Concerns Regarding a Two-Year-Old's Ongoing Treatment
I am in a difficult situation with my two-year-old son who weighs 26 pounds. We are currently on the fourth day of a seven-day course of amoxicillin/clavulanate, and he is experiencing severe diarrhea. Initially, he was diagnosed with a particularly bad case of viral pneumonia, which was misidentified as croup in two separate ER visits. I find myself questioning whether to continue the treatment. I have consulted with his pediatrician who suggested I reach out to the pharmacist for further guidance. The pharmacist recommended reducing the dosage to 4ml every eight hours. My worry about developing antibiotic resistance is compounded by the fact that he recently vomited the last dose he received, along with all the liquid. Unfortunately, tracking his urine output has become challenging due to the frequent diarrhea episodes—he likely has around 11 bowel movements a day. Although he has been evaluated in the emergency room and I've been informed that this is a common side effect of the antibiotic, I'm still seeking external opinions. I'm unsure if I'm making the best choices for his health at this moment. Additionally, he has been previously diagnosed with toddler's diarrhea, but his condition has improved under the care of his doctor, despite him always having a sensitive gastrointestinal system. After traversing these challenges over recent weeks, I feel lost and uncertain about the right path forward for my son.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 1:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're in with your son's ongoing treatment. Managing a child's health can be incredibly stressful, especially with the side effects you're describing. Here's a concise breakdown of your main concerns and specific next steps to consider.
Main Points:
- Diarrhea from Antibiotics: Severe diarrhea can occur with antibiotics like amoxicillin/clavulanate.
- Proper Dosage and Medication: It's crucial to ensure your child is receiving the correct dosage, especially with his recent vomiting.
- Monitoring Hydration: Frequent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is particularly concerning in young children.
Explanation:
Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea. While this can sometimes happen, it's important to monitor your child's hydration, especially with this frequency of bowel movements. Reducing the dose as suggested by the pharmacist could be a temporary measure, but it's essential to make sure he is still receiving enough of the medication to treat his pneumonia effectively.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Ensure your son stays well-hydrated. Offer clear fluids, like water or an oral rehydration solution, frequently. Watch for signs of dehydration, which include dry mouth, lethargy, or a decrease in urine output.
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Maintain Medication Schedule: If following the altered dosage (4ml every eight hours) shows no improvement in symptoms, consider the need to discuss with a healthcare provider about potentially switching medications.
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Track Symptoms: Although tracking urine output is challenging, keep a log of his bowel movements, hydration intake, and any additional symptoms (like fever or lethargy). This information can be very helpful in case you need to consult with a healthcare provider again.
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Follow-Up: If diarrhea persists or worsens, or if your son shows signs of dehydration or other concerning symptoms, reach out to his pediatrician directly for further evaluation and guidance.
You are doing your best to navigate this challenging situation, and it's completely normal to feel uncertain. Keep advocating for your child's health and don't hesitate to seek further guidance from healthcare professionals as needed.
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