While antibiotics diligently work to destroy the bad bacteria that has made you ill, it also kills the good bacteria in your large intestine that can cause unpleasant diarrhea. In fact, approximately one in five people on antibiotics stop taking antibiotics early due to diarrhea, according to Science Daily. Probiotics like lactobacillus and acidophilus taken during and after your course of antibiotics can help remedy the situation and prevent diarrhea.
Timing
It is acceptable to take antibiotics together with probiotics as long as you do not swallow them together. The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness recommends that you wait at least two hours after each dose of antibiotic to take probiotics.
Length
Take your probiotics every day while you are completing your course of antibiotics. Once the antibiotic treatment is complete, double or triple the probiotic dose indicated on the label for a period of 10 days to two weeks. This will help ensure that the restoration of well-balanced intestinal bacteria is complete.
Meal Times
For maximum benefit, acupuncturist and chiropractic physician Dr. Ben Kim's website recommends you take probiotics on an empty stomach before your meal. This ensures that your stomach acids are at their lowest point, allowing the probiotic to pass through to your intestine easily.
Potential Side Effects
Beware of what doctors refer to as the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction that can occur when taking probiotics. This reaction is temporary and is a sign that the probiotics are working. They can include bloating, gas and headaches. If these side effects become difficult to tolerate, reduce your probiotic dosage until symptoms subside, then increase slowly to the maximum recommended.
