What antibiotic is first-line in the treatment of acute otitis media?

Amoxicillin is the first-line antibiotic for the treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) due to its effectiveness against the most common pathogens responsible for this condition, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. When considering antibiotic therapy for AOM, it is important to select an agent that targets these bacteria effectively while also accounting for potential resistance patterns.

Amoxicillin is favored because it is well tolerated, has a favorable dosing schedule, and is less likely to cause side effects compared to some other antibiotics. Additionally, it has a good safety profile and is often the initial choice unless there are specific concerns about allergies or previous treatment failures, which may necessitate a different approach.

In contrast to amoxicillin, other antibiotics listed are either not first-line choices for this condition or are used in more specialized circumstances. For instance, ceftriaxone is typically reserved for more complicated cases or in cases where oral antibiotics are not appropriate. Metronidazole primarily targets anaerobic bacteria and is not indicated for AOM, while doxycycline is not usually recommended in children under eight years old due to concerns regarding its effects on dental development. Therefore, the selection of amoxicillin as the first-line treatment reflects both its efficacy and