What are Antibiotics?
Even though millions of people owe their lives to antibiotic therapy, that doesn’t mean these medications don’t have potential side effects. Many people have began to take probiotics with antibiotics to prevent antibiotic side effects such as C diff and yeast infections. Read more to learn how you can avoid some of the most common antibiotic side effects.
Common Side Effects of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are designed to kill off disease-causing bacteria, or to prevent these bacteria from reproducing. Unfortunately, this process also eliminates the “good” bacteria in the gut. This die-off of good bacteria, or probiotics, can be remedied by taking a probiotic along with your antibiotic.
Types of side effects depends upon the specific antibiotic. Most side effects are relatively mild, but severe side effects may occur. Common side effects of antibiotics are gastrointestinal in nature such as:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Certain antibiotics have side effects unique to them:
Penicillins such as amoxicillin and ampicillin can cause a certain kind of infectious diarrhea called C diff, abdominal pain, and allergic reactions.
Cephalosporins such as cefdinir, ceftriaxone and cephalexin can cause a certain kind of infectious diarrhea called C diff, rashes, and vaginal yeast infections.
Fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin can cause a certain kind of infectious diarrhea called C diff. and photosensitivity.
Macrolides such as azithromycin, erythromycin and clindamycin can cause changes in taste.
Tetracyclines such as tetracycline and doxycycline can cause tooth discoloration in children.
Aminoglycosides such as amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin and tobramycin can cause kidney issues and hearing loss.
Prevention of Side Effects and Precautions with Antibiotic Use
1. Take Probiotics
Taking a probiotic supplement during antibiotic therapy can aid in reducing or preventing side effects, especially that of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C diff. Studies have shown a decrease in antibiotic-associated diarrhea in people under age 65 when probiotics where taken during antibiotic therapy.2 In 23 studies, there were no adverse effects from the use of probiotics during antibiotic therapy.
This makes sense because probiotic supplements help replenish the good bacteria that are lost from antibiotic therapy. Probiotics come in many different forms and flavors. We recommend using one that has a potent dose, delayed release mechanism to protect the probiotics from stomach acid, and one that has a diverse number of strains. Studies have demonstrated that multi-probiotics such as Nexabiotic are better than single-strain probiotics.
2. Understand Allergy Symptoms
Some people are allergic to certain antibiotics, and these reactions may prove life-threatening. If you have ever suffered an allergic antibiotic reaction, make sure you know the type of antibiotic responsible and tell your doctor. Allergic reactions may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial, lip and/or tongue swelling
- Hives
- Fainting
If you experience an allergic reaction, get medical help immediately.
3. Follow Label Instructions
When undergoing antibiotic therapy, it is critical to finish taking the entire prescription, even if you feel better and your symptoms are gone. If your fail to finish the therapy, it is possible the infection is still within you, and the symptoms may recur. Generally, a recurrent infection due to failure to finish antibiotic therapy is worse than the original.
4. Know Interactions with Foods
The effect of some antibiotics is impaired when taken at the same time as certain supplements or foods. The labeling on the medication should inform you about any drug interactions or type of supplements or foods you should avoid. Ask your doctor about such interactions at the time of prescription. For example, tetracyclines are affected by antacids, and by consumption of dairy products or nuts at the same time as taking the medication.
5. Avoid Drinking Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics. Not only can the combination increase side effects, but some antibiotics interacting with alcohol can produce side effects that don’t occur when the drug is not mixed with alcohol. Some antibiotics may cause a jump in blood pressure when alcohol is involved, while others may result in headaches, vomiting and more severe reactions. Keep in mind that products other than alcoholic beverages contain alcohol, so you could experience a reaction from mouthwashes or similar items if you don’t check the label.
6. Understand the Effects with Birth Control Use
If you take birth control pills1, certain antibiotics can interfere with estrogen in the body and render the pills ineffective. An unwanted pregnancy is possible. For that reason, either abstain from vaginal intercourse while taking antibiotics or use another form of birth control for protection.
7. Use When Only Necessary
Overuse of antibiotics has resulted in antibiotic resistance. That means the antibiotics no longer kill or control the bacteria in question. To help decrease the possibility of antibiotic resistance occurring, use antibiotics only when you have a bacterial infection and only use those prescribed by your physician. Never take antibiotics prescribed for another person. You could end up taking an antibiotic that won’t clear up your type of infection, while increasing the odds that you could experience antibiotic resistance down the road.
Antibiotics have saved countless lives and cured innumerable infections, but they require wise use. Some simple precautions, along with the use of probiotics to restore good bacteria in the gut, can help you avoid the side effects of these powerful medications. Try DrFormulas Nexabiotic to help avoid negative side effects of antibiotics today!
Sources:
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/antibiotics/guide/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3601687/
- https://www.medicinenet.com/effects_of_antibiotics_on_birth_control_pills/ask.htm
- https://www.healthline.com/health/infection/antibiotic-side-effects
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/antibiotics-and-alcohol/faq-20057946
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-do-antibiotics-work
- https://www.drugs.com/article/antibiotic-sideeffects-allergies-reactions.html
About the Author:
Dr. Bryan Do, D.O. is an osteopathic physician whose research interests include gastroenterology, immunology, and dermatology. He is particularly interested in the role of probiotics in the gut-brain-skin axis and has written many articles on the topic. He graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before graduating from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana and becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathic physicians are taught to take a holistic approach to medicine and to consider mind, body, and spirit when treating a patient. Osteopathic physicians receive training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) in addition to the standard rigorous medical school curriculum. Both physicians with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree as well as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) can practice medicine.