What are the best probiotics. How to restore the intestinal microflora after taking antibiotics What probiotics after antibiotics

The discovery of antibacterial drugs has revolutionized medicine. Man has learned to cope with pathogenic microbes, which until recently inevitably led to death. Today, not a single person can do without these medicines. Even newborns in the case of an infectious disease are prescribed antibiotic therapy, which removes a threat to the health and life of the baby. What can we say about adults who, according to statistics, are treated with antibiotics at least 3 times a year.

To know the state of the intestinal microflora, it is necessary to do a bacteriological analysis. It is very important to detect changes in the intestinal microflora in time, since many diseases develop against the background of dysbacteriosis: arthritis, allergies, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, obesity and others.

Why you need probiotics

However, for all the usefulness of antibacterial agents, they have one significant drawback. Once in the body, the active components of antibiotics destroy not only the pathogenic microflora, but also beneficial bacteria, from which the intestinal microflora is formed. Because of this, the work of the entire gastrointestinal tract is disrupted and dysbacteriosis develops. Moreover, antibiotics violate the immune system, which means that they create prerequisites for the emergence of new diseases. To prevent such unpleasant consequences, after treatment with antibiotics, doctors recommend drinking a course of probiotics. What are these drugs and how they help restore the body, we will tell in this article.

living medicine

Probiotics are called “living medicines” because they contain live beneficial bacteria, similar to those produced by the body. In particular, depending on the generation of antibiotics, they contain:

lactobacilli;
bifidobacteria;
yeast-like fungi;
aerococci;
enterococci;
colibacteria.

Health Benefits of Probiotics

Taking drugs containing beneficial bacteria has a beneficial effect not only on the gastrointestinal tract. Such treatment improves the functioning of the whole organism, namely:

restores the microflora on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract;
restores the microflora on the vaginal mucosa in women;
creates the desired level of acidity in the stomach, at which beneficial microflora develops well, and pathogenic microbes die;
promotes the production of certain hormones, vitamins and enzymes;
improves water-salt metabolism in the digestive tract;
strengthens the immune defense of the body;
protects against the negative effects of toxins and toxins;
stimulates intestinal peristalsis.

What is the best probiotic

Today, on the windows of pharmacies, you can find dozens of different drugs containing live bacteria. All of them have a different degree of impact on the body, depending on the generation to which a particular drug belongs, as well as on the form of release of the probiotic.

Medicines in this group have several forms of release: capsules, liquid, powder for the preparation of suspensions, as well as suppositories for vaginal therapy. The choice of one or another form of probiotic depends on the age of the patient, the manufacturer, as well as personal preferences. So, for example, it is better for small patients to give live bacteria in liquid form or in the form of a suspension. It is convenient to dilute such products in water or milk to give them to the baby with the help of a sippy cup. Adults typically take probiotics in capsule form. These drugs differ in price. In this regard, domestic medicines are much cheaper than foreign analogues.

However, the main criterion when choosing a probiotic is the generation to which the drug belongs.

First generation probiotics

This group is represented by monocomponent agents, i.e. products that contain only one type of bacteria. The most popular drugs in this group are:

Lactobacterin;
Bifidumbacterin;
Biobacton;
Colibacterin.

Second generation probiotics

The second generation of probiotics include products that contain spore bacilli and yeast-like fungi. These microbes are not part of the natural intestinal microflora, however, they create all the conditions for restoring normal microbiocenosis. These include drugs:

Baktisubtil;
Enterogermina;
Baktisporin;
Sporobacterin;
Enterol.

Third generation probiotics

The third group is represented by multicomponent preparations that contain several types of bacteria at once. We can say that these are the most versatile preparations, the composition of which is as close as possible to the natural intestinal microflora. These include well-known tools such as:

Linex;
Acylact;
Hilak-forte;
Acipol;
Bifiform;
Polybacterin;
Narine;
Symbiter.

In addition to medicines, there are a huge number of dietary supplements on the pharmacological market that are no less effective in preventing and eliminating problems with the gastrointestinal tract caused by taking antibiotics. The most popular supplements are:

Bifacil;
acidophilus;
Normobact;
Normoflorin;
Flora-Dophilus;
Euflorin;
Liveo;
Bifidophilus Flora Force.

Looking at the variety of probiotics, many people have a question, how to choose the most suitable remedy that would meet all the criteria. Here are the main criteria:

efficiency (the speed of the drug and the duration of the positive effect);
ease of use (regarding food intake and the need to prepare a medicinal solution);
minimizing the risk of side effects;
the cost of the medicinal product;
terms and conditions of storage.

We must say right away that when choosing the means under consideration, it is necessary to be guided by the advice of a specialist who knows exactly which drug, depending on the age of the patient, the antibiotic taken and the duration of therapy, the patient needs. However, the patient can also participate in the choice of products with live bacteria, and therefore the following information will be very useful for him.

Best Probiotics for Children, Pregnant Women and Breastfeeding Moms

Certain categories of people, in particular, newborn babies, women who are expecting a baby, as well as nursing mothers, need certain probiotic products that can not only restore the intestinal microflora, but also prevent the development of thrush in women, as well as save babies from eczema, dermatitis and asthma .

According to doctors, in the case of candidiasis, Atcilact vaginal suppositories should be used. To eliminate dysbiosis, it is better for nursing mothers to purchase drugs containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. If we talk about the youngest patients, then for them suspensions and preparations in liquid form will be the best probiotics: Enterogermina (from the 28th day of life), Linex, Simbifer, Bifiform-Baby and Laktiale (from 6 months).

Best probiotics for constipation

Persons suffering from chronic dysbacteriosis are advised to drink preparations containing lactobacilli. Adults in this regard are best suited for a probiotic called Mutaflor. Pay attention also to the Liveo supplement, which should be purchased according to age.

However, the term "best" does not quite fit the description of probiotic products. Each drug has its own advantages and has a number of side effects. We have only listed the agents that have the optimal clinical effect. Moreover, in order for the probiotic to help, it is important to take it according to all the rules.

How to take probiotics

You can start taking probiotics in parallel with antibiotic therapy, or after treatment with antibacterial drugs. The first option is preferable, since it does not allow antibiotics to disrupt the intestinal microflora even for a while.

In any case, before you start taking these drugs, carefully read the instructions so as not to make a mistake with the dosage. Particular attention should be paid to the dependence of the intake of live bacteria on food. Some drugs are drunk exclusively before a meal, others during, and still others 30-60 minutes after a meal. The effectiveness of microflora restoration depends on compliance with these rules.

Probiotics and antibiotics should be taken at different times of the day (it is important to observe a time interval of at least 2 hours). For example, if you drank Amoxicillin at 8:00, then Linex can be taken no earlier than at 10:00, and preferably in the afternoon.

It is strictly forbidden to drink probiotics with hot drinks, such as tea. If the temperature of the liquid with which you drink the medicine is above 45 ° C, the beneficial bacteria will simply die!

Adults are better off choosing drugs in capsules. The shell of such drugs is immune to gastric juice, which means that the drug begins to act immediately after entering the intestine. In this case, more beneficial bacteria reach the end goal.

The intake of live bacteria should be supplemented with the intake of prebiotics - substances that are not bacteria themselves, but create optimal conditions for the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora. Prebiotics can be purchased in the form of drugs (Duphalac, Lazozym), or you can replenish these substances with food, more often eating beans, asparagus and Jerusalem artichoke, chicory root, onion and garlic.

In addition, there are a number of products that contain beneficial bacteria, which means that by using them at the same time as probiotics, you can significantly increase the effect of the latter. This list includes: black bread, pickles, kombucha and sauerkraut, natural yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese and kefir, soy sauce and some other products.

During the period of taking drugs with live bacteria, you should stop drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes, fried and spicy foods, coffee and strong tea.

You should not stop taking probiotics after the condition of the body improves. The bacterial ecosystem takes time to recover, so probiotics should be taken throughout antibiotic therapy, and for an additional 14 days after antibiotic treatment has ended.

And even after you stop taking a probiotic supplement, you can maintain the good bacteria in your gut by consuming 200 ml of natural yogurt or a glass of kefir every day. Such natural prevention will allow you to forget about infectious diseases, strengthen the immune system and perfectly improve digestion.

Health to you and your children!

Today, antibiotic treatment covers a large number of diseases and complications after them. However, these drugs suppress not only bacterial infections, but also the beneficial microflora of the body. To restore the number of bacteria necessary for health and to boost immunity, it is recommended to use probiotics while taking antibiotics.

