MRSA Notes

114 responses so far ↓

• laura // Dec 23, 2006 at 10:56 pm

  i tried to find the feeds to this question above about probiotics and antibiotic use but did not find any comments left by others…how do i find the responses to this post above? thanks

• Christina // Dec 23, 2006 at 11:28 pm

  Yours is the first response, Laura. Anything in particular you are looking for, maybe I can help?

• laura // Dec 26, 2006 at 10:59 am

  hi christina, thanks…i am interested in the responses this generates and in particular
  what is the dosage and timing to take antibiotics and probiotics propholactically to stop the antibiotic damage (tooth infection, unable to stick to a detox so need antibiotics to take care of the infection hopefully, but want to use probiotics to curb te damage from the antibiotics)
  thanks alot
  laura b

• Christina // Dec 26, 2006 at 11:21 am

  Laura- are you seeing a doctor? A tooth infection is potentially very dangerous and is definitely a case where you need antibiotics. You can talk to your doctor about probiotic usage as well.

• docwrite // Feb 11, 2007 at 9:46 pm

  Numerous studies have shown the benefit of probiotics in preveting and treating illnesses like diarrhea and infections. However, the effects of probiotics are unlikely to be permanent but more likely to end just a few days after stopping the probiotics.

• Christina // Feb 12, 2007 at 12:49 am

  Hi docwrite - that’s why I take them on a regular basis - and I do think they have been beneficial - at least I know they aren’t hurting anything!

• Shishot // Sep 19, 2007 at 10:46 am

  Did you find out a more clear cut answer to your question? Aside from the anti-diarrhoea benefit of probiotics during antibiotics, is it better to take or not take probiotics while taking antibiotics (i.e. from the perspective of getting rid of the infection that necessitated taking antibiotics)? I currently have a sinus infection and two ENT doctors have said that it would be good to take probiotics (specifically I asked about drinking kefir). However, they didn’t have a reason as to why it would not inhibit the antibiotics efficacy in eliminating the infection (logically, and maybe naively, it would seem probiotics would counter the antibiotics efficacy). And I’ve had the same sinus infection for 5 weeks. The first course of antibiotics started 5 weeks ago didn’t get rid of it, and I finished the 2nd course (14 days instead of the normal 10, and at the highest strength) yesterday but still have the sinus infection. And I have been drinking 8oz of kefir twice a day (morning and night). I was skeptical of taking probiotics during antibiotic treatment 5 weeks ago, but am even more skeptical now. Any help would be appreciated.

• Dezi'smom // Oct 5, 2007 at 12:59 pm

  My one year old has been battling multiple ear infections. The pediatrician told us that he would prescribe a super antibiotic to really get at the infection this time. I have been giving my son probiotics for a while now and have continued to do so during this most recent medication regime. He had chronic diahrrea from previous treatments, and the probiotics were the only thing that helped. I have been worried though that I am may be decreasing the efficacy of this most recent antibiotic. If this one fails, then he will need surgery to get tubes in his ears. I am inclined to stop all probiotics and just resume the regime once the antibiotics are done, but he has been sick for so long, and I hate to see him go through more diahrrea! Help! Any advice? (Basically, I have the same question as “Shishot.”)
  Thank you

• Barry // Oct 10, 2007 at 4:37 pm

  I am so sorry to hear about your son, Dezi’smom. My kids had a number of ear infections and we began talking about tubes, but then, as I remember (it has been about 8 years), we found a chiropractor who helped and the kids did not have to take anymore antibiotics. Perhaps, they grew out of it, but I don’t think that was all. Have you considered food allergies, such as wheat and milk? Perhaps Kefer would be a good alternative to milk and it is full of probiotics, better than yogurt I am told. I drink it and do much better with it than with yogurt - and regular milk kills me. Another idea would be to see if D’Adamo’s eat right for your type books offer a direction you could go. I find that I gravitated to the diet that he recommends for my blood type before I ever picked up the book. If your son is AB blood type, I would suggest using olive leaf extract - it is wonderful for my kids and I. Another opportunity is to find a doctor who treats disbiosis - poor gut flora - I think this is the doctor (such as a licensed chiropractor or naturopath) who helped the kids and I so much. He tested us using an advanced kinesiology testing scheme and gave us herbs and supplements that killed the “bad” bacteria and allowed the good to flourish. He said that without the herbs, the probiotics would never flourish. This helped a great deal - herbs such as coptis chinensis, isatis, supplements such as Thorne’s 9-undecanoic acid, similar to capryolic acid. Does your doctor, MD, suggest/prescribe guaifenisen (plain Robitussin/tussin) for congestion? This helps me a lot on the few occasions that I am congested and it has little to no side effects. Whereas sudafed actually gave me and the kids/led to ear infections. Finally, if you live near Seattle, I can suggest a 6th generation Chinese physician who makes a difference (I live in St. Louis, but my ex-wife was helped tremendously by this physician). Another opportunity would be to find a true homeopathic physician - you can find those who are members of national/international organization as opposed to just some guys with 100 hours of training - same with those people with 100 or 200 hours of accupuncture training who claim to do accupuncture.

  Good luck.

• Cris // Oct 24, 2007 at 2:00 pm

  I have just started taking antibiotics for a sinus infection, and my doctor said that probiotics are good to help me with stomach discomfort and diarrhea from the antibiotics. I had worried about mucus with dairy products and he told me not to worry about that. In the past, I used to just wait until the antibiotic was finished, and then go for a heavy intake or probiotics to replenish lost flora immediately after the antibiotic is finished.

  It seems sensible to me that maybe because the anitbiotic might just kill off any probiotic you injest and therefore possibly detract from its attack on the infection, that maybe a good course of action is to only take the probiotic if you are having bad stomach problems to alleviate that, but otherwise if its just a few cramps here and there, just wait until your done and then make sure you ramp up probiotic intake to make up for what you lost. I hate taking antibiotics, but I guess I might as well let them do their work, let go of my intestinal flora for a week, and then replenish them when the infection is gone.

• Barry // Oct 24, 2007 at 5:29 pm

  I did some lit research using peer reviewed journals. In this case, the subject was C. diff infection/overgrowth treated with oral vancomycin. Very often, C. diff overgrowth is due to a compromised immune system (i.e. antibiotics plus chemotherapy/radiation/cancer). We all have C. diff, but it is kept in check by our flora and immune system. A meta-analysis of treatments for C. diff and a paper from the U. of Washington medschool showed a treatment using a specific probiotic, Saccharomyces boulardii, reduces recurrence of the infection/overgrowth. The point of this long message is: the protocol calls for beginning the probiotic on day 7 of a 10 day oral vanc protocol. And continuing for 30 days. They don’t say to start the probiotic on day 1 and they don’t say to start on day 11 or 10. I don’t know why they picked day 7; I did not read the paper in great detail (only to know the probiotic and the day 7 thing). Maybe, people should begin probiotics at the end of a round of antibiotics, not at the beginning and not after completion. Maybe. The paper also went on to say that for general antibiotic caused diahrrea, not C. diff caused, that a particular strain of Lactobacillus was helpful and that mixed probiotics were helpful.

