2 month old baby diagnosed with C. diff after antibiotics
My 2 month old son was diagnosed with C. difficile infection (toxin A and B positive) following a previous course of antibiotics. The doctor prescribed Flagyl (Metronidazole) suspension 125mg/5ml, 1.5ml three times daily for 7-10 days.
We're now 5 days into the Metronidazole treatment, but he's still having diarrhea. Is this normal? I expected to see more improvement by now. His symptoms are mild overall, but I'm concerned that the diarrhea hasn't resolved yet.
Questions for parents who've been through this with an infant:
- How long did it take for your baby's diarrhea to stop after starting Metronidazole?
- Is it normal for symptoms to persist 5+ days into treatment?
- Should I be concerned about dehydration if the diarrhea continues?
- Did your doctor recommend probiotics alongside the antibiotics?
- At what point should I contact the doctor about continuing symptoms?
- Is Flagyl always effective or do some cases need to switch to Vancomycin?
Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated. This has been very stressful with such a young baby, and I'm worried about whether the treatment is working properly.
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Hi, I’m Amy. I am so sorry to hear about your baby! 💛
My first experience with C Diff was last summer after a course of Clindamycin. My PCP gave me Vancomycin and it stopped the symptoms, but I needed repeated doses.
I also use Bio K probiotics and I drink Kefir regularly, they both help. Unfortunately, I don’t think they are approved for babies so young. Maybe call the brand, FDA, or Pediatrician?
Eventually, I talked to a Gastroenterologist. My situation was improved, but she said there was a better antibiotic to treat C Diff in the early stages, had I visited her sooner. Also, that I would need a round of Vancomycin every time I took antibiotics.
I wish I could do something to help you. For now, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.🙏🏻
I have only known adults who had C Diff. Speaking for myself, I continued to have diarrhea/loose stools until the 10th day after I stopped taking the 10 day course of Vancomycin, and had also started taking high potency probiotics 2 days prior to the diarrhea stopping. I was told that (1) the antibiotics that caused the C Diff, (2) the antibiotics that treated the C Diff and (3) the toxins produced by the C Diff all played a part in damaging the lining of my intestines (Post Infectious IBS) which made it very difficult to eat, as most foods would go right through me. It took quite awhile for my gut to heal (after 9 months I think it’s still healing) but eventually things did get much, much better. In my case I believe probiotics were key in my recovery.
I would definitely talk to your doctor about dehydration and probiotics. I’m so sorry your precious baby is going through this. 🙏🏼
Take your baby to ER now if you are not there already..2-3 days diarrhea is too much for small baby...dehydration plus sores on butt...
Please go now...I took care of old and young...babies can not survive this for long...prayers!