper respiratory condition such as allergic rhinitis with sinusitis or post-nasal drip, possibly with airway irritation. The temporary relief after nebulization supports this.

However, the medicines given by the medical store should NOT be started blindly.

About the medicines given:

Cetirizine + caffeine: Cetirizine is okay for allergy, but caffeine is unnecessary and can worsen anxiety, palpitations, or headache.

Prednisolone (steroid): Should NOT be started without a doctor’s prescription. Steroids can suppress immunity and worsen infections if used incorrectly.

Amoxicillin 250 mg: Antibiotics should only be used if a bacterial infection is confirmed. Long mucus/cough is often allergic or viral, where antibiotics will not help.

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Dr. Alan Reji
I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.
27 days ago
5

Because she has difficulty breathing, you should not start these medicines without a doctor’s review—especially prednisolone (steroid) and antibiotics, which should never be given based only on a pharmacy suggestion. Amoxicillin 250 mg twice daily may be under-dosed, steroids can mask serious infection, and cetirizine+caffeine won’t address a possible sinus/chest infection or asthma-like relapse; mixing all three without diagnosis isn’t safe. What to do now: if breathing feels tight, wheezy, or worsening, go to emergency care immediately; otherwise see a physician/ENT or pulmonologist urgently (in-person) to reassess lungs/sinuses and prescribe the correct treatment.

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Dr. Bharat Joshi
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26 days ago
5

Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems purulent bronchitis along with suppurative infection. I am in support of all the medication since the child requires Antibiotic Anti allergic Anti-inflammatory medication However for prednisolone please get exact dose recommendation from concerned physician only. In addition avoid Curd Ice cream Fast food Hopefully you recover soon Regards

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