LymeNet Flash: Rifampin + GI issues

LymeNet on Facebook

LymeNet on Twitter

Follow @LymeDiseaseNet

The Lyme Disease Network receives a commission from Amazon.com for each purchase originating from this site.

When purchasing from Amazon.com, please
click here first.

Thank you.

Dedicated to the Bachmann Family

LymeNet needs your help:
LymeNet 2020 fund drive

The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations.

»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Rifampin + GI issues

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

Author

Topic: Rifampin + GI issues

asus
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13881

posted

Hi,

I am taking rifampin and zithromax for Bart. I seemed to be doing OK, but a month and a half in, I started getting pretty bad GI symptoms. My bowels are loose and the food sensitivities I have seem to be getting worse. My Dr. had me stop the ABX and is having me tested for C. Diff, but assuming I don't have that, is there anything I can do to tolerate the rifampin better? I was taking large doses of probiotics, but it doesn't seem to be enough. I have tolerated doxy and zith fine, but the rifampin seems especially hard on me. Anyone whos been treated with these two drugs for bart have a suggestion? Probiotic brands? Florastor? Take it with nystatin?

I was takine 3 VSL#3 a day.

Posts: 116 | From Ann Arbor, MI | Registered: Nov 2007 | IP: Logged |

2roads
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4409

posted

asus,

what doses are you taking?

thanks

Posts: 2214 | From West Chester, PA | Registered: Aug 2003 | IP: Logged |

asus
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13881

posted

I was taking 2 or 3 a day (of VSL3) and 500mg of Zith with 600mg of Rifampin.

Posts: 116 | From Ann Arbor, MI | Registered: Nov 2007 | IP: Logged |

alliebridge
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9103

posted

I'm taking that combo right now for Bartonella/Lyme.

It was bothering my stomach for a long while. Now it's just that I have zero appetite. So it seems to have resolved itself somewhat.

Garlic pills help me sometimes. You may want to try that.

I take TruFlora and Theralac as probiotics.

I also take Transfer Factor LYMplus for the immune system.

Posts: 366 | From MA | Registered: Apr 2006 | IP: Logged |

asus
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13881

posted

Hmm I might switch to Theralac, I have used it before (when on other ABX) and it seems to "survive" better.

Does florastor (Sac boulardii) actually help? Anyone know?

asus

Posts: 116 | From Ann Arbor, MI | Registered: Nov 2007 | IP: Logged |

Jane2904
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15917

posted

Bringing this up again--I am wondering if Rifampin just causes your stools to be soft?

My daughter is taking Rifampin and Minocycline, lately she has mentioned that her stools are soft, not watery , but some odor. No pains, etc.

I worry about C Diff--she is taking probiotics , but wonder if it is enough ? Started her on S. Boulardi, 1/2 capsule and not sure how much to work up to?

I read some of the Threads on C Diff and it seems that she would have more severe symptoms-- just not sure?

Hoping that anyone taking Rifampin or have dealt with C Diff can help.

Posts: 1357 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Jun 2008 | IP: Logged |

Printer-friendly view of this topic

The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:

The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey
907 Pebble Creek Court, Pennington, NJ 08534 USA
http://www.lymenet.org/