Probiotics and Antibiotics – Why Use Them Together?

Probiotic supplements are commonly used during or after an antibiotic regimen to help restore balance to the intestinal microflora. Probiotic bacteria contribute to digestive function and overall health by inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria and by breaking down foods that we eat.

Antibiotic medications may be necessary when a bacterial infection takes hold. These medicines are effective at killing pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria, but they can also kill the good bacteria present in the human gastrointestinal tract.

The result is internal dysbiosis – a term which denotes imbalance in the intestinal microbiome. When dysbiosis occurs, there is an imbalance in the number of health-boosting probiotic bacteria compared to the bad pathogenic bacteria.

This can manifest itself as digestive discomfort, diarrhea, low energy levels and increased susceptibility to developing certain infections, such as Candida vaginal yeast infections in women.

Taking a high dose probiotic supplement with the right combination of beneficial bacteria strains after using antibiotics can quickly restore order to the microbiome and alleviate these digestive side effects as well as improving immunity and general health.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Probiotics vs. Antibiotics

Probiotics and antibiotics are taken for the same reason, even though they work in very different ways. Both are used to inhibit the spread of pathogenic bacteria that can disrupt digestive function, cause inflammation and cause infection.

Probiotics work by increasing the number of good bacteria in the gut to combat bad bacteria. Antibiotics work by eliminating all microbial organisms they come in contact with, causing the elimination of both good and bad bacteria.

While antibiotics are very effective at attacking bad bacteria, they create a void of both probiotic and pathogenic bacteria after they are used. Some research studies suggest that without supplements, it can take as long as 2-4 months for a healthy microbiome to be re-established in the gut.

Supplementing with a high-quality probiotic supplement or food source enriched with probiotic bacteria can significantly speed up this process. Not only does this help to restore the microflora, it can also inhibit re-infections and prevent pathogenic bacteria from gaining a foothold in the intestinal tract.

Many prefer using probiotics because they have a preventative effect, helping to bolster the natural defenses of the human immune system.

Probiotics for Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)

AAD is a condition that often accompanies antibiotic use. When the good bacteria in the digestive tract are killed off during a course of antibiotic therapy, frequent and watery bowel movements can occur.

Diarrhea is generally benign, but in some cases, it can be dangerous and potentially fatal. When diarrhea occurs, nutrients are not being properly absorbed, which can impair the recovery process from infections, diseases or other medical conditions.

AAD is reported to occur in 5-30% of patients who receive antibiotics and it is a sign of internal dysbiosis. Taking probiotics can prevent or improve antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) in children and adults.

Both the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG culture strain and Saccharomyces boulardii probiotics are used to prevent AAD.

A study published in Ailmentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics in October 2015 showed Saccharomyces boulardii is effective in reducing the risk of AAD in children and adults.

In children taking the probiotic, Saccharomyces boulardii reduced the risk of ADD from 20.9% to 8.8%. In adults the risk of AAD went from 17.4% to 8.2%.

There is some evidence that taking Bifidobacterium longum reduces stool frequency in antibiotic associated diarrhea and helps abdomen bloating and pain.

Results of Using Probiotics and Antibiotics

When taking probiotics with antibiotics, they have to be taken at least two hours apart from each other to prevent an interaction. Your doctor may recommend using probiotics during the course of taking antibiotics or waiting until a day after you stop using the antibiotic medicine.

The stool clostridial spore count (bacteria found in soil and intestinal track of people) was also reduced in patients taking erythromycin (antibiotic for treating bacterial infections) along with this probiotic.

Probiotics are also taken as a preventative (prophylaxis) to prevent Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. This type of diarrhea can be difficult to treat once it is established and has a high rate of recurrence.

Clinical studies have shown patients that take Actimel (made by Danone) twice a day during the course of antibiotics and one week after reduce the risk of developing antibiotic related diarrhea including the Clostridium difficile related diarrhea.

This probiotic beverage contains Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Taking the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii orally in combination with the antibiotics vancomycin or metronidazole lessens the risk of recurrence of Clostridium difficile diarrhea in adults and children.

Probiotics and Pouchitis

For some conditions such as pouchitis (complication of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis), taking probiotics along with antibiotics is the preferred treatment.

Taking the probiotic strain of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria and Streptococcus (VSL#3) was shown in clinical studies to help treat chronic pouchitis. This is a bacterial infection following surgery for ulcerative colitis). The remission rate was 85% when taken daily for one year.

A clinical study published in Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology in September 2015 on the treatment of pouchitis with antibiotics and probiotics showed that the pathogenic bacterium flora was the cause of this condition.

The antibiotics ciprofloxacin and metronidazole are used to treat acute and chronic pouchitis.

The study showed the high concentrate probiotic combination VSL#3 prevented the pouchitis from developing and helped maintain the antibiotic induced remission of this condition.

Negative Side Effects

Probiotics are generally considered safe to use when they are taken appropriately, but individuals with certain medical conditions should not use these supplements unless directed to do so by a medical doctor.

Probiotics should not be taken by those with immune impaired conditions such as organ transplant patients. People using catheters or those with open surgical wounds should also avoid probiotics supplements for the treatment of AAD.

Unless directed by a medical professional, probiotic supplements should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. People with SBS (Short Bowel Disease) should also avoid probiotics.

Individuals who are lactose intolerant and using probiotics after antibiotics should look for non-dairy-based probiotic products. For those allergic to yeast, taking yeast-based probiotics such as Saccharomyces boulardii should be avoided.

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