• Cris // Oct 24, 2007 at 5:34 pm

  that sounds sensible, sounds like it is ideal to begin taking the probiotic as you are toward the end of your antibiotic round to ease back into a normal state of affairs! I’m going to try that this week! of course, i already took some probiotics on the first day of my antibiotic treatment, i’ll hold off though until i get toward the end and see what happens.

• Lynn // Oct 26, 2007 at 7:52 am

  For many of you with chronic ear infections or sinus infections, please look at casein (milk-protein) allergies and gluten (grain)allergies. We are nine months gluten and casein free now. My son had lost hearing in one ear due to congestion and chronic infections. Five pediatricians, an otologist and an allergist never resolved it. This change in diet cleared the ear infection, his chronic diarrhea, my mother’s chronic sinus infections. I was also able to take my other son off of allergy shots and steroids (for three years) for allergies and allergy induced asthma, simply by taking all wheat and dairy out of our diets. It is hard to at first, but so worth it. There is tons of information and help on the net. By the way, the allergist tested both boys and said they had no food allergies.

• Gerrad // Oct 26, 2007 at 9:18 pm

  I also have wondered about using probiotic during antibiotic treatment…. It doesn’t seem like it would be wise unless diarrhea and other stomach problems are severe…. I have also theorized that using probiotics during anti-biotic treatment would reduce the efficacy of the antibiotics…. This is just my personal logic and I haven’t found any specific studies backing it up, but I will personally try to refrain from using Kefir and other probiotic, just until the end or near the end of antibiotic treatment…

• Cris // Oct 27, 2007 at 2:16 am

  So I’m now four days into my 7-day antibiotic treatment. I have been trying to avoid probiotics, but the stomach pains were driving me crazy, so I have had a few of those little probiotic drinks, but have tried to only do that at least a couple of hours after and before I take my antibiotic so that the probiotic and antibiotic are not in my stomach at the same time. The probiotic seems to bring some relief that then goes away each time I take the antibiotic again (three times a day). It’s really hard for me to tell if its reducing the efficacy, but the antibiotic seems to be working and my sinus infection is slowly getting better, but I’m trying to function like normal through this and all this is making me quite tired!

• Gerrad // Oct 27, 2007 at 9:01 am

  Chris: If your stomach is really bad I would try and drink some Kefir in between doses of antibiotics or just call your doctor and ask him if you could try another antibiotic…. Everyone is different and some antibiotics that may not cause problems for many; may in fact cause you problems and likewise there is most likely some antibiotic that won’t cause too much GI disturbances for you…. I’ve been on three different antibiotics since my surgery in August and whenever I have bad tummy trouble, cramping, pain, diarhhea, or even just indigestion, I’ll drink 8oz. of Kefir and that usually calms it down to the point that I can continue my stupid antibiotic therapy….

• Cris // Oct 28, 2007 at 4:17 pm

  Thanks Gerrad, I’m taking Augmentin 3x day for seven days and I guess its not so bad that I would switch, but bad nonetheless. I’ve come up with a little game plan to get through the last few days. I try to wake up a little early in the morning and drink a bunch of kefir or other probiotic drinks. I take my daily vitamins, C and a multi, at the same time I drink the probiotics because I understand that the lack of good intestinal flora hinders the absorbtion of vitamins and minerals. Then I eat breakfast and wait until after I am comfortable that my food and vitamins have been digested before I take the first antibiotic of the day. I did this today and it seemed to help, and I also had more energy. I agree, antibiotics drive me crazy! Stupid sinus infections…

• KissyFace // Nov 2, 2007 at 10:34 am

  I had a very bad tooth infection that needed an emergency root canal and a prescription of some serious, heavy duty antibiotics. My dentist told me to get some probiotics because this prescription was going to reek havoc on my body.
  I am now going through my second infection and have decided to take the probiotic after my prescription is finished.
  I’m not sure if it’s related or if I’m just prone to infection, but that is my plan of attack this go round.
  I think a lot of it has to do with your body and the type on antibiotic you receive. Its all a matter of choice. There are going to be studies that back up both sides because there are too many variables, its about learning how your body reacts to certain treatments.

• kim // Nov 4, 2007 at 10:37 am

  ’scuze me, folks, but how does the probiotic hinder the effectiveness of the antibiotic if the probiotic is a different bacteria (”good”) and the antibiotic kills everything anyways? i recently had surgery and an infection to boot. i was on flagyl for the infection, had surgery, finished the flagyl, and kept the keflex “in case”. the entire time i’d been taking probiotics, religiously, and even BEFORE all this for some time due to IBS symtoms mostly exhibiting as diarrhea (chronic). i had no idea the probiotics could “hinder” and thought it would just ride along side and be the “GOOD” whilst the antibiotics killed the “BAD”. however, when i finished all the antibiotic (flagyl) i seemed to possibly have developed an infection and have started the keflex originally prescribed for post surgery. i’m so confused but happy to find this discussion - perhaps ya’all can enlighten me. if i was already diarrhea problematic would it be wise to stop probiotics??? how do the probiotics kill the effectiveness of the antiobiotic??? thanks.
  have a great day!

• Becky // Nov 16, 2007 at 11:32 am

  Note: I’m not an expert by any stretch just an educated layperson but this is my opinion.

  It depends what you mean by hinder. In any single course of antibiotics it’s more that the antibiotics kill off the probiotic as soon as you take them than the other way round. After all an antibiotic kills off any bacteria in your system that isn’t resistant to it.

  I can see that they might be concerned with it increasing the chances of resistance developing at a later date but some got bacteria survive most antibiotic ourses due to natural mutation so that’s pretty much moot.

• Randy // Dec 10, 2007 at 8:31 am

  Dr. S.K. Dash Ph.D. who has decades of research in the area of pro-biotics says to take your pro-biotics between the times you take your anti-biotics. He is a leader in his field and has written books on this subject. His website is http://www.usalabs.com.

• Cris // Dec 10, 2007 at 9:03 am

  I think Dr. Dash is right. If I take antibiotics again, I will do that. My last antibiotic treatment was followed by yeast related mouth infection and I got sick again pretty quickly. I took the probiotics after the antibiotic dosage, but not a lot and only for a few days.

