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Should Antibiotics Be Given For Viral Diarrhea?

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Posted on Mon, 25 Aug 2014
Question: my baby is per term born on 7th month. Now she is 6 months. Feeding on Formula lactodex type 2. She is having loose motions from past 8 days, I have given her bifilac for 3 days as suggested by the doctor. Still she is doing loose motions. can I give her ofloxacin?
I prefer not to give antibiotic. Also, the doctor has suggested not to give milk based formula, and prescribed soya formula. please guide me if I should give antibiotic?
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Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Viral diarrhea - No antibiotics

Detailed Answer:
Hi...Thank you for consulting in Health Care magic.

It seems your kid is having viral diarrhoea. Once it starts it will take 5-7 days to completely get better. Unless the kid's having low urine output or very dull or excessively sleepy or blood in motion or green bilious vomiting...you need not worry.

There is no need to use antibiotics unless there is blood in the motion. Antibiotics might worsen if unnecessarily used causing antibiotic associated diarrhoea.

I suggest you use zinc supplements (Z&D drops 1ml once daily for 14 days) & ORS (Each small packet mixed in 200ml of potable water and keep giving sip by sip) as hydration is very important and crucial part of treatment. If there is vomiting you can use Syrup Ondansetron as prescribed by your paediatrician.

STOP BOTTLE FEEDING IF YOUR ARE USING ONE AND FEED WITH SPOON OR PALADEY.

Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.
Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumanth Amperayani

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 8339 Questions

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Should Antibiotics Be Given For Viral Diarrhea?

Brief Answer: Viral diarrhea - No antibiotics Detailed Answer: Hi...Thank you for consulting in Health Care magic. It seems your kid is having viral diarrhoea. Once it starts it will take 5-7 days to completely get better. Unless the kid's having low urine output or very dull or excessively sleepy or blood in motion or green bilious vomiting...you need not worry. There is no need to use antibiotics unless there is blood in the motion. Antibiotics might worsen if unnecessarily used causing antibiotic associated diarrhoea. I suggest you use zinc supplements (Z&D drops 1ml once daily for 14 days) & ORS (Each small packet mixed in 200ml of potable water and keep giving sip by sip) as hydration is very important and crucial part of treatment. If there is vomiting you can use Syrup Ondansetron as prescribed by your paediatrician. STOP BOTTLE FEEDING IF YOUR ARE USING ONE AND FEED WITH SPOON OR PALADEY. Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health. Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,