This is topic why take Tetra 20mins b4 or 60 after food? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by renny1985 (Member # 25222) on :
 
Hi- I was just wondering if anyone could tell me why I was instructed to take Tetracycline 20 mins before or 1 hr after eating? I was just on doxy which I took with food. I have a very bad GI tract so I am curious about this.

Also, is it possible to herx on the first day you switch a med? I feel horrid one day into tetra from doryx.
 

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Posted by renny1985 (Member # 25222) on :
 
Bump. Does anyone know the answer? Thanks!!
 

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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
No way I would take ANY abx without food!!

I think tetra is in the same category as doxy. The instructions usually say without food. Very stupid.

Just stay away from dairy.
 

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Posted by Wolfed Out (Member # 23727) on :
 
Although I can appreciate Lymetoo's oppositional viewpoint, I have to disagree and say there are several reasons for doing so.

Although developing yeast issues and c-diff are risks when taking antibiotics, if the drug is not taken properly then it's less likely to have the intended effect on the targeted issue.

Tetracyclines are a class of drugs that are not absorbed as well when taken with food. I personally take Minocycline 1 hour before eating anything; first thing in the morning. I have zero issues with intolerance, and have been taking this drug every other day for close to a year.

Second, drugs like Rifampin (treatment for Bartonella) also need to be taken away from food in order to be absorbed properly.

On the other hand, if I don't take Azithromycin with food my stomach starts stabbing itself. And drugs like Alinia or Mepron (anti-parasitic drugs) are poorly absorbed and need to be taken with fatty foods in order to assist in the proper digestion and effectiveness.

My philosophy is take these drugs exactly as they are prescribed until it's necessary to make a change. I started Azithromycin without food, but could not handle it. Now, I only take it with food.

Most importantly, changing your diet and taking pro-biotics to avoid developing yeast issues and c-diff is a top priority when taking a long-course or multiple types of antibiotics.
 

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Posted by renny1985 (Member # 25222) on :
 
Thanks for the advice! I was also confused LymeToo seeing that this should be taken without food. I figured it had to do with absorption but would agree that I am more comfortable taking it with food.

However, I have been following the 20mins prior or 1hr after rule (only my second day). I was just curious why this was different than doxy since I thought they were similar in class.

Thanks for the info.
RENNY
 

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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
I don't know.. ask your pharmacist and/or doctor.

I know my stomach wouldn't be able to handle it so it would do me no good to try to take it!
 

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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by renny1985:

However, I have been following the 20mins prior or 1hr after rule (only my second day). I was just curious why this was different than doxy since I thought they were similar in class.

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