  Based on my experience, I would recommend being more rigorous about taking them during and after the antibiotics. Also consider cutting out sugars and wheat products for a week or so to make sure that any intestinal yeasts don’t have anything to feed off of. After years of antibiotic therapy and the most recent one that may have created other problems for me, I am doing one of those anti-candida diets with lots of probiotics for a few weeks to be super safe and hopefully strengthen my immune system. Not sure of the science behind it, but it is making a big difference in the way I feel and seems to be helping with my sinus issues as well.

  It seems when the antibiotics kill off all the probiotics and we don’t replenish them properly, that creates a sort of vicious circle that weakens your immune system and makes it more likely you will have to take antibiotics again.

• Randy // Dec 10, 2007 at 10:46 am

  Chris you might want to take a look at Dr. Dash’s book “The Consumer’s Guide to Probiotics.” I know they sell it on his site but you might be able to get it for a couple of bucks at http://www.abebooks.com. God bless you and hope you will enjoy great health over the holidays.

• Pauline // Dec 12, 2007 at 2:57 am

  Olive leaf is the best thing I have used for candida. I have had allergies all my life and just lately a sinus problem that just kept recuring and nothing would help;olive leaf fixed it and it has not returned and my milk allergy while still there is greatly improved. Olive leaf kills all the viruses,bacteria and fungi it has been tested on. I think that if you have allergy problems then you probably have an overgrowth of candida and the olive leaf gets rid of it. It doesn’t destroy ‘good’ bacteria either.

• Barry // Dec 12, 2007 at 11:18 am

  With all the talk of antibiotic treatments and reinfections, even with probiotic treatment, it could be that there is an overgrowth and imbalance of intestinal flora that needs to be rebalanced and probiotics alone may not do it. The Olive Leaf extract suggestion would help and there are other supplements and herbs that rebalance and/or kill problem flora: Thorne makes a product called SF722 (if I remember correctly) - this is 10-undecenoic acid or something similar to a long chain fatty acid that kills certain offending organisms. Coptis chinensis - I took it as a tincture. And there are others, some of which are made by Thorne Research. I get this information from treatments that I received from a competent chiropractor who had take advanced applied kinesiology classes and specialized in gut health. It is really helpful to find someone trained and competent, even if they are not perfect though understand their scope of practice. If you have to experiment on your own with herbs, start with low doses to and gradually build up. And start with one at a time so that you can recognize your responses to these new introductions into your system. Plus, you don’t want a nasty detox reaction, even if it is transitory. I once was given a tea tree “pill” and thought I was losing my mind for a few hours because I am very sensitive to tea tree oil, not to mention that it should only be given orally with care - that was a mistake by a practitioner that I don’t want to repeat. Good luck everybody.

• Cris // Dec 13, 2007 at 3:34 am

  One question I still don’t think we’ve answered, I’ll put it in terms of a hypothetical:

  If I am taking antibiotics, and in between doses I take strong doses (kefir, acidophilus, whatever) of probiotics, will that reduce the efficacy of the antibiotic?

  anyone have, or maybe you have seen, a definitive answer to that question?

• carlie // Dec 22, 2007 at 9:26 am

  I have a really bad UTI.Have been taking antibiotics and probiotics.Is this why I’m still in pain?

• Terri // Dec 22, 2007 at 10:10 am

  I have a bad sinus infection. I started Anti-biotics 5 days ago and I am only getting worse. I will try probiotics and sinus rinse to help. I won’t take them together though…

• Cris // Dec 23, 2007 at 12:03 am

  My sinus infection is back, and its worse than before, now I am taking a strong dose of 4000 mgs of Augmentin per day. The sinus rinses have stopped working too. The probiotic in between seems to help, but I am having massive sugar cravings.

  Does anyone know if there are certain foods to avoid or a special antibiotic support diet to help the probiotics and antibiotics do their job?

• Randy // Dec 23, 2007 at 7:07 am

  Chris stop eating any white and anything with a parent (poultry, fish, beef, pigs….animals) No sugar, white flour, white rice, white bread etc. No can goods. Eat fruit, vegetables, grains. At least two quarts of good water a day. Get your protein from soy, beans, nuts etc. Take a good multivitamin. No dairy, a good probiotic daily. Plenty of citrus fruit, oranges, grapefruit, lemon, lime. You should start seeing a marked improvement in a week.

• LORI // Jan 9, 2008 at 2:04 pm

  Has anyone thought about using colloidal silver? I was told that would help with fungal infections which if a sinus infection is not clearing up, it may be caused by fungus and not bactieria. I was told to use it in a sinus rinse.

• Cris // Jan 10, 2008 at 6:15 am

  I have just finished a 20-day treatment of Augmentin for sinus infection, the probiotics in between doses helped me get through it without too much stomach illness, now I am doing heavy probiotic intact with olive leaf extract and lots of vitamins to try to reset my system. Scary enough, I am still congested, my doctor says the infection should be gone, I just need to let the sinuses calm down.

  The only thing I am doing now is a light spray of colloidal silver, no heavy sniffing it up, to try to calm the sinuses. I’ll let you know if it works.

• Jim Locke // Mar 10, 2008 at 2:36 pm

  Would like to see answered on when to use Probiotics along with antibiotics.

• MommaP // Mar 21, 2008 at 9:55 am

  Here is my question. Previously on an antibiotic, I got a yeast infection, apparently in women this happens a lot. I am worried about getting another yeast infection. Will probiotics help? I currently have a sinus infection, bronchitis and ear infection. Quite frankly the yeast infection was worse. Either way, I will not sleep due to the pain or from not being able to breathe. Previous comments were about intestinal upset. Any suggestions.

• Jim Locke // Mar 21, 2008 at 1:14 pm

  MommaP: check out this link:

  http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Candida-Yeast-Guidebook-Revised/dp/0761527400

  I found during a google for gittleman and candida.
  Ann Louise Gittleman knows the yeast/Candida issue very well, and has praised this book.

  Another book to consider:
  http://www.amazon.com/Chronic-Candidiasis-Vitamins-Minerals-Exercise/dp/076150821X/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

  I have one of Michael Murray’s books, and it’s very good.

  I can say without question eliminating or greatly reducing dairy would at least reduce the sinus/ear issues, and Candida thrives on refined sugars (maybe natural sugars also).

  I had a cold that seemed to leave a bunch of congestion (including my right ear) a year or more ago. Got into a raw milk and cheese kick (as raw milk is healthier than the type you buy in stores. It doesn’t solve the milk/mucus problem, though. My congestion for worse, and then I got an antibiotic for the ear infection and basically eliminated dairy (milk and cheese), and am doing great now!

  If you decide to visit a holistic practitioner (Homeopathic, N.D, herbalist, etc), keep in mind when your body cleans out the the toxins, there can be symptoms from the cleansing (but they are normally milder than when you “catch” the illness in the first place).

  If you’re curious, do a google for Hering’s law of cure at some point.
  You could likely use a good cleansing. If you want product recommendations, feel free to email me as I have some.

• Matthew // Mar 22, 2008 at 2:01 pm

  I was just diagnosed with empetigo and started an antibiotic regimen. Almost instantly my acid reflux was through the roof. I started taking probiotics and the empatigo which was looking better got worse. This is day 4 and I’m going to try to stop the probiotics till the antibiotics have gone their course. I’m going to try prilosec for the acid reflux, and get some throat coat tea, it has slippery elm. It seems to me that probiotics definitely interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics. Best not to mix the two.

• M Do // Apr 3, 2008 at 5:46 pm

  Correct me if I am wrong but I thought ANTIbiotics killed both good and bad bacteria and that PRObiotics replaces the good bacteria. I may have to take some ANTIbiotics starting next week because of a possible ulcer and I am currently taking PRObiotics. I have no idea what I should do after reading so many different ideas.

• Jim Locke // Apr 3, 2008 at 6:10 pm

  M Do:

  You’re correct.
  My personal research has led me to believe that if using Antibiotics, using Probiotics in-between the doses of antibiotics daily is generally best.
  I site mentioned here earlier led me to some comments from a Dr. who research this a great deal apparently.

  I asked a homeophatic Nurse practitioner is she felt there was a problem if Probiotics were used at the same time as antibiotics, and she said no firmly.

  I did not specifically mention I had “popped” them literally at the same time.

  You are likely to find multiple opinions on this. For what it’s worth, my N.P. (the nurse I mentioned) said it was fine to use them at the same time.

  I also feel using antibiotics for a couple weeks -without- repopulating the gut with any flora significantly lowers the immunity temporarily.

  One reason I asked the N.P. this question was because I had a sore throat come back.
  I got another Strep test done. Negative. So she gave me a homeopathic medication. turned out it seems I needed a different one, since this different ones worked.
  Found this out on my own as I’m pretty knowledgeable on homeopathy for not being a Doctor.

  My point is: it appears the antibiotic worked just fine, even with use of probiotics in the same handful.

• teresa // Apr 21, 2008 at 1:21 pm

  For over a year I have had a lesion on my scalp that is infected and fills up quickly after being drained. A dermatologist recently prescribe the anitbiotic, minocycline, for three months at 100 mg. to take twice a day. I have also been taking proxene, a probiotic, for the past month or so. It dawned on me that they may be cancelling out the affect of each other. Plus, I have been experiencing severe headaches lately. I went to this site to learn the feasibility of taking probiotics and antibiotics at the same time. I have yet to find the answer. I am as confused as I was before. Several comments were to take probiotics between antibiotic doses, this is what I will try in hopes of alleviating my headaches. If anyone has an definitive information regarding the subject, please post it. Thanks for listening to me whine.

  terriperry

• Jim Locke // Apr 21, 2008 at 3:02 pm

  teresa:

  Are you eating unprocessed foods most of the time and drinking enough water? (around half your body weight measured in pounds, in ounces - i.e. if you are 150 lbs, youd drink about 75 ounces daily).
  If you are, your body may simply be getting rid of junk.

  When using a probiotic after being sick, the body rebalances. In doing this, it can push junk out of the body, including through the skin.

  Of course, don’t take this as formal advice, but it’s possible.

  Have you looked for a chiropractor who knows Kinesiology, or an herbalist?

  Just thoughts, again.

  I have had good luck applying a high-quality Lavender oil around the body and head if I have a headache.
  The Lavender is a great balancing herb that helps the body adapt to things.
  I have had great luck with Young Living’s Lavender oil. The aroma is stronger and richer than Aura Cacia’s and similar to Simpler’s (two brands).

• PJ // May 7, 2008 at 6:24 pm

  I am now on my 3rd round of antibiotics for a sinus infection. My cough was so horrible my doc did a CT of the sinus region and an x-ray of chest. He finally saw my sinus infection in there, he had been saying was cleared up. NOPE!

  So now I am on an additional 21 days of Levaquin. I started with a z pak and moved on to 10 days of levaquin and am still on it.

  I feel somewhat better but still have this horrible cough. A holistic med friend said take probiotics & not to wait. The girl in Whole Foods said not to take them together as the antibiotic will kill the probiotics. She suggested several hours after the antibiotic dose…
  I think the rule of thumb is this: The antibiotic can interfere with the probiotic good effects and the probiotics will be wasted.

  I don’t think the probiotic could make an antibiotic not work, not the strong antibiotics yall are talking about.
  It would be a very weak antibiotic to be adversely affected by a probiotic. Just my opinion.

  I have decided to take some proB each day because I have been on the antibiotics for so long now (several months) and I am concerned with yeast and candida, thrush, etc.

• Kimberly // May 21, 2008 at 5:58 pm

  According to this article its okay:

  http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijnw/vol2n1/probiotics.xml

• sw // May 27, 2008 at 7:57 am

  Repeated ear infections are almost always a milk allergy. Goats milk and products doesn’t seem to have to same problems. Milk allergy also contributes to ADD/ADHD.
  Repeated sinus infections are almost always a wheat allergy.
  There is milk (casein) and wheat (gluten) in almost everything manufactured. Removing these offenders from your diet and taking an antifungal like oil of oregano or grapefruit seed extract until you feel better should stop the reacurrences.
  Research Celiac and CF/GF free for tons of success stories, ideas and recipes

• using probiotics with antibiotics // Jun 4, 2008 at 6:51 am

  [...] [...]

• Jessica // Jun 23, 2008 at 11:55 pm

  THANK YOU for all your comments. I was just diagnosed with C-Diff and though there’s some conflicting info., you have given me some great tools to work with, and a wealth of information!

• EL // Jul 13, 2008 at 9:55 am

  There must be a doctor in there somewhere what with all the antibiotic prescriptions I’ve been reading about. Has anyone asked their personal physician about probiotics and their interactions with antibiotics?

• Andrea // Jul 21, 2008 at 8:26 pm

  I have to weigh in here:

  I think probiotics are ESSENTIAL if you are taking an antibiotic for more than a week or so.

  I’ve been taking doxycycline for a month and a half for Lyme disease, and taking a probiotic has really helped to keep me feeling alright. When I’ve run out and stopped taking it, I’ve felt really depressed (depression being a side effect of taking antibiotics, perhaps through a gut bacteria mechanism).

  It seems to me that probiotics can be effective even when you’re taking an antibiotic, because the antibiotic doesn’t kill everything. The balance of the bacteria that ARE there matters.

