Child Having Constipation After Taking Antibiotics. What To Do?

Posted on Mon, 2 Jul 2012

Question: My son is 7yrs old and has been on antibiotics for 7 days for a wound that didn't heal properly. Since the antibiotic he's had 1 bowel movement. It's now going to be 4-5 days he has not had a bowel movement. What should I do? He hasn't complained about stomach pain and his belly is nor swnsitice to touch- he does have a aubstantial amt of very amelly gas. An enema? Doctor? When should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (1 hour later)

Hi

Thanks for posting your query

What is the antibiotic he is getting ?

If he is on regular diet and not complaining of any abdominal discomfort I would like to examine him below and see if there is stool in rectum

Depending on the consistency of stool I would go for enema, suppository or a laxative

Give him plenty of fluids

Hope this helps
Am available for any followup queries
If there are no further doubts, do accept this reply and rate it

Wishing Your Son A Speedy Recovery

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (3 hours later)

How would you examine him? He's in school now. He's taking an antibiotic called
SMZ-TMP
He's taking it 3tsp by mouth twice daily for 10 days
He has 2 more days.
He asked for breakfast this morning. I gave him whole grain crackers and of course the water the antibiotics require. I have contacted my pediatrician.

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (4 hours later)

HI

Thanks for your followup

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim usually does not cause constipation and that to this extent

I would suggest you get him examined by you pediatrician and treat him as mentioned in my previous reply

Hope this helps
Am available for any followup queries
If there are no further doubts, do accept this reply and rate it

Wishing Your Son A Speedy Recovery

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar