Acute Gastroenteritis or Food Poisoning
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. It's not usually serious and most people get better within a few days without treatment.
In most cases of food poisoning, the food is contaminated by bacteria, such as salmonella or Escherichia coli (E. coli), or a virus, such as the norovirus.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of food poisoning usually begin within one to two days of eating contaminated food, although they may start at any point between a few hours and several weeks later.
The main symptoms include:
feeling sick (nausea)
vomiting
diarrhea, which may contain blood or mucus
stomach cramps and abdominal pain
a lack of energy and weakness
loss of appetite
a high temperature (fever)
aching muscles
chills
Investigations
Stool R/E and need through evaluation in case of chronic diarrhea.
Management
Give ORS again and again
Inf Ciprofloxacin (Novidat) 100ml IV BD
Inf Metronidazole (Flagyl) IV TDS (if blood or mucous in stools)
Inf Ringer lactate 500-1L IV stat, if patient is dehydrated then calculate according to status of dehydration.
Inj Drotaverine (Nospa) IV SOS if patient complain of abdominal pain
Inj Dimenhydrinate (Gravinate) if patient vomiting
Home treatment: When patient is vitally stable and hydrated
Advice soft food for 3-4 days and use boiled water
Tab Ciprofloxacin (Mercip) 500mg BD PO for 6days
Tab Drotaverine (No-spa) 1tab PO SOS
ORS sachet if chronic diarrhea or diarrhea due to drugs then smecta sachet for 3 days.