0920-0572 Anthrax Antibiotics & Children Fact Sheet

Form Approved
OMB Control No.: 0920-0572
Expiration date: 08/31/2021

ATTACHMENT 5:
ANTHRAX ANTIBIOTICS AND CHILDREN FACT
SHEET

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Antibiotics and Children:

How to Protect Your Child from Anthrax
During this emergency, your child needs to take antibiotics to prevent getting sick with anthrax. Anthrax can be
deadly. Anyone who may have come in contact with anthrax, including children, needs to start taking antibiotics
right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. All antibiotics given at points of dispensing (PODs) are free.

Early symptoms of anthrax may look like the flu — fever, cough, nausea,
or vomiting. These symptoms can quickly get worse.
If your child suddenly develops any of these symptoms,
get medical care immediately:
*Confusion
*Dizziness

*Trouble breathing
*Blurred vision

*Convulsions or Seizures
*Severe stomach pain

Your child will get the right antibiotic for them, based on their medical history
• If your child is taking doxycycline and has trouble swallowing pills, visit CDC’s website for pill crushing
instructions: www.cdc.gov/anthrax/medical-care/doxy-crushing-instruction-pamphlet.html
• If your child is taking ciprofloxacin, do not let your child crush, chew, or split the tablets.
• Give your child antibiotics as directed, even if they do not feel sick.
• Keep giving your child antibiotics, even if there are mild side effects. Your child may feel uncomfortable while
taking antibiotics, but anthrax is much worse. Serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction, are rare.

If your child has any of these signs of a severe reaction, get medical care right away:
• Trouble breathing

• Trouble swallowing

• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue

While your child is on antibiotics:
• Your child may feel bad while taking the antibiotics. This is normal. Your child may have nausea, vomiting,
or diarrhea.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if they have diarrhea.
• Your child’s skin may be sensitive to sunlight while taking antibiotics.

If your child misses a dose, give it to them as soon as you remember, and then continue to give
them the medication on schedule.
For additional information, contact CDC at 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or visit www.cdc.gov/anthrax.

Your state health department
information

CS313335-A