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Can I take probiotics with antibiotics?
Yes you can take probiotics with antibiotics, and research suggests you should!
Doctors used to advise waiting for your antibiotics course to finish before starting a course of probiotics. The theory here is that antibiotics (which by nature kill bacteria) destroy your probiotics, so taking them together could be futile. However at OptiBac we do advise taking a course of probiotics at the same time as your antibiotics course, as well as afterwards. Just wait 30 minutes after taking your antibiotics before taking your probiotics.
Why?
When antibiotics enter the system they will naturally destroy both good and bad bacteria (this disruption of good bacteria is why many people experience side effects such as diarrhoea or thrush). However after approximately 30 minutes the antibiotics will have passed through your body, and at this stage it is safe to take a probiotic. This way you can replenish your friendly bacteria on a daily basis, before your digestive system is upset by a longstanding microbial imbalance.
So what now?
Do take probiotics with your antibiotics in order to maintain healthy digestion & immunity. Simply wait 30 minutes or so after your antibiotics before taking probiotics.
If you have already finished a course of antibiotics before being recommended a probiotic, better late than never; by all means take the probiotic now! But for next time, you know you can take them during as well as after.
See our FAQ, Why choose OptiBac Probiotics over probiotic yoghurt drinks?
For those on a regular course of antibiotics lasting 5 to 7 days, see For those on antibiotics. For those on long term or high strength antibiotics, see For daily wellbeing EXTRA Strength.