HomeAnswersMedical GastroenterologygastroenteritisHow to treat acute gastroenteritis in a 12-year-old kid?

Is IV Metronidazole suggested for acute gastroenteritis in a 12-year-old kid?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At January 11, 2021
Reviewed AtAugust 30, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Would you give Metronidazole IV to a 12-year-old child with suspected gastroenteritis? He has nausea, vomiting, smelly watery diarrhea, and after four hours of the onset of nausea and vomiting. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

No, it is not required. Most acute gastroenteritis resolve on their own. Consider giving ORS (oral rehydration solution) as much as you can, 150 to 200 ml after every loose stool.

Give Lopermaide one tablet after loose stools not more than thrice daily and not more than three days. And share with me the blood workup. I want to see how much WBC (white blood cells) are raised.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

One dose of 500 mg in 100 ml IV just started. I am waiting to have the WBC result.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is no problem with one dose. But usually, it is not recommended unless stool or blood shows Entamoeba histolytica infection.

Or you can test blood IHA (indirect hemagglutination) titer for Entamoeba histolytica.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Sorry, it looks like I missed out on the fever in the initial report above. He had a fever about four hours after the onset of nausea and vomiting. Two doses of 1g Paracetamol were given last night and this early morning. No further temperature since. He has managed to eat this evening.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

How much was the fever? If it is less than 100.5 F, then it is not significant.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medical Gastroenterology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Medical Gastroenterology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy