Final answer:
The first-line treatment for acute otitis media in children is high-dose amoxicillin, although alternatives like macrolides and cephalosporins may be used if necessary. Vaccination is also an important preventative strategy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first-line treatment for acute otitis media (AOM) in children is high-dose amoxicillin. This is due to its efficacy in treating the most common bacterial causes of AOM, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Moraxella catarrhalis. AOM is a common infection leading to earaches, especially in children ages 3 months to 3 years, and it frequently results in antibiotic prescriptions. For patients allergic to amoxicillin or in cases where there is increasing antibiotic resistance, alternatives such as macrolides and cephalosporins may be considered. Additionally, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and influenza vaccination can reduce the incidence of AOM, as they prevent infections from certain pathogens that can lead to secondary AOM infections.