Azithromycin

[WhatToDoQu]

My teenage son has had diarrhea, vomiting and fever for 12 hours. Our GP has prescribed a 3 day dose of Azithromycin in case it is a bacterial infection? I'm just wondering whether this would actually make his symptoms worse? (Doesn't Azithromycin cause diarrhea as a side effect) and worried about it being marked as a black-box medicine. (Something related to arrhythmias?) so reluctant to give it to him. Any advice please?

Sounds like a stomach bug which is always viral. If it's only been 12hrs I wouldn't be giving antibiotics, I'd give it at least 24hrs. Use diorlyte for rehydration and Calpol for the fever.

Thank you for the reply. it's been over 24 hours and DS still has a fever hitting 39.8/40 degrees C. I really don;t know about Azithromycin for stomach bug? Is it normally given? I've in the past just waited it out (for about 3 weeks for my self) but not sure if chidren/teenagers are medicated differently?

He;s having paracetmol and ibuprofen round the clock and dioralyte, and water/cordial but not eating anything. I've tried mash potatoes (no skin), toast with butter, bananas, toast with jam, scrambled eggs, digestive biscuits and he wants nothings. I am so upset and worried. What do I do next, he's weeing as normal and doesn't seem dehyrdated, but has now vomited yesterday and today. Managing to keep the water intake going but he's feeling so weak and lethargic. Also - can anyone confirm doses? I'm giving 15ml of Calpol and 15ml of Ibuprofen for a 15 year old (60kg) is this strong enough or can I give 2 adult paracetemol capsules (500mg each one). Sorry for the waffle - exhausted and worried sick.