Should we continue with the antibiotics?

[SavoirFaire]

DD is 14mo and on antibiotics for a recurring ear infection - augmentin. She's taken 4 times and has vomited an hour after every dose - quite badly. Should we continue to give her the antibiotics? Have called NHS direct who said they'd get our out of hours doctor to call us 'within the hour' - that was 4 hours ago. We're not sure what we should do for next dose tomorrow morning. Any ideas?

[dikkertjedap]

Not finishing a course could result in antibiotics resistance, so is not recommended.

Augmentin must have been prescribed for a good reason, as in most cases ear infections are not treated with antibiotics. I would therefore keep giving it unless told otherwise by GP.

Has she had augmentin before?

[XBenedict]

Doesn't sound like she's tolerating them does it poor little thing. Hopefully you'll get a call soon and get her on some different antibiotics. I know you are supposed to complete the course but as she's not tolerating them I would stop.

Was she being sick before you started the antibiotics?

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

I think I would stop them and take to ooh first thing in morning for an alternative. :(

[SavoirFaire]

She hasn't had augmentin before, wasn't being sick before taking this medicine and it really does seem to be linked - she is fine otherwise. She was prescribed Aug because amoxicillin didn't knock an ear infection on the head a few weeks ago. I know not finishing a course of antibiotics is bad news in terms of resistance but I would have also thought giving a 1 yr old something that you know is going to make her sick is also bad news. Which is why we called NHSdirect... I gues ooh tomorrow is inevitable. Thanks.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

Augmentin is a penicillin antibiotic is their any history of allergy in your family?

[SavoirFaire]

Not really and I don't think she can be allergic as she has had amoxicillin before. Vomiting is listed as a side effect of augmentin, but I can't find any advice on whether you should continue to take if vomiting (particularly for such young children).

[XBenedict]

She's not allergic just not tolerating it. My DD is the same with Augmentin, throws it up within a hour of taking it. As you say it's a known side effect. I hate it when they're ill

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

I wouldn't have thought she would have absorbed much of it if she's been sick within an hour to be honest :( it can be notoriously harsh on the GI tract . I hope you can speak to someone first thing as there must be an alternative poor little baby :(

[SavoirFaire]

Thanks. XBenedict - does gp prescribe
Something different for your DD if she doesn't tolerate augmentin or do you just had to go along with the vomit...?

[XBenedict]

We were prescribed something different can't remember what though. I'm sure your GP or the OOH GP will put through another prescription. i hope she gets better soon.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

Did u get an alternative ? :)

[SavoirFaire]

Got something from ooh. Will have to see if it makes a difference. Thanks.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

Really hope your dd tolerates it better. :)

[XBenedict]

Is she keeping this one down? Hope she gets better soon