Can Probiotics Be Taken While On Antibiotics?

Posted on Thu, 10 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 10 Jul 2014 Answered on

Fri, 1 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been diagnosed with small intestine bacterial overgrowth. My doctor prescribed the antibiotic Xfaxan 550mg - 3 times a day for two weeks and recommended a low fiber diet - no fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, etc. for the two week period. My question is can I take a probiotic while I am on this antibiotic to avoid getting a yeast infection or will that make it more difficult for the antibiotic to work effectively. I have mild Lichen Sclerosus that is usually under control but a yeast infection would be a definite irritant. I also have diagnosed Celiac Disease and have been diagnosed and gluten free for over 20 years. I take medication for for hypothyroid - a combo of Synthroid and Armour Thyroid.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can start taking probiotics&vitamins...

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

Probiotics can be used in case of bacterial overgrowth (i.e. after antibiotic use).

In patients with hypothyroid (like you), they will suffer of slow motility of the intestines, which can increase the chances for bacterial infections and malabsorption. So, apart taking probiotics, I would recommend to start taking multivitamin supplementation (of group ADE).

Hope it was of help! Let me know if I can assist you further!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar