Can you take probiotics with antibiotics?

Answer 1

No; in fact, as may be inferred from the prefixes, they are opposites. Antibiotics are chemical compounds that are used to kill microorganisms, whereas probiotics are "friendly" microorganisms introduced into the body to out-compete "bad" microorganisms. They are typically given in concert with antibiotics to prevent the body's healthy complement of gut flora (the bacteria and other microbes in your digestive tract) from being eradicated by the antibiotics, which were administered to kill off some harmful beasties but can also kill the ones that belong in your body. No. Antibotics are medications that kill bacteria. probiotics ar the GOOD bacteria that you want in your (mostly intestinal) system.

Answer 2

Taking probiotics will not negatively affect the effectiveness of the antibiotic regiment, nor will it make you more sick unless you are allergic to an ingredient in the probiotics (some people react to the binding agents or fillers). BUT, it will waste your probiotics!

First, it is importanat to understand what probiotics are. Usually they are a supplement filled with billions of dried-out bacteria or bacterial spores that have been found to be good for your gastrointestinal tract. These can be in capsule form, or food form (yogurt is a great example).

Next, it is important to understand what antibiotics are. Antibiotics are a drug that is designed to kill bacteria. Although they are meant to help your body fight unwanted bacteria (those making you sick), unfortunately, the antibiotics will also kill important good bacteria in your body.

Thus, the idea behind taking probiotics following antibiotics is ...kill everything with the antibiotics first, then replace some of the good bacteria with probiotics. You cant replace all the good bacteria, as we dont even know every type of bacteria that lives in us and are important for us, but we can replace some that we know are good. If you are taking the probiotics with the antibiotics you will just be killing the new good bacteria as fast as you take them...it is a waste.

Save the probiotics until a couple days after you have finished your antibiotic regiment so your body can get rid of all the antibiotics before you try to introduce new good bacteria.

Answer 3

Yes, you can, and I have done so under the advice of my doctor as antibiotics deplete the good bacteria in your stomach which is what the probiotic is meant to foster growth in. You should probably take them at separate times of the day. I made sure to take mine about 8 to 12 hours apart, however that might be excessive. I just wanted to be sure that they didnt interact.

Answer 4

Yes, you can take probiotics with antibiotics. Antibiotics can sometimes kill good bacteria in the gut along with harmful bacteria. Taking probiotics can help replenish the beneficial bacteria in your gut during and after a course of antibiotics. It is best to take them at least 2 hours apart to prevent interference with antibiotic absorption.