Medicines for babies with cystic fibrosis

Flucloxacillin

This is an antibiotic which is given to protect your baby’s airway from a bacteria called staphylococcus aureus. This is a common bacteria in young children, so the antibiotic needs to be given 2 times a day for the first 2 years of their life.

If this bacteria is found on snot samples taken from up the nose, we can increase the dose of the antibiotic. It will then need to be given 4 times a day for 1 month to try to clear the bacteria from the airway. Try to give this medicine before a feed on an empty tummy.

The CF Team is currently participating in a study called CF START. This is a randomised CF Trust registry trial designed to assess the safety and efficacy of flucloxacillin as a longterm prophylaxis agent for infants with CF. The doctors will take to you about the study and whether or not you would like your child to participate.

Vitamins A, D and E

These are fat soluble vitamins. Extra doses of these are given to babies with cystic fibrosis as they are hard to digest and absorb.

• Vitamin D is important for strong bones and teeth.
• Vitamin A is needed for fighting infections, helping their vision at night and general growth and maintenance of the body.
• Vitamin E is important to maintain the function of the body’s nervous system.

Vitamins need to be given once a day and should always be taken at the same time as a feed and with enzymes. This will help them to be digested and absorbed better.

Digestive enzymes

These are very important medications as without them your baby will not be able to digest and absorb their feed and put on weight.

They should always be given with every feed.