I was started on Tetracycline and my LLMD advised me not to take a probiotic with it.
To me, this was strange, because I've always heard that taking probiotics while on antibiotics is beneficial.
However, then I did some research and different places on the internet actually say not to take a probiotic while on antibiotics.
I'm so confused.. any opinions?
Posted by UnexpectedIlls (Member # 15144) on :
I think if you take the abx at the SAME time as pro-biotics, it can reduce the abx effectivness... The rule is to take them 2-3 hours apart. Some like to take them right before bed on an empty stomach so they absorb better overnight.
hope that helps
Posted by 22dreams (Member # 17846) on :
If your doctor did not prescribe an anti-fungal
(like Nystatin, Diflucan),
IMHO, I would definitely take a probiotic
(like Theralac). Just 2 hours away / on either
side of the antibiotic -- like Unexpected said.
I am taking 3 antibiotics not one, but
still can't imagine not taking something to
protect my gut. One doesn't need to battle a
yeast infection on top of everything else.
Unfortunately, many doctors WAIT for the problem
to occur rather than preventing it from
happening in the first place.
"an ounce of prevention.." y'know?
Yeast infections / overgrowth are not uncommon.
Oh, and since yeast germs feed on sugars and
starches, it's suggested to follow a gluten-free
(wheat-free) diet, but also one that is low
carbohydrate/low-glycemic index.
Just my thoughts....
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
Even on just one antibiotic, I have to take probiotics. My LLMD says to take a minimum of 2 a day. Just don't take them close to the antibioitic. I bet that is what your LLMD meant. Not to take it at the same time.
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
Anyone who takes ABX should be on a probiotic. If you are on an anti-fungal such as Diflucan or nystatin even more reason to take one as they all
kill the beneficial flora in your intestines. You,of course, take the probiotic several hours after the meds or they will kill the good bacterial.
Everyone should take a probiotic everyday whether or not they are on ABX because of the poor diet of the average American.
Posted by pamoisondelune (Member # 11846) on :
If you don't take probiotics, you risk infection with Clostridium difficile, which is a horror.
Posted by baileygirl (Member # 19658) on :
I would assume that he meant to not take it at the same time. Some places on the internet say that the probiotics make the antibiotics less effective. I am not buying that one. I found a good article on probiotics - it says that you should take your probiotics 4 hours after the antibiotic (example used was abx every 8 hours). Also, I read that it should be taken on an empty stomach. Is two hours okay? I need to start taking mine at lunch on an empty stomach.
Laura- TRUE. You don't take a probiotic WITH "a tetracycline", whether tetracycline itself, doxycycline or minoclycline (etc.) This is because the "probiotic" is often suspended in a calcium (milk) product. I think this is what your doc meant.
Even probiotic capsule makers (i.e: Theralac) suggest you wait atLeast 1.5 hrs after an abx dose before you take a probiotic.
But you DO need to take probiotics BETWEEN abx dosings (pref. 2 hrs before or after) to keep your GI tract in [relatively] healthy shape while on anything but a short course of antibiotics.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
-
As others say, you MUST guard against systemic yeast infections for that, too, can be horrible and very hard to cure.
Probiotics are a good help - away from the abx. Olive leaf extract, too, can help.
All the lyme protocol authors insist on probiotics - just not at the same time as abx.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
hope that helps