posted
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.
Posts: 341 | From NY/FL | Registered: Apr 2010
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posted
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.
Posts: 829 | From MD | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
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
Posts: 341 | From NY/FL | Registered: Apr 2010
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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.
It IS recommended to take doxy without food.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
tetra is less harsh on the stomach then doxy is too, its much more tolerable to take tetra on an empty stomach.
-------------------- 3 months Doxy 8 months of Tetra 7 months of Biaxin/Plaq. 4 months Doxy/Biaxin/Plaq. 5 months Biaxin/Plaq. Back on Doxy/Biax/Plaq On the road to recovery. Trying to make people Lyme Aware....... Posts: 289 | From R.I. | Registered: Jun 2009
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