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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

WIBU to stop taking these antibiotics?

14 replies

terracottapot · 30/07/2020 09:38

I've been given antibiotics by the doctor as I had an insect bite that wasn't healing and looking a bit iffy.

Been taking them for a day and a half, and I now have the most appalling upset stomach. I've had to phone work and tell them I can't go in today. I don't think I can carry on like this for another week. At the moment I'm waiting for a call back from the GP which is likely to be later this afternoon.

I really really don't want to take the next dose that I should have taken already this morning. The insect bite is looking better. Should I leave it, or take the pill and suffer the consequences?

OP posts:
KeepingPlain · 30/07/2020 09:40

Really you're meant to finish the whole dosage of antibiotics. But if you're that ill you should maybe be phoning 111 to get help quicker.

Original poster
terracottapot · 30/07/2020 09:44

I don't feel ill, I just have liquid diarrhoea, and I can't afford to take time off work for the next week.

I know that you are supposed to finish a course once you've started, and I'm waiting for a call back from the doctor as I said, it's really do I take the next dose or not?

OP posts:
KeepingPlain · 30/07/2020 09:48

Oh that's a common side effect im afraid. Your doctor will probably tell you to keep taking them.

Check the side effects list from them. But you're only supposed to stop taking them if you get anything other than like vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating etc. You should still take the dose you're meant to have this morning.

WentworthPrison · 30/07/2020 10:06

What kind of work do you do? Could you put up with it for the rest of the dose? I went on holiday the last time I was on ABs. I had such a dodgy stomach and I managed. I just had to be more mindful where toilets were.

Runmybathforme · 30/07/2020 10:14

You have my sympathy. I’ve been in the same position. I stopped taking them because my bum was so sore , felt like it was on fire, too sore to even wipe properly. Just constant liquid shooting out ( sorry TMI ). I was fine as it turned out. However, I’m a medic and frequently strongly advise patients that they absolutely must complete the course. Lol, complete hypocrite.

Original poster
terracottapot · 30/07/2020 10:15

@WentworthPrison

What kind of work do you do? Could you put up with it for the rest of the dose? I went on holiday the last time I was on ABs. I had such a dodgy stomach and I managed. I just had to be more mindful where toilets were.
Work is a half hour drive away. No toilets to speak of on the way.

And I do know that diarrhoea can be a side effect, it says so on the leaflet which I already read. But I've had all manner of other makes of antibiotics before, and none of them have affected my guts like these particular one have.

OP posts:
Winter2020 · 30/07/2020 10:28

I took flucloxacillin for an insect bite and from then and for months/probably a year after I had to go to the toilet urgently when I needed to go and it had no solids (sorry TMI). So I would say stop taking them straight away - I wish I had. I have never been right since and have to minimise dairy or have urgent and loose stools. If you still need antibiotics ask for a different one.

LtJudyHopps · 30/07/2020 10:40

Please finish them. I had an iffy bite a few months ago it ended up massive and I now have a scar. If I’d got antibiotics sooner it may not have left a scar.
Are you ensuring you take them on an empty stomach? I imagine it’s fluxocillan(?) and if I took too soon after food they made me feel sick.

Original poster
terracottapot · 30/07/2020 10:54

@LtJudyHopps

Please finish them. I had an iffy bite a few months ago it ended up massive and I now have a scar. If I’d got antibiotics sooner it may not have left a scar. Are you ensuring you take them on an empty stomach? I imagine it’s fluxocillan(?) and if I took too soon after food they made me feel sick.
The bite was already getting better on its own before I even started taking the pills, the antibiotics were only a precaution because I once had cellulitis so the GP suggested it.

They aren't taken on an empty stomach, you take them just before or with a meal. It's Co-Amoxiclav.

OP posts:
Original poster
terracottapot · 30/07/2020 14:28

Just had a phone consultation with GP, he said stop taking those and he is giving me a prescription for some different ones.

OP posts:
MaxNormal · 30/07/2020 14:35

I think people misunderstand the advice around antibiotics. Yes it's to finish the course, but not at all costs and regardless of side effects.

Ranoutofgoodnames · 30/07/2020 14:40

I had the same reaction to that drug and was told to stop taking - can lead to more serious problems. Glad you got it sorted - it really scared me

Original poster
terracottapot · 30/07/2020 14:40

I'm pushing 60 and I've had plenty of antibiotics before. Occasionally I've had a slight collywobbles issue after a few days-worth so I know it is common, but nothing like as bad as this time.

OP posts:
Throckmorton · 30/07/2020 14:43

Bananas are worth a try. I find then very useful against that sort of side effect!

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