• Cherri // Jul 21, 2008 at 9:03 pm

  My 16 yr old son has been on Cloxacilan for 15 days for an infection and has started another 15 days because the infection still hasn’t cleared.
  He injured his leg and the sore got so infected that the Dr. had to drain 3 (10cc) of ? out of his infection on his leg.
  But, my question is probiotics, I am thinking he should be taking these?… and especially now that he is going to be on his 2nd run of these heavy duty antibiotics.. or should I just wait til he’s done… Any comments would be appreciated.. Thank you.

• Andrea // Jul 21, 2008 at 9:50 pm

  Go ahead and take probiotics while you’re on antibiotics!

  They help!

  Probiotics apparently reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, so they do something, they’re not all getting killed by the antibiotic.

  http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/324/7350/1361

• sw // Jul 21, 2008 at 9:53 pm

  I would suggest pro-biotics taken between (two hours after) the anti-biotics.
  Has the doctor suggested anything topically like oil of oregano or tea tree oil?
  I would look into oil of oregano and use your best judgement. I’ve never had to use it externally but I swear by what it does internally. As a matter of fact, it would be a good idea for him to take that until he’s better too. It’s amazing stuff. I’m never without it anymore. If you can find Joy of The Mountain brand it’s very good.

• ginger perry // Aug 12, 2008 at 7:27 pm

  This continues to be very confusing. I just
  had cellulitis in my toe … Was given I.V. antibiotics and was told i should/could take probiotics — and lots of them — 2 hours after my dose of antibiotics. When you say … BETWEEN.. i am not sure if you mean what i just said or, say,
  a week of anitibiotics … and then the probiotics the next week. What do you mean by BETWEEN? I am convinced that what I am doing is correct … anyone? But thank you for whatever feedback.. ..Healing with an infected toe

• sw // Aug 12, 2008 at 7:36 pm

  You generally take antibiotics three times a day or every four hours approximately. Take the probiotics between the doses. I would also recommend taking them for a few weeks after you’re finished the antibiotics as well to re-establish your healthy flora really well.

• Jennifer // Aug 17, 2008 at 9:18 pm

  Below is a link to a good source that says probiotics should be taken during and after a course of antibiotics, and as sw said, increasing somewhat directly after the course to replenish beneficial flora.

  I’m hoping to avoid a yeast infection while taking augmentin for a stupid cat bite (my cat is stupid, as well as the bite he gave me). I hope the probiotics will prevent the often unfortunate side affect of antibiotics.

  (copy & paste the entire link)
  http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijnw/vol2n1/probiotics.xml

• Torsten Knoll // Sep 5, 2008 at 9:02 am

  New MRSA Book and Information

• Torsten Knoll // Sep 5, 2008 at 9:06 am

  New MRSA Book and Information / Help
  Factual Report !!!

• Beth // Oct 2, 2008 at 6:00 pm

  The word probiotic does not mean that an antibiotic’s efficacy in fighting infection is lessoned. Labeling these beneficial bacteria probiotics( as opposed to antibiotics )seems to have caused some confusion. Probiotics simply counter an antibiotic’s side effect of destroying the beneficial bacteria(along with the bad). Probiotics replace the good bacteria being destroyed; they do not inhibit the antibiotics ability to fight infection. They should always be taken before and after antibiotic useage and most people should take them regularly and up the dose when on antibiotics. Taking them between antibiotic dosages is best - try for at least 2 hours after the dose(more if able).Unfortunaltely many doctors(perhaps most) are still ignorant of the importance of this and seem to feel threatened if you bring up something the do not have knowledge of. Still, more and more are becoming aware of the importance of using probiotics. I know personally of 3 doctors in my area who always advise taking them along with antibiotic therapy - hopefully there are more. Don’t listen to everything your doctor says. They have basically no training in nutritional therapy or any alternative medicine. Since medical school most of what they learn comes directly from pharmaceutical companies. Either through drug reps or by attending seminars, etc. sponsered by drug companies. You must be pro-active about your health and your medical treatment.

• SN // Nov 26, 2009 at 10:17 am

  Barry — I live in Seattle and am interested in finding the Chinese physician you referred to in your 10/10/07 post …”if you live near Seattle, I can suggest a 6th generation Chinese physician who makes a difference”—thank you!

• Trent Jackson // Nov 30, 2009 at 10:17 pm

  The problem with antibiotics is that they target both bad and GOOD bacteria. So it seems totally incoherent to take probiotics whilst taking antibiotics. You’re just making the work harder for the antibiotics.

• Trent Jackson // Nov 30, 2009 at 10:19 pm

  Probiotics after the course of antibiotics makes sense however though.

• Gayle // Dec 10, 2009 at 10:06 am

  I just finished reading all the comments and it is confusing! I am a long time user of probiotics and was just put on antibiotics for an infection. Since the benefits of probiotics has been so great for me I will not stop using them through the course of antibiotics, however I did not think to space out the dosage which I will begin immediately. That did make sense. I suffered with stomach issues far to long before finding the benefits of probiotics I couldnt imagine stopping them now!

• Trent Jackson // Dec 10, 2009 at 10:10 pm

  It is a controversial debate, and there is good argument for both sides. Apparently bad bacteria grows faster than good bacteria according to my GP. On the label of the inner health plus probiotic it states that they are usfule AFTER a course of antibiotics.

  Who knows what’s best, one doctors says this while the other says that!

• urs // Dec 12, 2009 at 6:33 am

  hi :),
  I dont know much about any of this stuff, although i have recurrent sinus infections allll the time. i have had 16 surgeries over the last 10 yrs for bowel obstructions/infections. i developed mrsa, and ever since have been severely ill (all stomach related, diarreah, naseau, pain, etc), including sinus inf after inf, it never ends, and i am constantly on 875 mg/125 of another antibiotic. all i know is, when i was in the hospital, on flagyl, and vancomycin, the Dr’s were giving me probiotics at the same time!, and when i went home, they told me to continue taking them. i was sick as a dog this week in particular, with diarreah, naseau, etc, it didnt dawn on me to take the good probiotics. I bought them, and the next morning i had absolutely no sign of ever being sick at all. in addition to taking the pro/bio, i am taking something called wellness formula i get in a health food store. as i said, i dont know much about any of this stuff, but the combination of the probiotics, the wellness formula, the diet, i do feel better. so i guess my point here is, while admitted in the hospital, i had the probiotics and the antibiotics given to me at the same time. in addition to oral antibiotics, i was on IV antibiotics too. Good luck to all. Stay healthy, and enjoy all the holidays.

