Mar 12

Diarrhea and Antibiotics?

  • My 2 yr old was prescribed Augmentin on Thursday afternoon for a sinus infection and an ear infection. He has had this antibiotic before and never had any problems. But with this prescription, my son has had nonstop diarrhea since he was given the meds. The pamphlet says that diarrhea is a normal side effect.

    The bigger problem is that my son is SO FREAKINâ ™ RED on his butt and little boy area itâ ™s unreal. Weâ ™ve used diaper cream galore, powder and had no luck with it clearing up even the slightest. The poor kid was screaming at the top of his lungs when my husband and I tried to gently wipe him after he messed in his diaper. We let him just lay on the couch with no diaper with his legs sprawled open because he was so red and he actually stayed there which meant the poor guy was really hurting!

    I have a call into the doctor to see if we should change prescriptions or if they can give me better advice on what to do from here.

    Has this happened to anyone else before? Have you had any bad experiences with Augmentin or any other antibiotic? Any suggestions as to how to handle his very serious diaper rash? Certain foods to avoid that may cause it to get worse?

    Thanks for your help!


  • Poor little guy! My kids have never had that antibiotic but we have had severe diaper rash (One of my sons basically potty trained himself because he seemed to have it from the day he was born and nothing seemed to help).

    Instead of using a towel or cloth to dry him, try using a hair dryer set on low. It's not as irritating on the skin.

    2 to 3 ounces of cranberry juice will help his urine not be strong and irritate the rash he already has.

    Let him lay on his tummy on the couch and really get some air in there, it's the best thing you can do.

    Maybe put him in the bath to rinse him instead of trying to wipe it and then dry with the hair dryer.

    Good luck, hope he feels better soon.


  • Awwww Poor thing! We usually have a reaction to antibiotics too, I found that out early, so now if he's put on them, I start lathering him with Desitin as soon as he starts taking it and letting him wander around for a while without a diaper on.

    Stay away from acidy foods for the moment.

    I'm so sorry he's going thru this! Hopefully the doc will change his prescription.


  • poor little guy (and mommy) have had the diareahha problem with my boys, but not sure what to do about the rash... I saw the post on goodbacteria and bad bacteria, that is right it kills both, but you can help recolonize the bacteria by feeding him yugourt (Spelling?) make sure it has active cultures. I saw a post on a simialir question a few days ago and the mom recomended applying a layer of diaper cream and then a layer of vaseline for double protection... sounded like a good Idea to me. the rash cream would help heal and the vaseline would keep the poop and pee out..
    HOPE you two feel better soon.


  • Because Antibiotics kill all bacteria, including bacteria in the intestines, it can cause diarrhea. Just because it didn't happen before doesn't mean it can't happen at all. In fact Augmentin is known for causing moderate to severe diarrhea.

    To combat it however, you need to make sure the child drinks at least 6 oz of water with each dosage.


  • Bath him often, let him air dry - even dry his bottom with an hair dryer (on cold). Give him lots of yogurt, and stay away from acidic foods for now - like citrus, tomato, and stay away from unfermented dairy - milk and ice cream.

    Creamy Desitin will burn his skin, you need to old style. Just don't let the poop stay, wash him in a bath, apply old style Desitin liberally, and he will be feeling better tomorrow.


  • Diarrhea with antibiotics is pretty common. For the rash, letting him go without a diaper is really good. Instead of wiping him when he messes, just run him under water (if you have a hand held shower nozzle that works well). I always had the best luck with J&J Diaper rash ointment. You can try plain Vaseline and powder too, that might help. The doctor may just change the antibiotic to one that isn't so hard on your son's stomach. Try feeding him Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast (BRAT-when kids are sick they act like a brat!) to help with the diarrhea.


  • This could be thrush/a thrush rash - a yeast infection. The above post about killing the bacteria, both good and bad, is what caueses thrush, typically is caused by anti-biotics. Its kind of like how women are told to eat yogurt - for the good cultures - the good bacteria. T

    he good news is some over the counter creams, like Lotrimin might work, you could ask your pharmacist - or give your doc a call, since putting stuff on it, may make it worse. Also feeding him yogurt may help, I know they also make formulas enhanced with it, also drinks like Kefir. Just watch the yogurts with the extra sugars, as those make it worse also.


  • That sounds awful, and you have my sympathy. The only thing that I could suggest is giving him a quick bath after every poop, and then putting baby powder on him. Good luck.


  • Happens all the time in my home daycare and has happened many times with my own children as well.
    Try Lanisoh Lanolin Cram.....you know that little purple tube of breastfeeding cream. Lather it on really thick and keep his bottom from getting wet.
    worked every time!


  • Give him an oatmeal bath to help his butt. Then let him be in open air as long as possible. Certain foods make it worse... tomatoes, oranges, lemon, basically anything acidic. Certain foods can make it better. You can put him on a BRAT diet which is basically bananas rice applesauce and toast can help. Another idea is to go get some of the fiber powders they sell in the store and add a small amount to a glass of apple juice. Don't give him massive amounts of juice because that can make it worse. Also make sure he drinks lots of water or gator aid to stay hydrated. And if it lasts more then a day call your dr. Good luck







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