biostudies-literatureUnknown41(12)Csonka P<h4>Aim</h4>This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic prescriptions for children with otitis media (OM) in a large nationwide network of private clinics between 2014 and 2020. Special focus was paid to amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid prescriptions, which the national guidelines recommend for first-line drugs. We also focused on macrolides, which are commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections in children but are not appropriate for OM cases.<h4>Methods</h4>The data were obtained from the electronic health records of about 250,000 annual visits in <18 years old children. The collected variables were all diagnoses, age, visit year, doctor's specialty, and prescribed antibiotics. Children with OM and upper respiratory tract infections were included, but those with lower resThe Pediatric infectious disease journal947-952https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9645548biostudies-literatureOutpatient Antibiotic Prescribing for 357,390 Children With Otitis Media.PMC9645548Csonka PHuhtala HPalmu SKorppi MHeikkila PfalseOutpatient Antibiotic Prescribing for 357,390 Children With Otitis Media.<h4>Aim</h4>This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic prescriptions for children with otitis media (OM) in a large nationwide network of private clinics between 2014 and 2020. Special focus was paid to amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid prescriptions, which the national guidelines recommend for first-line drugs. We also focused on macrolides, which are commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections in children but are not appropriate for OM cases.<h4>Methods</h4>The data were obtained from the electronic health records of about 250,000 annual visits in <18 years old children. The collected variables were all diagnoses, age, visit year, doctor's specialty, and prescribed antibiotics. Children with OM and upper respiratory tract infections were included, but those with lower res2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Dec2025-04-04T19:27:28.869Z2025-04-04T19:27:28.869ZS-EPMC96455483610274210.1097/INF.0000000000003693