• Trent Jackson // Dec 12, 2009 at 7:15 am

  Go easy on that Flagyl. A lot of people are scared about exchanging an infection for a brain tumor with that drug. It interferes with our DNA.

  Scientists gave lab rats 33 times the human dosage and they got heptic malignant lesions on the liver. But this is of course a lot for an animal which is about 0.5% of our weight, and give 33 times the human dosage! So with short term use the chance are possible but unlikely. But with long-term / high dosage use the chances are higher. Taken for a serious infection the benefits outweigh the risks.

  But hey, with or without it, no matter how healthy you are, we all stand a 1-in-4 chance of developing cancer at some stage of our life!

  Saeson’s greetings everyone!

• Jorge // Jan 1, 2010 at 9:06 pm

  Guys,
  Most Probiotics don’t implant the human gut . The reason because we should take them after an antibiotic course is to get their benefits until the indigenous flora recover. Prebiotics are also important because they feed the native strains which form our gut microbiota. Probiotics only offer temporary benefits. Taken prolonged antibiotic curses is a big risk, they cause perseverant damage to the friendly flora and intestinal candidiasis which is very hard to treat and cure.

• jdv // Jan 1, 2010 at 9:08 pm

  Guys,
  Most Probiotics don’t implant the human gut . The reason because we should take them after an antibiotic course is to get their benefits until the indigenous flora recover. Prebiotics are also important because they feed the native strains which form our gut microbiota. Probiotics only offer temporary benefits. Taken prolonged antibiotic curses is a big risk, they cause perseverant damage to the friendly flora and intestinal candidiasis which is very hard to treat and cure.

• Happygirl // Jan 9, 2010 at 5:54 pm

  I have had a sinus infection for years!!! Finally found out a tooth under my sinus was infected for 37 from a bad root canal. Had the tooth pulled. I have done much research and found that Saccharomyces boulardii, is the only probiotic that antibiotics will not kill. My mucosal immune system (gut & sinus & chest) is very low so I am taking probiotics and exercising to help build it back up. Still have infection, and nothing seems to clear it up. The antibiotics only seem to know it down. : (

• Happygirl // Jan 9, 2010 at 5:55 pm

  I have had a sinus infection for years!!! Finally found out a tooth under my sinus was infected for 37 from a bad root canal. Had the tooth pulled. I have done much research and found that Saccharomyces boulardii, is the only probiotic that antibiotics will not kill. My mucosal immune system (gut & sinus & chest) is very low so I am taking probiotics and exercising to help build it back up. Still have infection, and nothing seems to clear it up. The antibiotics only seem to knock it down. : (

• emetr4 // Jan 10, 2010 at 1:24 pm

  I liked the commend by JDV (Jorge) of Jan. 9, 2010, because after I treated my ulcer with antibiotics that caused severe constipation in me. I never had problem with it before antibiotics. I have been taking probiotics for a year now as they are the only thing that helps. It is like if I take them, I feel life inside of me and things are moving, and if I don’t take them for a week, everything dies again, and severe constipation comes back. My question is - how to replenish your intestinal flora? Is is even possible or I’ll have to take probiotics till the rest of my life? Why probiotics we take as a pill don’t survive long in your gut as before taking antibiotics, they survived there just fine? Thank you for your answers.

• JDV // Jan 10, 2010 at 7:43 pm

  The biggest offender after taking antibiotics is candida albicans. Candida overgrowth in the intestinal tract when benefical bacterias are killed by antibiotics. An intestinal candidiasis is a serious problem which need to be corrected as soon as possible. Candida cause many health problems and depress the immnue system. I encourage every body who has taken antibiotics read about candida in the web. There is not magic pill to cure candida, insted you need to follow a treatment with diet, antifungals and probiotics. Read as much as you can about candida and how it affect the general health. You gonna be surprised how you health problem could be strongly linked to it. Probiotics alone can not solve an intestinal candidiasis. This is my best advice for anybody who has taken antibiotics more than 1 o 2 times in a year.

• emetr4 // Jan 19, 2010 at 4:50 am

  Thanks, JDV, again. I checked the symptoms for candidiasis - I have none of them. I think I feel there is a different problem here. I am not sure, but I have 3 thoughts about why probiotics do not survive in my body longer than a week after I killed them all off with triple antibiotics therapy:
  (1) companies that make probiotics (like VSL#3, for example), make them weak/short-term, so that they don’t survive in your body for a long time. I actually read about VSL#3 that their probiotics will die out in 2 weeks after you stop taking them. I am not sure, but I believe I read it on their website. I am may be wrong about it, I am just guessing here. Companies make probiotics weak so that we would buy them again and again - profit for them.
  (2) our body made antibodies to good bacteria - can that be? It made antibodies to H. Pylori - may be it made them to all good bacteria, too, after killing it off with antibiotics?
  (3) May be there is some antibiotics left in blood, or somewhere else in my body that kills off good bacteria all the time after I took triple antibiotics?

• Trent Jackson // Jan 19, 2010 at 10:08 am

  No way.

  Scientists and people in medicine are not in it for the money. The well deserved money that they make is just the icing on the cake so to speak.

  Most people in medicine have a very high intellect, high IQ and a genuine passion to help others.

  There are much higher paying fields of opportunities out there in this world. With their intellect, they would all be sitting at home trading on the stock market if their primary motivation was for profit.

  So I therefore must argue that your claim about profit before health is CrAzY

• emetr4 // Jan 19, 2010 at 2:54 pm

  I honestly hope you are right, Trent, although I didn’t make any claims and stated I was just guessing - and stated it, actually THREE TIMES! However, I understand the way you feel - you don’t think the company would make short-lived probiotics on purpose, to put you on it and keep you on it, keep you buying from the company. I am just asking here - why don’t they make them long-lived, surviving in your body? Is it very hard to create? Thank you for answers from anybody who knows anything about this subject.

• Trent Jackson // Jan 19, 2010 at 9:50 pm

  It was only but some 50-years ago that many people died from the common cold.

  It will probably take scientists another 50 to well and truly figure things out.

  Add another 50 on to that, and people with advanced cancer will swallow something and wake up the next day and go jogging.

  We’re still in the dark ages, but we do have light bulbs.

• Trent Jackson // Jan 19, 2010 at 10:09 pm

  The world will be a wonderful place in another 200-years.

  # No crime (everyone will be closely monitored using technology)
  # People will only die from old age
  # Most people will have University degrees

• Trent Jackson // Jan 19, 2010 at 11:04 pm

  I also predict that the US will eventually step in and take over these poverty stricken countries where there is nothing but bloodshed and disaster.

  There may even be a world war III, and absolutely no one stands a chance against America and its allies.