What are probiotics

Antibiotics negatively affect the intestinal microflora, which is one of the main barriers to immunity when any infection enters the body. To reduce the growth rate of pathogenic bacteria during the use of antimicrobials, it is necessary to take probiotic preparations. Probiotics are beneficial, non-pathogenic microorganisms - bacteria, yeast, which have a pronounced resistance to harmful microorganisms.

Restorative therapy of microflora is carried out while taking antibiotics or when treatment has already been completed.

In addition to the main function, beneficial bacteria and yeast help:

accelerate the elimination of toxins and toxins;
maintain water-salt metabolism;
increase the absorption of vitamins and minerals;
stimulate digestion and peristalsis;
improve the protection of the gastric and intestinal mucosa;
counteract allergens.

Timely intake of this drug reduces the likelihood of complications after antibiotic treatment such as candidiasis, diarrhea, dysbacteriosis and others.

Classification of probiotic preparations

Probiotics have varying degrees of impact on the body depending on their composition. Based on the qualitative and quantitative components, drugs are divided into 4 groups:

The first generation, containing only one type of microorganisms.
The second generation, which are representatives of the group of self-eliminating antagonists, for example, Baktisubtil, Biosporin.
The third generation, which includes several types of useful substances, as well as dietary supplements that enhance the activity of probiotics.
Fourth generation, which are live bacteria and yeasts that are normally found in the intestines.

Also, drugs have a variety of forms of release: liquid, powder, encapsulated, and also in the form of suppositories for local therapy of the intestine or vagina.

The choice of type depends on the manufacturer, the age of the patient and his personal preferences. For example, for an infant, it is better to choose a powder or liquid that can be diluted in milk or water and fed through a drinking cup.

Depending on the main active ingredient, there is also such a classification of probiotics: lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and combined preparations. Consider the most famous of them.

lactobacilli

This group includes drugs of the first generation, which usually contains one active ingredient. To increase the beneficial properties and effectiveness of the "work" of beneficial bacteria, drugs are recommended to be washed down with milk or sour-milk drinks.

Lactobacterin.
Available in the form of a dry powder for internal use. The lyophilizate is the active substance, diluted with boiled water and used as a dietary supplement or topically, for example, in the treatment of vaginal dysbiosis.
Yogurt.
The tool is a source of yoghurt culture and lactobacilli. Suitable for varying degrees of antibiotic load in the body. The main condition for use is storage exclusively in the refrigerator.

bifidobacteria

Medicines of this type are used along with lactobacilli, depending on the nature of the disease and the recommendations of the attending physician.

Bifikol.
It includes not only bifidobacteria, but also strains of Escherichia coli. The powder is diluted with water before use. Daily intake - up to 15 doses in three approaches. They drink the medicine before meals, and store it exclusively in the refrigerator in the original packaging.
Bifidumbacterin.
The preparation contains live bifidobacteria. Available in two forms - powder and rectal / vaginal suppositories. The solution is prepared before direct administration. On the day the patient can consume up to 30 doses of Bifidumbacterin, divided into 3-4 doses, depending on the severity of the disease. Taken before meals, stored in a cold place.
Bifiform.
Take one capsule three times a day before meals. For children, the medicine is available in the form of a powder with berry flavors.

Complex preparations

Combined medicines contain several types of trace elements: lactobacilli, enterococci, bifidobacteria, yeast and other components.

Linex.
One of the most common and frequently prescribed drugs of Slovak production. Contains bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and enterococci. Take 2 capsules three times a day before meals at the same time as antibiotics. It can also act as an independent drug for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Enterol.
The second most popular probiotic product that has been clinically shown to be the best in eliminating the negative effects of antibiotics and restoring bowel function. Enterol contains lyophilized yeast, which is completely eliminated from the body after the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms. Available in capsules and powders. The course is at least 7 days when using one tablet twice a day before meals.
Hilak and Hilak Forte.
Hilak refers to one-component products with an active substance - lactobacilli. The enhanced formula of Hilak Forte includes fecal streptococcus, two strains of lactobacilli and E. coli. To restore the acidity of the stomach, an auxiliary component was added - lactic acid, which is why the drug is forbidden to be used together with fermented milk products.

For effective treatment of hemorrhoids, our readers advise. This natural remedy, which quickly eliminates pain and itching, promotes the healing of anal fissures and hemorrhoids. The composition of the drug includes only natural ingredients with maximum efficiency. The tool has no contraindications, the effectiveness and safety of the drug has been proven by clinical studies at the Research Institute of Proctology.
Baktisuptil.
French-made probiotic containing spores of beneficial bacteria that are not destroyed by stomach acid. Reaching the intestines, bacteria colonize it and become more active against harmful microorganisms. It is recommended to take two tablets twice a day before meals.

How to choose a probiotic

There are many other products on the probiotic pharmaceutical market that differ from those presented above in composition and application features. It is not uncommon for the attending physician, along with antibiotics, not to prescribe a balancing force in the face of beneficial bacteria. In this case, you have to choose on your own what to drink for an adult with antibiotics for the intestinal microflora.

Key points to consider when choosing a probiotic:

Composition.
Single-component preparations can be used when they are used for a prophylactic purpose, for example, to improve stool.

To eliminate the side effects of antibiotics, it is necessary to use complex agents, which should include at least several strains of bacteria.

It is desirable that the capsules of the drug are immune to gastric juice and begin their action directly in the intestines, so more beneficial trace elements will reach the final goal.
Sufficient dosage of colony forming units (CFU).
The number of CFU varies from 1 to several hundred billion (rare, mainly in premium drugs). The average dosage is 5-10 billion CFU. According to medical research, in order to prevent the consequences of taking drugs that inhibit the microflora, the number of CFU in one dose should be at least 5 billion.
Production time.
There is no legally fixed rule for indicating living microorganisms in the preparation. That is, when studying the label, it is not known whether the number of CFU is indicated at the time of manufacture of the medicinal product or at the time of expiration. Based on this, it is advisable to purchase those probiotics whose production date is “fresh”.
Storage conditions.
It is recommended to purchase products with beneficial bacteria only in a network of pharmacies. This is due to the fact that at the time of purchase you can see exactly where the medicines were stored. Since most probiotics must be stored at low temperatures, checking that these guidelines are followed is the key to a positive outcome from their intake.
Prominence of the manufacturer and reviews of doctors / patients.
As a rule, large pharmaceutical companies are more likely to guarantee the quality of their products. Such enterprises regularly conduct research and development to improve drugs. New probiotic products, especially those offered at a reduced cost, may not have the properties stated in their instructions.

If the attending physician prescribed a certain medicine, you should not change the prescription yourself by choosing another drug - only the doctor, knowing the specifics of the disease and the side effects of a particular antibiotic, can tell you which probiotic is better to use in this situation.

Rules for Taking Probiotics

Improving the microflora of the body depends on how the sick person took probiotics correctly. In order not to waste time and money, and most importantly, to maintain your health, no matter how good the drugs are, you need to strictly follow the recommendations for their use.

Basic rules for taking probiotic medicines:

Before starting / during the course of probiotics, it is necessary to drink prebiotics that stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.
Use drugs in strict accordance with the instructions and prescriptions of the attending physician.
Do not stop treatment with a noticeable improvement in well-being, as a rule, for 3-5 days, but bring the course to the end.
Since the best defense of the body is live bacteria, it is necessary to observe the temperature regime of the liquid in which the powder is diluted or the capsules are washed down. The temperature of drinks should be within 45 degrees.
Probiotics are incompatible with alcohol, their simultaneous use significantly reduces the effectiveness of the drug.
During treatment, it is necessary to adhere to a special diet prescribed by a doctor, which excludes fried, salty, direct, and the main emphasis is on fermented milk products - kefir, sourdough, yogurt.

Features of use in childhood

If in the treatment of adults the question sometimes still arises whether probiotic preparations are needed after antibiotics, then in pediatric therapy the opinion is unambiguous - they are definitely needed.

Strict adherence to the doses prescribed by the doctor. If the medicine is released in the form of capsules, you need to open the capsule and divide the contents (powder) into as many parts as necessary according to the doctor's prescription.
If the drug has several forms of release, then it is better to choose a liquid version. Firstly, it is easier to give to children, and secondly, the number of live bacteria in it is many times higher than in powder.
Reception is carried out most often before meals at the same time throughout the entire time of taking antibiotics plus 7-14 days after the end of the main therapy.

When compiling a list of acceptable probiotics for newborns, it is important to know:

The composition of the probiotic product should not contain dyes and flavors. There may be sweeteners or flavorings (strawberry, orange) to make it easier for the child to take the medicine.
The number of CFU needed for a child should be at least 5 billion.
The most commonly prescribed drugs are: BioGaia, Simbiter, Narine, Hilak Forte, Laktiale, Linex.

Almost all probiotic preparations are consumed after meals with a small amount of warm water or fermented milk products (if it is directly indicated in the instructions for use).

Today is an important topic: which probiotics to drink when taking antibiotics, and which ones to take on a trip? Hint - the base is the same! =)

I have a bad attitude towards antibiotics, especially when they are prescribed for any sneeze and for themselves, but situations are different.

And if a doctor prescribes medication, take probiotics while taking antibiotics needed from day one! This is an ironclad rule to reduce the risk of side effects: diarrhea, thrush and the accumulation of allergies.

Probiotics accelerate the restoration of the original microflora, plus reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and the colonization of pathogenic microflora in place of the beneficial one.

This is one of the most serious problems after a course of antibiotics - the appearance of clostridia. They cause inflammation of the intestines, release a bunch of toxins and are difficult to treat. There is only one way to avoid them - drink Saccharomycetes from the first day of therapy.

Probiotics while taking antibiotics

The main question is which probiotics to choose for antibiotics?

Not all drugs are equally effective, and there are many strains for different situations.

In the treatment with antibiotics, the combined use of Saccharomyces boulardii Saccharomyces boulardii and lactobacilli Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG showed the greatest effectiveness.

I explain why. Saccharomycetes are the most effective probiotics for acute diarrhea in children and adults. They do not take root in the intestinal tract, and completely removed in a few days! During this time, they do a great job and displace the pathogenic flora, which is populated at the site of the destruction of beneficial bacteria.

Saccharomycetes also strengthen the epithelium of the intestinal wall(leaky gut syndrome) and prepare the ground for the engraftment of beneficial microflora, which we populate with lactobacilli.

Where to look for Saccharomycetes Boulardii

There is one option on iHerb, Saccharomycetes Jarrow Formulas, Saccharomyces boulardii They are prebiotic already.

The second necessary probiotic is lactobacillus Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, we find them here Culturelle with Inulin.

I like capsules, there are chewable tablets for kids, and for very young probiotic droplets.

The second "backup" option, instead of LGG, take acidophilus bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, they are part of Pro-Biotic Acidophilus and Probiotic Pearls acidophilus pearls.

How to take probiotics?

Probiotics with antibiotics start drinking from the first day of treatment and continue for another 7 days after taking the last dose of antibiotic.

The best time to consume beneficial bacteria is during breakfast. Saccharomyces Boulardii can be drunk at the same time as an antibiotic, since these are fungi, they are resistant to the effects of the drug.

Other probiotics are best taken 2 hours after taking the antibiotic, this applies to LGG and lactobacillus acidophilus.

Travel Probiotics

Fungi Saccharomycetes will also come in handy when traveling. If you are going on a trip, also bring yeast fungus Saccharomyces boulardii and/or Bifidobacterium longum .

Saccharomycetes Boulardii most effective probiotics against acute diarrhea in adults and children, provoked by antibiotics or pathogenic organisms during travel (salmonella, staphylococcus, E. coli).

Studies have shown that taking 500mg (10 billion) of S. boulardii per day significantly reduces the risk of travelers' diarrhea and also reduces the consequences if the infection does get caught.

Where to find: I love this option for travel. Jarrow Formulas, Saccharomyces Boulardii + MOS

Bifidobacterium longum BB536

Second Travel Probiotic Registered Strain Bifidobacterium longum BB536. It is the most popular probiotic in Japan, where it is used in supplements and in yogurt.

It supports healthy gut microflora in children and adults, improves quality of life in polluted metropolitan areas, and helps to adapt to unfamiliar food.

The strain has over 50 clinical trials and is also beneficial in:

- reduces the incidence of influenza in older people over 65

- reduces the manifestations of seasonal allergies and the number of eosinophils in the blood, when taken a month before the start of the season

- lowers cholesterol levels (effect after 9 weeks of use)

— strengthens bones in osteoporosis along with calcined milk (a probiotic improves gut health, resulting in lower pH levels and improved calcium absorption), see chart:

Where to find: Bifidobacterium longum BB536 in Natural Factors Probiotic, TravelBiotic

In summary, probiotics while taking antibiotics must drink from day one, and Saccharomyces fungi must be included in the scheme.

I also wrote about here, but here how to choose for the desired task

Using code IFO971 with each order, you help me maintain the blog and write reviews on purchases. The code is entered manually during checkout. I'm grateful for using it!

Want more info on probiotics and new strains? Let me know in the comments =)

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  July 31, 2017 / 23:36

Trillions of bacteria live in your body. Most of them are part of the gut microbiota – beneficial gut bacteria and yeasts that provide many benefits: kill disease-causing microbes, aid digestion, produce vitamins, and boost your immune system. During an illness or infection, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to kill disease-causing bacteria. Unfortunately, antibiotics also destroy some beneficial types of intestinal microorganisms. Taking probiotics stimulates the replenishment of beneficial microorganisms and yeasts, improves the intestinal microflora, and helps to reduce some of the side effects caused by taking antibiotics, including diarrhea. It is important to know how to take probiotics with antibiotics and follow the rules.

Many of the antibiotics in use today are not targeted, but have a medium or wide range of action. This means that they indiscriminately kill bacteria - both bad and good bacteria - that reside in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby compromise the body's natural defense system against disease.

Disruption of the natural balance in the digestive tract causes many diseases associated with digestion. But the most common complaint associated with these drugs is diarrhea. In fact, this side effect is the number one reason why many patients stop antibiotic therapy.

In women, another common side effect of taking antibiotics is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. This yeast normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract, but if it multiplies too quickly, it can cause a yeast infection.

As the number of bacteria-resistant diseases increases, more antibiotics are needed to kill them. As more antibiotics are used, the immune system weakens, reducing a person's resistance to new infections, and the cycle continues.

How do probiotics deal with the problem?

Research shows that probiotics are effective in preventing diarrhea (due to the use of antibiotics). In addition, studies have confirmed that probiotics rarely cause side effects, even in children. Taking probiotics before, during, and after a course of antibiotics will help keep your digestive system in balance. The main thing is to know how to take antibiotics and probiotics correctly.

Here are some of the health benefits of probiotics:

Probiotics restore the microflora disturbed due to antibiotics;
Taking a probiotic helps repopulate the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria;
They reduce the symptoms of antibiotic-associated diarrhea;
They inhibit bad bacteria and prevent them from sticking to the intestinal walls.

In addition to normalizing your digestive tract, gut probiotics boost your immune system. Considering that more than 70% of the immune system is located in the digestive tract, supporting this system with beneficial bacteria is of great importance in preventing diseases - read more about how probiotics “work” and why probiotics are useful for the intestines http://maxilac.ru/.

How to take probiotics while taking antibiotics

Many patients doubt their benefits, thinking that antibiotics will quickly destroy the good bacteria in probiotics as well. However, medical research has shown that probiotics are extremely effective during antibiotic treatment. By the way, at the beginning of taking probiotics can cause bloating, gas or indigestion, but all these symptoms disappear after 2-3 days and probiotics begin to work for the good.

To the question “How to drink probiotics with antibiotics?” – the answer is very simple: “Take antibiotics and probiotics together, but not at the same time.” The rule of thumb is to take a probiotic 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking an antibiotic. This gives the antibiotic enough time to work without killing the beneficial bacteria. If you just wait until the end of antibiotic therapy to start taking probiotics (usually 7-10 days), you will simply waste a week.

Probiotics should be taken regularly (without skipping doses), 2 times a day 30-60 minutes before meals (taken on an empty stomach eliminates bloating and gas in the intestines) and at least 2 hours (or 2 hours) before taking antibiotic.

After the end of the course of antibiotic treatment, it is recommended to continue taking probiotics for a few more weeks.

How to choose probiotics

To offset the effects of antibiotics, you should choose a probiotic that maximizes the beneficial bacteria in your gut. The two key families of probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Within each of them there are species that are more hardy than others. For example, L. acidophilus. L. rhamnosus and L. salivarius are unusually resistant to harsh conditions in the digestive tract. Other species such as L. casei and B. longum are useful in preventing diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.

Also, the probiotic supplement must necessarily be enteric-coated. This ensures that the probiotic supplement passes through the stomach without being broken down and only dissolves in the small intestine, releasing beneficial bacteria.

Contraindications

Although probiotics do not affect antibiotics, they can affect other medications. For example, scientists have observed that a bacterial species called Lactobacillus acidophilus accelerates the body's absorption of the drug sulfasalazine. At this stage, doctors cannot say whether this interaction is harmful or not.

They can cause an allergic reaction and mild stomach problems, especially in the first few days you start taking them. But stomach symptoms usually disappear after your body gets used to probiotics, which is not the case with an allergic reaction.

