What causes diarrhea in a child after taking Paracetamol for fever?
Patient: My daughter who is now 2 years 1 month, was having fever since yesterday. Took her to clinic and was given paracetamol. She started to having diarhoea after taking the medicine and today her motion is in green colour. Is it normal as she didn t have any solid food yesterday? Doctor: Hi,The diarrhea is not caused by paracetamol, but is part of the febrile illness (probably acute gastroenteritis). If she is otherwise active, playful and taking feeds, nothing to worry. Continue paracetamol as needed, and give ORS solution or salted rice water in frequent small sips after each stools to avoid dehydration. I also used to give zinc suspension 5ml once daily for 14 days to promote bowel recovery.  If fever is not getting down in 2-3 days, she becomes lethargic, not taking taking feeds or persistent vomiting, kindly review with doctor, as this may need antibiotics and other measures.Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Muhammed Aslam T. K., Pediatrician