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Loose stool after taking antibiotics
My baby is one month old and she is underweight 2.5 kg also and she had sticky eyes and after eye drops it was not getting cured hence dr suggested antibiotic Bactoclav Drops (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) but after giving her 0.4 ml she is passing watery stool..
Please suggest why dr are giving antibiotics for such a small baby and now how to treat this watery stool...
Answers (10)
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Dr Faisal Zoheb
MBBS , MD PAEDIATRICS , PGPN (BOSTON), FELLOWSHIP IN NEONATOLOGY ( Newborn and vaccination specialist )
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Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid has side effect of loose stools which subsided after the course but baby is 1 month and weight is 2.5 kgs.you need to monitor the number of loose stools, hydration having a check on diapers, feeding and activity of baby. If there are increase in loose stools and any above symptoms looks concerning consult your paediatrician.
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1 month old, 2.5 kg, sticky eyes not cured with drops. Doctor gave Bactoclav Drops (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid) 0.4 ml, now watery stool.
Sticky eyes in newborn can be due to bacterial conjunctivitis / blocked tear duct with secondary infection, which sometimes needs oral antibiotic if local drops fail. Watery stool after antibiotics is commonly antibiotic-associated diarrhea - antibiotics disturb normal gut flora.
Next Steps
Do NOT stop antibiotic on your own. Consult your pediatrician immediately about loose stools.
- Monitor hydration: urine count, activity, fontanelle, mouth dryness.
- Inform doctor - dose is weight-based for underweight baby, needs reassessment.
- Keep eye hygiene as advised.
Health Tips
Give feeds frequently (breastmilk/formula) to maintain hydration.
- Maintain hygiene - hand wash, sterilize bottle.
- Ask pediatrician if probiotic is needed to restore gut flora.
- Keep diaper area clean and dry to prevent rash due to frequent watery stools.
- Watch for red flags: fever, blood in stool, excessive crying, less urine, lethargy, refusal to feed - need ER visit.
Disclaimer: Educational info only, not a prescription. Consult pediatrician for exact management
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Antibiotics are often needed in young babies when an eye infection doesn't clear with drops alone, so Bactoclav was a reasonable next step. Loose, watery stools are a well known side effect of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, since it also disturbs the normal gut bacteria. This usually settles once the course is done and doesn't usually mean the medicine needs to stop.
Next Steps
Keep breastfeeding or feeding your baby as usual, since fluids matter most right now. Don't stop or change the antibiotic dose yourself. Call your baby's paediatrician today to confirm whether to continue, especially since she's underweight.
Health Tips
Go in urgently if you see fewer wet diapers, very dry lips, unusual sleepiness, or if she refuses feeds, since these can mean dehydration in such a small baby.
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