In addition, an autoimmune condition such as celiac disease (which causes the immune system to attack its own tissues) may require immunosuppressant medication. By suppressing your immune system, immunosuppressants make your body more susceptible to disease. In this case, probiotics can backfire and cause a bacterial or yeast infection. Therefore, be sure to check with your doctor before taking probiotics to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Our modernity is full of negative factors: an unfavorable ecological situation, stress, a sedentary lifestyle, chronic diseases, so it is difficult to imagine an adult who has never taken antibiotics in his life. They help us cope with serious infectious diseases, but reward with consequences: dysbacteriosis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, candidiasis. To avoid these problems, doctors recommend drinking probiotics and prebiotics during or after antibiotic therapy. These drugs correct the violation of the intestinal microflora, help restore the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Intestinal microflora

Why take probiotics and prebiotics while taking antibiotics

Against the background of uncontrolled long-term use of antibacterial drugs, death occurs and the reproduction of beneficial bacteria in the intestine is suppressed, their place is taken by pathogens. Probiotics after antibiotics in adult patients are prescribed to eliminate these effects.

Probiotics contain strains of bacteria (lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and others) that:

block the growth of the population of pathogens;
increase the activity of enzymes involved in digestion;
stimulate the immune system;
have an anti-allergic effect.

And prebiotics are preparations containing non-absorbable substances that support and stimulate the growth of the normal microbial landscape of the intestine. Among them:

lactic, citric, phosphoric acids;
soy flour;
active metabolites;
oligo- and monosaccharides;
dietary fiber necessary for the reproduction and colonization of beneficial bacteria.

Probiotics are creatures, and prebiotics are their food and environment. There are medicines containing both the first and the second. They are called synbiotics.

What are the benefits of lactobacilli

Probiotics often contain microorganisms of the genus Lactobacillus. These are immobile bacteria of an oblong or spherical shape, forming separate units or chains. They inhabit the human digestive system from the oral cavity to the rectum with the highest concentration in the large intestine.

lactobacilli

Lactobacilli perform important functions in the intestine:

They produce peptidase enzymes that break down protein into structural units - amino acids, which are then absorbed into human blood.
They participate in the processing of cholesterol, which means they prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the walls of blood vessels and reduce the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease.
Carry out the metabolism of lactose with the formation of lactic and acetic acids, which are characterized by bactericidal properties. In the created acidic environment, the growth of pathogenic microorganisms is suppressed.
Activate the secretory function of the intestine with the production of digestive juices.
Affect the motility and movement of feces, contribute to the timely emptying of the intestine.
Stimulate local and general immune resistance of the organism.
They have antitumor activity.

Functions of bifidobacteria

Bifidobacteria have the appearance of short sticks with spherical thickenings, bifurcations at the end, which are located individually, in pairs V-shaped or in chains. They do not need oxygen for their life activity, so they actively populate the human large intestine.

Favorable for the human body are the following functions:

Production of organic acids (acetic, lactic, succinic, formic), which regulate the normal pH of the intestine.
Synthesis of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, K, nicotinic and folic acid.
Improve the absorption of vitamin D, calcium, essential amino acids.
Regulate the composition of normal flora, preventing the reproduction of pathogenic, putrefactive and gas-forming microorganisms.
Participate in the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber.
They have anti-allergic activity.
They form local immunity due to the influence on the lymphoid apparatus of the intestine and the synthesis of immunoglobulins.

bacteriophages

Some medicines contain bacteriophages. These are viruses capable of infecting highly specific pathogenic bacteria, multiplying inside them and leading to cell death. Bacteriophages are absolutely safe for humans, have no side effects and contraindications. But their significant disadvantage is the activity against only one type of pathogen, for example, against staphylococcus, Proteus or Klebsiella.

Currently, polyvalent preparations are used that contain several bacteriophages at once, for example, Pyobacteriophage, Intestifag.

How to choose an effective and inexpensive drug

Pharmaceutical companies offer a wide range of probiotic preparations that can prevent the effects of antibiotic treatment. Each patient, depending on the severity of the manifestations of dysbacteriosis, the intensity and duration of therapy, financial capacity, can choose the right medicine.

The effectiveness of the drug is determined by the number of active ingredients, the quality of raw materials and compliance with technical standards of production.

