An 82-year-old care home resident starts co-amoxiclav for cellulitis. Three days later staff report frequent watery diarrhoea and abdominal cramping.

Question

An 82-year-old care home resident starts co-amoxiclav for cellulitis. Three days later staff report frequent watery diarrhoea and abdominal cramping. She has no laxatives on her chart. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Refer for medical assessment and consider antibiotic-associated diarrhoea including C. difficile

Answer

Recommend doubling co-amoxiclav to complete treatment faster

Answer

Reassure that diarrhoea confirms antibiotic efficacy

Answer

Supply loperamide immediately and continue antibiotics without review

Answer

Advise adding senna to clear toxins

C. difficile risk — GPhC CRA MCQ

An 82-year-old care home resident starts co-amoxiclav for cellulitis. Three days later staff report frequent watery diarrhoea and abdominal cramping. She has no laxatives on her chart. What is the most appropriate action?