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Child gastroenteritis OTC management — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyGI TherapeuticsChild gastroenteritis OTC managementGPhC CRA

A 4-year-old child has diarrhoea and vomiting for 18 hours. The child is drinking, passing urine, has moist mucous membranes, and has no blood in stools; the parent asks for loperamide. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: C — Use oral rehydration advice and avoid loperamide in this child

Most acute gastroenteritis in children is managed with hydration and safety-netting. Loperamide is generally unsuitable in young children and can be harmful, especially if infection is possible. The parent should be advised on oral rehydration, continuing feeds, and red flags such as dehydration, blood, persistent vomiting, or lethargy.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF