Wrong dose of antibiotic prescribed for my child.

[Lulu2106]

Not sure if anyone is awake, but I am wide awake and worried about my DS9 who has scarlet fever. He was prescribed 250mg penicillin antibiotic on Tuesday night (10ml 4x a day for 10 days) and I have so far given him 9 doses of 10ml.

Turns out the dose prescribed is completely wrong and I should only have been giving him 5ml 4x a day! This is according to the leaflet inside the box.
The doctor seems to have made a mistake as one bottle of medicine has run out already and it's meant to be a 10 day course.

Has this ever happened to anyone? I don't know what to do now. Should I go back to a&e where it was prescribed and explained what has happened or do I just lower the dose?
I made the mistake of googling the problem and it's made me panic!
Any replies would be highly appreciated.

Can’t comment on the specific issue but it’s not unusual for a dose to be more than what’s written on the leaflet so I wouldn’t panic just yet. I say that because DS is on a blue inhaler but has much much more than written on the leaflet when he’s unwell.

Can you get in touch with your GP? If not, then maybe a call to your A&E department. I wouldn’t lower the dose without checking just in case it is right.

I would call A&E now to get clarification.

If that doesn’t work, 111.

Scarlet fever is really serious (it is a notifiable disease) and significant complications can arise without good antibiotic treatment. It may be that the stronger dose is the correct one. I’m not a doctor though!
I hope he feels better soon. Keep an eye out for any issues with his ears especially.
Take care of yourself too.

Medicine information sheets are general advice only. There may be reasons to deviate from standard dosage specific to your child, weight can play a role in the dosage of certain medications. I wouldn't assume the doctors wrong because the medicine information says something different. If you're worried Id call a chemist and ask to speak to the pharmasist they should be able to tell you if those dosage is within norms. Maybe 111 could advise. Under medical care or in hospital many medications are used in higher doses then normal so I really wouldn't think that was worrying in itself.

Thank you for replying. Due to the bank holiday weekend, Gp is closed but I could call A&E in the morning and get some advice.

What made me think it was the wrong dose was the fact that one bottle (out of 2) of medicine has already run out after only 2 days when it was meant to be a 10 day course. If I continue with 10ml the 2nd bottle would again only be 2 days worth so I would have given him 10 days worth in only 4 days.

Vet not doctor here but don't panic, the penicillin family has a wide therapeutic index (the toxic dose is waaaaay higher than the licensed dose...it's safe stuff) so check with doc before you lower the dose but don't worry.

Hello!
Im not qualified in any way and would suggest calling 111.

But for reassurance, recently I asked a doctor friend a similar question about my newborns dose of gaviscon as I found the pack was different to the prescription and had the same fears. She said that was really common and a measurement for over the counter, meaning what we could give to our babies without doctors advice. So I’m sure it’s a similar principle! They’ve just got to put the lowest dose on there on the assumption it’s not on the advice!

Not commenting on this specific case and dose. You should check if you believe it’s incorrect, that’s sensible, however in general (again, no comment on your case), prescribed doses are not always aligned with what is in the leaflet inside the box and can be higher if the prescriber believes is warranted and it’s accepted clinical use. Accepted clinical use is often far removed from what the leaflets say for a variety of reasons. But yes, please do query your specific situation.

I just called the A&E department I originally took him to and they said they cannot give any advice over the phone. I would have to take him in to be seen again by a doctor.

He's asleep now so I will wait until the morning and either take him in or go to my local pharmacy and ask what they think.

Thank you all for your replies, I appreciate it so much. I feel less panicked after reading them.

Glad to hear you’re feeling less panicked

I agree with others, it’s not uncommon for prescribed dosages to be higher (or lower) than what is on the leaflet, especially for more generic prescriptions. For example I’ve had two completely different dosages of amoxicillin prescribed for two different issues, exactly the same tablets/box/leaflet.

I’d suggest talking to a pharmacist first unless he seems to be having bad side effects, as they’re the specialists in medications and prescriptions. I’ve even had a pharmacist ring my GP querying a doseage I’ve been prescribed before - which did turn out to be fine.

Hope your son is on the mend

BNF is a great source of information https://bnf.nice.org.uk/

You can check the drug/reason it was prescribed and usual dosages are listed.

Did you get a discharge summary on leaving A&,E? Should have details on there - possible they didn't give you enough for the 10 days and are expecting GP to follow it up.

It won't hurt your child. No harm done.
Call NHS 111 for advice on how to get on.

I hope your child soon feels better.

Good morning everyone,

Just wanted to update you. Turns out the dose wasn't wrong but the doctor didn't prescribe enough for the 10 day course. We have had to come back to A&E and wait to be seen again in order to get another prescription.

Thank you to everyone who replied and reassured me last night.

Turns out I updated too soon. We eventually got to see a doctor after being told to go to my GP by the A&E receptionist. It's bank holiday there are no GP surgeries open!
The doctor confirmed the dose was in fact wrong and he should have been taking half. It should be 5ml 4 x a day, i have been giving 10ml 4 x a day.
The doctor said the other doctor had made a mistake. He checked my DS and claims he's fine but to keep an eye for any other overdose symptoms. It's a good lesson and has really taught me to never blindly trust what the doctor says and give my children any medicine without double checking.