My son was prescribed erythromycin for a UTI, after a day or 2 his condition got worse, he was also rushed?

Question

to A&E by ambulance 4am friday morning. it was out of control. they changed his medication to Trimethoprim and he has got better pretty quick. his first prescription was 5mls of erthyromycin 4 times a day and 5mls of calpol every 4 hours, both had no effect. i think the nurse at my surgery didnt give him the right antibiotic and the wrong strength calpol. i want to know if i have the right to make a complaint, it could have so easily gone wrong. i was told by someone at the hospital that the first medicine wasn't the right one, but i want to be sure.

Answer 1

Well, erythromycin is being prescribed for UTI but there are more specific drugs for this condition, trimetroprim is one of those. Usually, those specific drugs are given after series of lab tests were done. You can ask for a second opinion, preferably a medical doctor, regarding the incident on the 1st hospital.

Answer 2

Trimethoprim in the drug of chose for UTI's particularly in children so you have every right ask why it wasnt given first.

Tricky thing with UTI's is that initially until the lab has taken the sample to test for cultures (to see what bacteria is causing the infection) it is hard to know what to prescribe. Erythomycin is a broad spec anti biotic used to treat many bacteria so they probably thought it was a safe option especially if  your son is allergic to penicillin, is he?

There are arguments however that the bacterias that cause UTI's dont respond well to mycins which is why he may have gotton worse.

Its hard to tell without seeing his notes but youre clearly upset he is your son and you have the right to ask questions. Make an appointment to see the Dr that admitted him. Most are accomodating and will go through any concerns you have.

Wishing him a speedy recovery xx

Answer 3

How old is your son?

Because if he's under the age of 12 then that heavy dosage could be very bad for his health.

I think you have a legitimate reason to press charges, these sort of things are very much happening way too often in hospitals.

If you decide to take action, chances are this hospital will put new rules and regulations in to use to better patient care.