Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

antibiotic reaction

33 replies

pinklemonade84 · 31/01/2019 12:25

I saw my dr yesterday due to an ear infection and he prescribed erythromycin

I started with dizziness yesterday, which I know will be down to the ear infection

I took a dose of antibiotics last night and this morning and have been vomiting loads, even bringing up little bits of blood. I can’t stand up without vomiting.

I phoned the drs and the receptionist was really off with me and said that I just have to persevere with them. She didn’t seem pleased that I said that I’ve never reacted this way to amoxicillin (which is the truth)

I don’t know what to do. I just want to get back into bed, but every time I stand, I vomit again. I’m scared as I’ve never reacted this way Sad

OP posts:
Mountainsoutofmolehills · 31/01/2019 12:27

no, this isnt ok. you need to stop taking them, and go to see your gp now. i have severe allergic reaction to antibiotics, i wouldn't be ok if i persevered, however, you are in the middle of treatment and it isn't wise to just stop them.... call 111.

Hamandcrispsandwich · 31/01/2019 12:35

I get frequent ear infections and have never reacted to Amoxicillin. However, once I saw a different GP and they prescribed Erythromycin and I had a reaction.
I had awful nausea/vomiting/dizziness etc. I could barely get out of bed. I stopped taking them and called for a GP appointment, who saw me urgently and changed them.
Had I not got a GP appointment, I would have called 111.

Erythromycin is the only antibiotic (that i've had) that I have reacted badly to.

I hope you're feeling better soon!Flowers

Madratlady · 31/01/2019 12:37

It’s not the receptionist’s job to give medical advice, call back and ask for a call from a gp. If that’s not possible call 111.

Mmmhmmm · 31/01/2019 12:38

Vomiting is a common side effect of amoxicillin.

www.rxlist.com/amoxicillin-side-effects-drug-center.htm#

Original poster
pinklemonade84 · 31/01/2019 12:43

@Mmmhmmm I’ve never reacted to amoxicillin

Oddly enough, my mum used to react exactly like this to erythromycin when she was alive

OP posts:
Iruka · 31/01/2019 12:46

Doxycycline makes me throw up, so I am not prescribed it anymore. It is apparently not an allergic reaction but there is no point giving me it as I just chuck it back up again. I called the doctor and was back in later that day and given a different AB.

wigglypiggly · 31/01/2019 12:47

Go back to your doctor, they are different antibiotics and its nothing to do with the receptionist.

Mitzimaybe · 31/01/2019 12:51

I'm properly allergic to penicillins (face and neck swell up, rash, fever of 104F.) Erythromycin makes me vomit but that's not an allergic reaction, it's just an intolerance.

The only way I could take it was to split the dose (iirc I was supposed to take two pills twice a day, so instead I took one pill four times a day) and always after eating bland food (e.g. a plain bread roll.) Also ginger biscuits / ginger tea help with nausea.

Mitzimaybe · 31/01/2019 12:54

Oh but do insist on seeing your doctor again or at least speaking to them on the phone because maybe there is another antibiotic which you can be switched to. Don't be fobbed off by the receptionist.

Mmmhmmm · 31/01/2019 12:58

Side effects and response can vary based on type of generic or brand of prescription.

I have taken a prescription for 12 years, in my home country I can take the brand of it and 1 of the 3 generic versions. I had worse side effects and medication was less effective with the other 2 generics. In the UK I responded badly to the only generic version of it available so have to be prescribed the brand.

GrandmaSharksDentures · 31/01/2019 13:01

Erythromycin can cause vomiting in some people - very effective antibiotic but really doesn't suit some individuals. Can you go back to GP & ask for something else? Shouldn't be a big deal

OutPinked · 31/01/2019 13:05

I once had a reaction like this to penicillin. I had quinsy but an out of hours GP diagnosed as severe tonsillitis and gave me that. Within an hour I was profusely vomiting and couldn’t stop, my dm rushed me to a&e and I was admitted for a week.

Anyway point is, I had been diagnosed the wrong thing and it sounds like you may have been too. Have had penicillin since and lots before that because my tonsils are shite but never reacted like that. Misdiagnosis.

Original poster
pinklemonade84 · 31/01/2019 13:06

nhs direct said I needed to see someone within 2 hours, so I’ve just phoned the drs back and got lectured that it’s a common side effect and that it’s a totally different antibiotic to amoxicillin so I’ve hung up on her because I’m upset and she’s not listening to me

OP posts:
PurpleRose01 · 31/01/2019 13:06

Had the same problem the one and only time I was prescribed Erythromycin, for an ear infection. Usually get Amoxicillin, and never have a problem with it. How dare the receptionist try to make it sound like you were making a fuss about nothing. Hope you get to see GP.

moreshitandnofuckingredemption · 31/01/2019 13:11

I can't have amoxicillin as allergic, so have been prescribed erythromycin a few times. IIRC they usually prescribe an anti-emetic with it as it's well known to cause nausea.
Not sure how you get past the evil receptionist though

Lumene · 31/01/2019 13:13

Call 111 back and ask for help finding alternative options or go to A and E. Not worth mucking about if it could be a misdiagnosis. Also complain about the receptionist once you’re better.

123sprmp · 31/01/2019 13:24

Have you been taking them on an empty stomach? I find it makes the nausea much worse if I take erythromycin on an empty stomach. I have to do the same as another poster up thread mentioned.

Musicaltheatremum · 31/01/2019 13:36

I'd sack my receptionist for gross misconduct if she told you to persevere with them! This would automatically go on the duty doctor's callback list where I work!

Original poster
pinklemonade84 · 31/01/2019 14:04

nhs direct have sent notes to the gp surgery saying that I HAVE to see someone because the antibiotics won’t be effective because of the amount that I’m being sick

OP posts:
purplemirrors · 31/01/2019 14:06

Your GPS sound awful OP

MotorcycleMayhem · 31/01/2019 14:08

Phone back and tell this receptionist she / he is not a doctor and that you insist on speaking to a GP, and make sure you get their name. Make certain you give her / his name to the doctor when you get through to one. Don't back down, you know you're right.

And make a complaint about the receptionist, it's a massive issue, and I usually defend GP receptionists.

Original poster
pinklemonade84 · 31/01/2019 14:12

Dh has phoned the surgery for me and apparently he got a shitty receptionist again who gave him attitude. Apparently the dr is aware of it and I have to wait for a call back

Once I’m better I’m complaining and moving us all to another surgery

OP posts:
CloserIAm2Fine · 31/01/2019 14:12

Not being able to stand up without vomiting isn’t just a normal side effect. If you’re vomiting so much you’re not going to be absorbing much anyway

Sorry the receptionist isn’t taking you seriously Flowers

Redcherries · 31/01/2019 14:14

These bastards are evil. A complete shock if you’ve never had them before and you do react (mt dh doesn’t at all, I have to take them daily for life and they knock me for six sometimes)

Taking them on an empty stomach works best for me, drinking loads of water, then you have to eat something dry around 20 minutes in and keep drinking water. They make your stomach empty much quicker than it would so I find having food already in me feels worse, but counteracting it as it progresses gives the stomach something to work on, keeping acid levels down with the water.

Your gp is shocking.

Violindilemma · 31/01/2019 14:20

I sympathise OP, I can’t tolerate erythromycin either and my reaction is exactly as you describe, my body just ejects it by violent vomiting, even with antiemetics I can’t keep it down.

Stand your ground and insist on a different antibiotic, clarithromycin is fine for me if your doctor wants one in that class (otherwise amoxicillin or cefalexin). Get well soon!