What should you know about antibiotics for whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is caused by bacteria. Treatment is most useful early in the illness, before repeated coughing bouts are firmly established. Once the airways have become irritated, coughing can persist after the bacteria have been treated. This does not by itself mean that the medicine has failed.

A clinician may also prescribe antibiotics to certain close contacts to reduce onward transmission. The appropriate medicine depends on age, pregnancy, allergies, other medicines and medical history. Antibiotics do not treat viral coughs, so assessment matters when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Take the prescribed antibiotic exactly as directed and complete the course unless the prescriber tells you to stop. If a dose is missed, follow the medicine label or ask a pharmacist rather than doubling the next dose. Report a new rash, severe diarrhoea, persistent vomiting or other suspected reaction promptly.

Limit close contact with babies, pregnant people and anyone medically vulnerable until a clinician says the infectious period has passed. Rest, drink fluids in small frequent amounts and avoid smoke or strong fumes that trigger coughing. Vaccination remains important because previous infection or antibiotic treatment does not replace recommended immunisation.

Seek urgent medical help for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, marked breathing difficulty, a seizure, unusual drowsiness, confusion or inability to keep fluids down. Babies with suspected whooping cough need prompt clinical assessment, even if coughing seems mild, because breathing pauses may occur without a typical whoop.

Contact a clinician promptly if coughing fits are worsening, fever develops, chest pain appears, dehydration is suspected or the prescribed medicine cannot be taken. Emergency symptoms should be assessed immediately rather than waiting to see whether antibiotics improve them.

Ask how the diagnosis will be confirmed, whether close contacts need preventive treatment, when normal contact with others can resume, and what to do if a dose is vomited. Also mention pregnancy, medicine allergies, heart rhythm problems and every prescription, non-prescription or herbal product being taken so the clinician can check for interactions.