How can gastroenteritis be treated?

Q: My 29 years old friend has been suffering with gastroenteritis for the last 4 days. The doctor prescribed him Vizylac. Is this a correct medication? Also, can he take Citravite - Z as a Vitamin?

A:There is a difference between gastro-enteritis (popularly called food poisoning) and non-infective diarrhoea. In gastro-enteritis normally an antibiotic will be needed to kill germs along with hydration (fluids). In non-infective diarrhoea, it is reasonable to give products like Vizylac along with fluids. Vitamins C, etc. such as Citravite-Z needs to be taken only where there is proven deficiency; otherwise there is no need.