Antibiotics for Bordetella pertussis

Treatment started early in the illness can lessen its course. Once repeated coughing fits are established, irritation and airway effects may continue after the bacteria are controlled. A clinician selects the medicine using age, pregnancy, allergies, other medicines, and local prescribing guidance.

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a contagious bacterial respiratory infection. It may begin with a runny nose, mild fever, and ordinary cough before bouts of forceful coughing develop. A whoop is not present in every case. Babies may have pauses in breathing, feeding difficulty, colour change, or reduced responsiveness instead of a typical cough.

Because the infection spreads through respiratory droplets, household members and other close contacts may need assessment even if they feel well. Preventive antibiotics are considered according to their exposure and vulnerability, and vaccination history is reviewed separately because antibiotics do not create vaccine protection.

Take every dose as prescribed and contact the prescriber if vomiting prevents the medicine staying down. Rest, drink frequent fluids, avoid smoke and strong fumes, and use smaller feeds for a child who coughs during meals. Cough medicines should not be given to a young child unless a clinician specifically recommends one.

Follow public-health or clinical advice about staying away from school, work, childcare, and vulnerable people. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, infants, or anyone with serious health conditions in the household so close-contact plans are not delayed.

Call emergency services for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips or skin, severe breathing difficulty, a seizure, collapse, or inability to wake normally. A baby with suspected pertussis needs urgent medical assessment, particularly with poor feeding, fewer wet nappies, colour change, or unusual tiredness.

Seek prompt review when coughing fits are worsening, fluids cannot be kept down, dehydration is developing, chest pain occurs, fever returns, or the person seems increasingly unwell. Do not wait for a whooping sound before seeking care when breathing or alertness is affected.

Ask how the diagnosis will be confirmed, when the person can return to shared settings, and which close contacts require assessment. Confirm what to do after a missed or vomited dose, which side effects need advice, whether vaccination needs updating, and what breathing or feeding changes should prompt emergency care.