Table of drugs with prices:

A drug	Composition	Action	Manufacturer	Price
Acipol	A mixture of acid-loving lactobacilli, kefir fungi	Suppression of pathogens and fungi	"Lecco"	From 400 rub.
Bifiform	bifidobacteria, enterococci	Probiotic, antidiarrheal effect	FERROSAN	From 496 rubles.
Linex	Dried lacto-, bifidobacteria, lactic acid enterococcus	Complete Probiotic	LEK PHARMACEUTICALS (Slovenia)	From 321 rub.
Normoflorin B or Normoflorin L	Live bifidobacteria or lactobacilli, amino acids, peptides, vitamins, lysozyme, organic acids, trace elements	Probiotic, by restoring the balance of bifidobacteria or lactobacilli. Prebiotic	Bifilux (Russia)	From 209 rub.
Hilak forte	Organic matter as a result of the life of lactobacilli, E. coli and fecal streptococcus	Prebiotic	ratiopharm (Germany)	From 273 rubles

The price is not an indicator of the effectiveness of the drug. Budget analogues have proven themselves in the prevention of antibiotic-associated conditions and the treatment of mild forms of microbial imbalance.

Table of cheap analogues:

Rules for the use of probiotics

Probiotics are living organisms, and in order for them to be safe and sound in their habitat - the large intestine, you need to follow a number of rules:

You should not take an antibiotic and a probiotic at the same time in order to eliminate the negative effect of the first on the bacteria of the second. It is necessary to maintain a break of at least 4 hours between doses of these drugs.
The probiotic is taken orally 30-60 minutes before meals, from 1-2 times a day to 4 times, following the instructions.
It should be washed down with liquid, the temperature of which does not exceed 37 ° C. Temperatures above this mark can cause the death of microorganisms.
To help bacteria overcome the acidic environment of the stomach, it is better to choose drugs in an acid-resistant capsule. It will be delivered unchanged to the intestines, where it will be fermented.
Preventive course of treatment from 5 days to 10 days. It is better to continue taking a few days after the completion of antibiotic therapy, since the drug will still circulate in the blood.

If, after antibiotic therapy, side effects have already developed in the form of diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, decreased performance and appetite, then the treatment course with probiotics is selected by the doctor individually, depending on the severity of the symptoms. On average, it lasts from 2 weeks to several months. Take the drug in the same way, according to the instructions, before meals 2-4 times a day.

Drinking probiotics for prevention before a planned course of antibiotic therapy is recommended for patients with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:

peptic ulcer;
chronic enteritis;
diverticular bowel disease;
Crohn's disease;
nonspecific ulcerative colitis.

A short course of probiotics for 5-10 days will help to avoid exacerbation and prolong the remission of the disease.

Natural probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics are widely used in medicine, but it must be remembered that beneficial microorganisms are found in the products that are familiar to us.

Against the background of antibacterial therapy, it is necessary to include sour milk (natural sourdough yogurt, kefir, bifidok, soft cheeses, cheese, cottage cheese), pickled vegetables (cabbage, cucumbers) in the diet. They contain useful lacto- and bifidobacteria, as well as B and K vitamins, necessary for their growth.

Dairy products

Foods rich in fiber and plant fibers (cabbage, vegetables, black bread, bran) support the normal functioning of intestinal bacteria, acting as prebiotic substrates.

Against the background of taking antibiotics, the overgrowth of yeast fungi comes, so you need to eat onions, garlic, beets, pumpkin, coconut, grapefruit, which have antifungal activity.

Tea with ginger, peppermint, olive leaves inhibits the growth of pathogenic flora, normalizes intestinal motility and stool, reduces flatulence.

The natural prebiotic inulin, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, is found in wheat, onions, bananas, garlic, asparagus, artichokes.

The use of these products while taking antibiotics will help eliminate adverse effects and avoid the development of dysbacteriosis, diarrhea and thrush.

Probiotics in antibiotic therapy in veterinary medicine

Animals, like humans, belong to the class of mammals, which means they have a similar structure and functioning of the digestive system. The use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine leads to the same adverse changes in the intestinal microbial landscape as in the human body.

For your pets, you can choose the same preparations containing lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, escherichia:

bifidumbacterin;
lactobacterin;
bifidum forte;
acipol;
colibacterin.

The acidic environment of the gastrointestinal tract of animals makes it less susceptible to this group of drugs, so preparations containing cultures of spore-forming bacteria Bacillus Subtilis and Bacillus Licheniformis (Bacillosporin, Vitasporin, Sporovit and others) have been developed. They have a pronounced activity against pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms.