Can antibiotics create tantrums in toddlers?

[WereAllBladesArentWe]

Appreciate this might sound a bit daft but formerly kind, sweet natured 26month old DS has been taking phenoxymethylpenicillin for 7 days now (cough/ear/throat infection) and his behaviour has altered so radically we feel like he's had a complete personality transplant!
DH and I are shocked at how quickly he flips, he's tantrumming over the littlest things, grumpy, screaming, acting SO out of character- it's like someone has flipped a switch. Prior to it, while ill he had slept and wanted cuddles- usual standard poorly behaviour. Now he doesn't want us near him, seems perpetually furious at everything and we are exhausted and sad to see it unfold.
I know behaviour at this age can be 'challenging' but it's like he's switched gear into feral and am really wondering if the medicine could be causing it?? Am I crazy?!

It could be a coincidence and he's starting the Terrible Twos?

The medication can cause stomach pain or heartburn too. Maybe have a quick word with your GP.

Could be lack of sleep! Is the medicine coloured or sugary? If he hurts that could affect his behaviour too. Poor LO.

He's not well so that could be causing it.

Thanks for quick replies folks! I do think there's an element of Terrible Twos likely in it of course.... But it's just been such a quick turnaround in his behaviour. And his sleep, save a few odd nights & a dropped nap or 2 has been largely unaffected.
Perhaps am just clutching at straws??
The medicine course has been over 3 bottles- one bright purple & one bright orange, they look radioactive wolfie!

Mine's been awful after antihistamines, so maybe!

And yep cushion, I know you're also spot on but he's normally a clingy cuddly ill type. Instead he's gone feral. Maybe we just need to buckle in for this 'phase.
Suppose just curious to know if anyone else experienced same about face in behaviours?

My 15 month old was on this last week for tonsillitis and yes was v grumpy particularly just after it had been administered. Lots of crying, I wondered if it was making her feel nauseous.

You’ve seen nothing until you’ve seen a toddler having a tantrum whilst on high dose steroids.

My 21 month son has been poorly, no antibiotics but all the tantrums! I am blaming it on feeling rubbish (I had the same virus and it was awful so I know how he feels!) and perhaps a developmental leap or something? He’s so frustrated and furious at the moment, it’s hard work.

I hear you Biology
I have awful sinus pain and full of cold now myself having fought it off for a week so no wonder he's fed up.
Hope everyone feels on the mend soon

Sorry if patronising but a pp mentioned about nausea etc. Are you giving medicine on a full stomach?

Instructions were to be on empty stomach... so by and large been following that.
(Apart from at nursery where they have 'forgotten' a few times. )

Nappies etc are normal too Redken

It's the sudden onset of the tantrums and the coincidental timing that's got me thinking.

Here we go. Hyperactivity, and a general feeling of illness.

www.livestrong.com/article/561878-effect-of-antibiotics-on-toddlers-behavior/

E numbers?

My older boy was wired the first (and only) time he took penicillin. Turns out it was the E numbers in it.

I bet he is just in pain from his illness. It's amazing the difference in anyone when they are in pain. X
Big sympathies cause my lo was sick over Christmas and then I caught what she had and felt like someone had hit me with a brick in the face.

Definitely dd has regular antibiotics for a chronic long term health condition and we definitely know it when she is on them.

Ah thanks for the reassurance folks. And I feel JUST like that Redken!!

Hairy - sorry to hear you're having ongoing health issues. What sort of things do you experience? Hope your little girl weathers her storm well x

My money would be on the colourings in the suspensions.

We once had a bright orange one which contained E100 (sunset yellow) which is renowned for it's impact on some children's behaviour. My son was out of control on it- like a crazed beast. We lasted about 12 hours and then the GP switched to regular tablets that we ground up and mixed in syrup.

Check the ingredients and have a quick google. Why on earth they see fit to put such horrible chemical colourings in kids medicines is beyond me...

Pfing - yep it's just what it's on our bottle. Groan. Crazed beast is exactly the words DH used yesterday. Hmm, it's def got me thinking. Great tip for the future, thank you

If it is the colouring (I would be surprised if it wasn't from your description, and the fact it's E100) then it's actually handy to know that he is sensitive to them.

Thankfully artificial colourings like that aren't common in foods these days but it is useful to be aware to avoid them! Some people swear by an Epsom salt bath to calm a behavioural reaction to foods, but I can't say I have ever seen them make a notable difference here- worth a try if you have some salts on hand though!

He could be in pain. Try some Calpol and see if the behaviour settles down for the next 4 hours.