Antibiotics used for whooping cough

A clinician chooses the medicine according to age, pregnancy, allergies, other medicines and local prescribing guidance. Antibiotics may not quickly stop an established cough because airway irritation can continue after the bacteria have been controlled.

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a bacterial respiratory infection. Treatment is most useful early in the illness, but it may also be prescribed later to limit transmission or protect people at greater risk after exposure.

Coughing bouts can persist while inflamed airways recover. Finishing the prescribed course helps treat the infection as intended; leftover antibiotics or medicine prescribed for someone else may be unsuitable.

Follow the label exactly and ask a pharmacist how to handle a missed dose. Tell the prescriber about previous antibiotic reactions, pregnancy, liver problems and all regular medicines before starting treatment.

Rest, drink fluids and avoid smoke or other airway irritants. Follow the clinician's advice about staying away from school, work or vulnerable contacts, because infectiousness depends on treatment timing and the stage of illness.

Seek urgent medical help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, collapse, confusion, or a baby who is struggling to feed. These warning signs require assessment regardless of whether antibiotics have started.

Get prompt advice if symptoms worsen, fluids cannot be kept down, or fever accompanies marked drowsiness. Emergency care is needed for facial or throat swelling, wheezing, or breathing trouble after a dose, as these can signal a serious allergic reaction.

Ask which antibiotic is appropriate, how long it should be taken, which side effects merit a call, and when normal activities can resume. If someone vulnerable shares the home, ask whether close contacts need assessment, preventive antibiotics or vaccination review.