Is It Safe to Take Probiotics While Taking Amoxicillin?

If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor would most likely prescribe amoxicillin to you. While this is generally positive news for your overall recovery, what does it mean in terms of side effects? Does taking probiotics, which include “good” bacteria, assist to alleviate such negative effects? Let us begin.   

It’s used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, from pneumonia to dental abscesses to urinary tract infections and more. There isn’t much that amoxicillin can’t fix. It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice among prescribers; it’s the precise definition of a “wide spectrum antibiotic,” which is recommended in the vast majority of uncomplicated infection situations.

The Antibiotic Amoxicillin and Its Role in Killing Good Bacteria

Amoxicillin (Amvunate 1.2 mg) is effective against a wide range of microorganisms. It seeks for and destroys the cultures that cause the worst symptoms of food poisoning, meningitis, and strep throat, from opportunistic bacteria like H. Influenzae to digestive-focused Helicobacter pylori. It is very efficient in breaking down stubborn respiratory tract infections when combined with clavulanic acid. While this makes it extremely valuable, it also means that some “good” germs will get caught in the crossfire.

As a result, it’s worth thinking about whether amoxicillin and probiotics may be combined in such a manner that you obtain the benefits of the former while avoiding the adverse effects of the latter (or, at least, a reduction). 

Is it okay to combine amoxicillin and probiotics?

While taking a probiotic while taking amoxicillin is unlikely to cause harm, your probiotics may be less effective – most likely because they aren’t powerful enough to withstand an antibiotic attack.

Which probiotic is the best to take with amoxicillin?

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain and yeasts like Saccharomyces boulardii are good probiotics for amoxicillin users for the best effects. Lactobacillus should be included in any probiotic treatment you use if you are experiencing digestive discomfort as a result of taking amoxicillin.

In order to enjoy the benefits of probiotics, you must first decide what outcome you want. The most common adverse effect of amoxicillin is digestive disturbance; within days of starting the antibiotic, or even sooner, you may start to feel uneasy in your stomach and even experience diarrhea. Probiotics can help restore your gut flora and preserve digestive balance if you’re on amoxicillin.

When should you start taking probiotics after taking amoxicillin?

To some degree, this is determined by the antibiotic’s dosage guidelines. It’s common to be told to take antibiotics three times a day, at six-hour intervals (for example at 8 am, 2 pm, and once more at 8 pm). In this instance, the best course of action is to take probiotics three hours after taking amoxicillin (at 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 11 p.m.). This allows the probiotic to work uninterrupted – as far away from each dose of the antibiotic as possible. 

Allowing a window when taking probiotics with antibiotics is useful not only because it maximizes the former’s functionality, but also because it allows the latter to focus on the bacteria it needs to kill without being distracted. If the time between dosages is less than six hours, the window for probiotic doses should be narrowed as well. Halfway between antibiotic doses is the best time to take lactobacillus.

Sriya Life Science is Amoxicillin Manufacturer.  We have established contract manufacturers, pharmaceutical exporters, and medicine suppliers of international brands and generics.