Antibiotics fight infections by killing bacteria and preventing them from multiplying. Using antibiotics in conjunction with probiotics may help reduce certain side effects associated with antibiotic use and may prevent increased healthcare costs. Although research is still preliminary, the use of probiotics during antibiotic therapy appears promising.
Antibiotics
While antibiotics can save lives, they should be used only when necessary. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as the common cold, flu or bronchitis. Additionally, taking antibiotics can cause bacteria in your body to develop a resistance. MRSA -- or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus -- is a bacteria that is resistant to some antibiotics and is a growing healthcare concern both for hospitalized patients and people in the community. Resistant bacteria make infections more difficult to treat and can require longer, more costly hospital stays. Antibiotics may cause side effects and increase your risk of diarrhea, the bacteria Clostridium difficile being one of the most common causes.
Probiotics
To help re-colonize your gut with healthy bacteria, improve immune function and prevent diarrhea, your doctor may recommend probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms found naturally in your digestive tract. Probiotics work in three ways. They inhibit the growth of bad bacteria, improve the function of the intestinal barrier and suppress inflammation, which improves your immune system. There are many types of probiotics and their functions are based on their genus, species and strain.
Recommendations
Probiotics are available through food sources such as yogurt, or from supplements. Finding a probiotic that has been well-studied for effectiveness in humans can be a challenge. Guidelines published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" recommend specific yogurt products and probiotic supplements to help reduce Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea from antibiotic use. These include Florastor powder, Lalflor capsules, Culturelle capsules, DanActive fermented milk and Danimals drinkable yogurt. For safety, talk to your doctor about whether taking a probiotic is right for you and which type you should take.
Considerations
When taking an antibiotic, it is extremely important that you follow dosage instructions as prescribed by your doctor. Always finish taking the full dose, even if you feel better. If you have unused antibiotics, throw them away and do not save for future use. Never give unused antibiotics to others, as this can be harmful.
References
- National Institute of Health: Antibiotics: May 2011
- "Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners"; Probiotics for Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and Clostridium Difficile-Associated Disease in Hospitalized Adults -- A Meta-Analysis; Amita Avadhani, et al.; 2011
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Inappropriate Use of Antibiotics; August 2009
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Probiotics and Prebiotics in Dietetics Practice; Linda Douglas, et al.; 2008