  Forget about president of the United States for a moment and consider the prospects of “President of the world”

• JDV // Jan 20, 2010 at 12:07 am

  If you want to learn about probiotics, take a look to the candida forum in curezone. Right now there is a debate about gut flora with many interesting answer. The guys there know a lot about it. There is more than probiotics after antibiotic intake.
  Good Luck.

• Trent Jackson // Jan 20, 2010 at 1:28 am

  That’s exactly right — at the moment it is all debate.

  One doctor says this while the other says that.

  Science is still in infancy.

• Trent Jackson // Jan 20, 2010 at 1:30 am

  Heck, half of these drugs that doctors prescribe are nearing 30-years-old!

  Flagyl is one of them!

• Trent Jackson // Jan 20, 2010 at 1:47 am

  Doctor’s thoughts before prescribing a drug:

  1. Does the benefit outweight the risk? (are we going to exchange an infection for a brain tumor)

  2. Better to leave well enough alone?

  At the end of the day, even the most healthiest person stands a 1-in-4 chance of getting cancer during some stage in their lives.

• Trent Jackson // Jan 20, 2010 at 2:29 am

  Oh and …

  3. Will this medication conflict with what you’re currently taking?

  You mix this with that, that with this and you end up with a cocktail which not even the smartest person in the world could tell you about what may or may not occur.

  Stroke?
  Heart attack?
  Lesions?
  Neurological disturbances?

• Trent Jackson // Jan 20, 2010 at 2:34 am

  You see how precise science is?

  Sure we test drugs on lab rats, but we don’t test them combined with this, this, that.

  Dark ages. If you’re over 25, then bless every second that you’re alive.

• Trent Jackson // Jan 20, 2010 at 2:51 am

  Actually, depending on your life style (drink / smoke / take drugs) — I think we’ll change that to 35.

  It is highly unlikely for someone below this age to have a heart attack or a stroke.

• Trent Jackson // Jan 20, 2010 at 3:10 am

  Build a real big new jail out in the desert somewhere.

  Tobacco illegal.
  Alcohol illegal.

  Lifetime jail sentences for anyone breaking the law. Break the cycle.

• Trent Jackson // Jan 20, 2010 at 3:25 am

  But for some crimes, where the offender has been properly reformed 2 strikes and you’re out may seem appropriate.

  But as for the big 4, LIFE!

  1. Murder
  2. Rape
  3. Drug traffic
  4. Armed robbery

• emetr4 // Jan 20, 2010 at 11:43 am

  JDV, thank you: I’ll check the website you mentioned.

• VL // Jan 28, 2010 at 6:41 am

  I am glad to find this very long thread about probiotics and antibiotics. I am sleepless now (and have been so for a whole week!) from sinus problems, and am checking on the Internet for what else I can do to help. Probiotics is one of the very last things I haven’t tried yet, including all conventional, herbal, natural and Chinese remedies.

  I am surprised no one has mentioned about nausea as a side effect of antibiotics. I was prescribed a round of antibiotics for bronchitis/lung infection last year, and ever since then I had serious nausea for two whole months, even much worse than when I was pregnant. Gravol and prescription medications didn’t help at all, and neither did the 10 or so medical professionals that I seeked help from. The nausea really only stopped right after I started an aggressive regimen of customized Chinese herbal medication targeted for that. Imagine, after two months of severe nausea, it stopped, for good, within two days of the Chinese herbal medication.

  In addition, ever since the antibiotics, I have been suffering from chronic everything in the last few months — colds, blocked sinuses, heavy runny nose, heavy mucus, appetite loss — representing more than 20 days every single month. My body has never been remotely close to being in such bad state before this, ever.

  Now, after reading many of the above comments, the antibiotics killing the good flora makes sense, and at least it is definitely worth trying. I will get my kefir and whatever probiotic they pitch at me at the health food store right away tomorrow. Thanks all for sharing and reading!

• Cris // Jan 28, 2010 at 7:41 am

  At some point it may be important to break the antibiotic cycle. I was taking them off and on for years for sinus infections and kept getting sick. After a hardcore stomach infection in China last year, my doctor said no more antibiotics for the sinus infections as my stomach couldn’t handle it. Instead, I started on a probiotic program with very strong doses, like taking 5 high quality pills a day instead of one and a low wheat/low sugar diet. Oddly enough, with that and a lot of rest, my sinuses have been clear for six months! I also feel a lot better.

  I think I was caught in a vicious circle because of the antibiotics where the related intestinal problems were making me more prone to sinus infections, etc. I’m pretty sure probiotics help you to fight these things on your own, my experience shows they can work. Like emtre4 above, I am a little concerned that I have to take them all the time, but am already finding that I can get away with taking less of them after several months of taking a lot. Good luck!

• Cris // Jan 28, 2010 at 7:45 am

  PS - If you want to really give the probiotics a chance, make sure to get the highest quality ones, otherwise you might end up with something that has no effect.

• JDV // Jan 28, 2010 at 11:18 am

  Please Guys,
  Browse the web about candida. Candida is what cause repeted sinus infections and the vicious cycle. Do yourself a favor and research this topic. When you take antibiotics, candida overgrowth in the intestinal track and cause many problems. Candidiasis is a serious condition that need to be corrected as soon as possible. Your health is at risk. Probiotics alone can not cure candida. You need a diet, antifungals and probiotics. There are thousand of websites explaining this problem and how serious is it. I am absolutely sure this can be the best step to recover your health . Again, research about candidiasis, symptoms, risks, and how antibiotics are the biggest culprit. Do it and you never are going to forget this advice.

• seashell // Feb 4, 2010 at 6:51 pm

  please please please don’t put tubes in your child’s ears. He may be lactose intolerant, he may be gluten intolerant, grain sensitive. In the middle east, and tribal cultures, urine is put into the ear, and clears up infections. I realize this sounds very gross or weird, but it’s something that works, a natural cure. I have had success. Antibiotics have always been on my last resort list, but I had to due to wisdom teeth extraction, and I was fine until I stopped taking probiotics( I usually take them everyday, for the last 2 years) I figured that the antibiotics would kill the probiotics, but I developed a yeast infection from the antibiotics. No fun, so I said, it’s obvious in my situation that probiotics are always beneficial, ESPECIALLY when taking antibiotics. There are no side effects of probiotics, but there are with antibiotics. Hope that this can help someone out there, and i wish the best of health. NOTE: most western traditional “doctors” aren’t even trained in nutrition and supplemental intake. They are trained by the pharmaceutical companies as well as receiving “kickback” pay from writing prescriptions. I used to date a doctor and know all too well now to bring my baby to a naturopath if needed, but mama-you are your child’s best doctor along with the food you nourish yourself and child with ..xoxo

• Trent Jackson // Feb 5, 2010 at 1:28 am

  No way do doctors receive a “kick back” by prescribing medication. Not in Australia at least. I refuse to believe this.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 5, 2010 at 1:45 am

  Actually,

  I think that I am responsible for getting a doctor fired for requesting that he prescribe me with Nitrazepam (a pretty strong sleeping tablet)

  I just asked for it and he gave it to me no questions asked really.

