Questions About Future Use of Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin After Adverse Reactions
As a 16-year-old female, I was prescribed Amoxicillin 500 mg and Clarithromycin 500 mg for the treatment of H. Pylori. On the very first night of taking the medication, I encountered a series of troubling symptoms including dizziness, an unusual metallic taste in my mouth, a significant reduction in my ability to taste other flavors, stomach discomfort, heart palpitations, acute chest pain, and a sensation that I might faint. Given that I live an hour away from the closest emergency room, I made the decision not to seek medical help, a choice I now recognize may not have been wise and could have led to serious consequences. The following three days brought similar, albeit less intense, symptoms, which gradually subsided after the third day. Now, I’m left contemplating whether I should inform my healthcare provider of this reaction in the future if I am prescribed these medications again or if using them once more should be considered safe. What should I do?
Answers (1)
8/27/2025, 4:22:17 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s crucial that you take your recent experience seriously. The symptoms you experienced after taking Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin suggest that you may have had an adverse reaction to one or both of these medications. Here are some key points and next steps.
Important Points
- Adverse Reactions: The symptoms you faced (dizziness, metallic taste, gastrointestinal discomfort, heart palpitations, chest pain, and faintness) could indicate an intolerance or allergic reaction to either medication.
- Medical Guidance Needed: It’s essential to share any adverse reactions with a healthcare provider before future prescriptions. Your history will help them make safer choices for your treatment.
- Document Symptoms: Keeping a detailed record of what you experienced can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
Next Steps
- Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Inform them about the symptoms you experienced. This is vital for your safety and will guide their decisions regarding future treatment options for H. Pylori or any other conditions.
- Avoid Self-Medication: Do not take these medications again until you have consulted your healthcare provider. They may recommend alternative treatments that are safer for you.
- Monitor Your Health: Continue to observe how you feel. If you experience any new or unusual symptoms, inform your provider right away, even outside of a medication context.
Additional Considerations
- Stay Informed: Ask your provider about all potential side effects and what to watch for if you are prescribed medications in the future.
- Emergency Precautions: In case of chest pain or severe symptoms, always prioritize seeking urgent medical help.
Your health and comfort are paramount, and seeking guidance is a proactive step in ensuring you receive safe treatment in the future.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.