• Sandee // Feb 6, 2010 at 3:58 pm

  For the woman with child with chronic ear infections, antibiotics especially if they didn’t work first time around WILL lead to tubes in ears, UNLESS you do homeopathy. For homeopathy, chronic infant ear infections are a super easy CURE, however, you will need a homeopath with a good reputation (ours had a 5 mo waiting list), do not go the tube route, there is absolutely no need, ask a homeopath.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 6, 2010 at 10:12 pm

  Today, the world is so subjective, corrupted and there’s so much BS going on that reputation by means of (hearsay) — means nothing.

  Incidentally, the longer the waiting list, the greater the chance that you’ll just be seen as a “number”.

  Business is strong enough, so I therefore don’t really care if I do or do not satisfy you. We are a materialistic motivated world. (most of us)

• Trent Jackson // Feb 6, 2010 at 10:16 pm

  Simple psychology really.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 6, 2010 at 11:42 pm

  My best advice is — don’t trust anyone who isn’t on your payroll. Even then, you can’t always be 100% certain. The enemy might be paying them double on the side!

  Laughing

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 5:12 am

  If Moore’s law remains true, you’ll likely be swallowing capsule containing transistors in a couple of 1000 years.

  A miniature self-morphing “robot” that is programmed to target something specific.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 5:48 am

  Jackson’s law: “intelligence is a measure of commonsense, and knowing the world for what it is, and knowing people for what they truly are and what want from you”

  Simple really.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 5:50 am

  Jackson’s law: “intelligence is a measure of commonsense, and knowing the world for what it is, and knowing people for what they truly are and what THEY want from you”

  Simple really.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 6:10 am

  Commonsense (logic) — can become very complex. In its simplest form you are only thinking about 1 thing. But when you are taking into consideration 100 things at the same time (1,000 variables for say a video game) then you are complex.

• Cris // Feb 7, 2010 at 6:12 am

  I would be more interested in hearing about probiotics and antibiotics on this message board.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 6:25 am

  Fine. I took some Amoxicillin years ago for an ear infection and it did not work. The corrupted doctor next door prescribed me with it.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 6:31 am

  I am the victim of a 20-year long conspiracy.

  I’m currently 32-years-old.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 6:43 am

  I am also about to lead the way with 2D game development in VB.NET

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 7:02 am

  I hear that most of these guys are under federal investigation.

  You want in too?

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 7:03 am

  Peter May would be sweating & shaking all over the place by now.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 7:10 am

  I think that all the cops wanna do is give me a 3000GT Twin Turbo and a bow tie, in exchange for giving their kids FREE computer programming lessons.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 7:24 am

  + full immunity to all traffic offences.

  Never, ever pull me over.

  Deal?

• Trent Jackson // Feb 7, 2010 at 7:45 am

  FREE lessons. If they can get their head around boolean algebra, then I’ll teach them.

  If not then I am wasting my time.

  Deal?

• lulu // Feb 20, 2010 at 8:33 pm

  I have had to take more antibiotics than ever in my life in the last 2 years. Usually I don’t take probiotics- which always leads to a yeast infection. Last time I took probiotics, but the infection came back shortly after (and I had to go on antibiotics AGAIN)- however, I was taking the probiotics at the same time as the antibiotics (and I did not get a yeast infection!).
  I wonder if by taking them at the same time- the antibiotics then have to work harder to get rid of bacteria- and run out of steam so to speak?
  If taking probiotics in between doses of antibiotics- then your good bacteria are functioning at least part of the time(even if they get killed by the next round of antibiotics) therefore not leading to the yeast infection/thrush etc.
  Now- what if you take only the antibiotics for the first 3/4 of the infection or until symptoms have cleared up. Seemingly, this would allow the antibiotics to focus on the bad bacteria. By the time symptoms have cleared, there must be less bad bacteria for antibiotics to work on- and it would be a good time to introduce the good bacteria (spaced between antibiotic doses).
  Then it is definately necessary to continue probiotics for 2-4 weeks after antibiotic use (and I would think following an anti candida diet- no sugar, white starches, etc).
  After wards it is also important to supplement with a multivitamin- Vit A, and C are particulary important for the health of intestinal linings (which antibiotics make more permeable) and vitamins work better in conjunction with one another.
  So while the antibiotics work quickly on the infection- getting back into great health is a lot of work afterwards and involves diet and lifestyle changes- but even if only for a few months- isn’t it worth it?
  Drink lots of vegetable juices! carrot, celery, ginger, lemo, apple- lots of healthy enzymes!!!!! and easy on the digestive system.
  good luck everyone!

• Trent Jackson // Feb 20, 2010 at 9:07 pm

  Quote: “I wonder if by taking them at the same time- the antibiotics then have to work harder to get rid of bacteria- and run out of steam so to speak?”

  Apparently, according to my GP — bad bacteria grows faster than the good. So, the antibiotics will likely kill off all or some of the bad, and some or close to none of the good.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 20, 2010 at 9:12 pm

  I think it really depends on the individuals case.

  Mild ear infection? (Amoxicillin) take the probiotics with the antibiotics.

  Severe gastrointestinal infection? (Flagyl) take them after the course of antibiotics.

• Trent Jackson // Feb 20, 2010 at 9:38 pm

  Oh,

  and last but not least, if you’ve taken a couple of rounds of Flagyl for a suspected gastrointestinal infection, and found that the diarrhea returns several weeks later, then try taking a worming tablet. You may have hookworms (which was the case for me)

  Hookworms are like leaches. They attach themselves to wall of your small bowel and draw ~1.5ml of blood per day (each worm). Some people get infestations of thousands of them and can die from anemia. You may find small droplets of blood in your stools, accompanied with eggs that the female worm lays (2,000 p/day is not uncommon)

  I think that the Flagyl just put them to sleep for a while, but the worming tablet has starved them to death.

• Angela J. // Mar 11, 2010 at 6:48 am

  Am glad I browsed through all the comments above. It was quite helpful. I have been taking probiotics for about 2 years now and have never really been taking antibiotics till now. I was prescribed today with augmentin, 1g 2x/day. This is because the wound from a surgery got infected. I stopped my probiotics when I started the augmentin but after reading all the side effects discussed, I realize that I do have to be extra careful and continue with the probitioc intake as well.

  thanks for all the info

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