What if thrush appears while taking antibiotics? Do's and don'ts when taking antibiotics

Hello everyone, Olga Ryshkova is with you. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat illnesses caused by bacteria, such as some respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and infected wounds. These drugs block vital processes in bacteria, either kill them or stop their reproduction. This helps our natural immune system fight infection.

Different antibiotics work differently against bacteria. For example, penicillin destroys the cell walls of bacteria, and erythromycin stops the construction of protein in bacteria.

Proper use of antibiotics is essential for timely treatment of various infections, but they can have side effects that cause other temporary health problems. Some of them can even cause more serious illnesses. What harm do antibiotics (i.e., antibacterial drugs) do to the human body?

Here are 10 consequences of the harmful effects of antibiotics on children and adults.

1. Diarrhea and constipation.

These are two common side effects of antibiotic use. Antibacterial drugs do not understand which bacteria are bad and which are good and upset the balance of intestinal flora, killing the necessary microorganisms along with infectious ones. This leads to antibiotic-associated diarrhea or constipation. These include cephalosporins, clindamycin, penicillin and fluoroquinolones.

The use of probiotics is effective in the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and constipation. To prevent or treat this side effect, add probiotic yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut to your diet.

2. Nausea and vomiting.

Many people experience nausea and vomiting when taking antibiotics such as penicillin and metronidazole. These symptoms occur when antibacterial medications kill some of the good bacteria living in your intestines. Abdominal bloating, nausea and vomiting occur, which are usually mild and transient. In this case, you can eat probiotic yogurt and drink ginger tea.

3. Vaginal fungal infections.

Candida and other microorganisms living in a woman's vagina are harmless when naturally balanced. Antibiotics such as clindamycin and tetracycline used to treat infections tip the natural balance toward more fungi, killing beneficial bacteria. This leads to the development of a fungal infection. Its symptoms are copious, white vaginal discharge, burning and itching. For treatment, the doctor prescribes antifungal drugs.

4. Allergic reactions.

Some people are allergic to antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporins. Allergic reactions may include symptoms such as hives, skin rash, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, runny nose, fever and anaphylaxis.

In addition, research shows a link between harmful exposure to antibiotics during pregnancy or childhood and subsequent asthma. Minimize your use of antibiotics and stay away from those you are allergic to. Report any adverse reactions to your doctor so he can change the drug.

5. Weakening of the immune system.

Friendly bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract form a significant part of the body's immunity. Antibacterial drugs indiscriminately kill beneficial and harmful bacteria and their long-term use significantly reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of developing secondary bacterial infections. Instead, include foods with antibiotic properties in your diet, such as ginger, yogurt, oregano, grapefruit, turmeric and garlic.

6. Risk of developing cancer.

Excessive use of antibiotics can cause oxidative stress and increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer - colon, breast, liver. Remember that antibiotics do not treat viral infections (flu, ARVI, herpes) and do not take them unless absolutely necessary.

7. Damage to kidney function.

Some antibacterial drugs such as methicillin, vancomycin, sulfonamides, gentamicin, fluoroquinolones, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, streptomycin may be harmful to your kidneys. Studies have found an increased risk of acute kidney injury in men taking fluoroquinolones.

The kidneys remove waste substances, regulate the balance of water and minerals in the blood, and even slight damage to them can cause serious problems. If you have kidney disease, tell your doctor about it so your medication can be adjusted. And if you notice changes in urination, swelling, nausea and vomiting while taking antibiotics, consult your doctor.

8. Urinary tract infections.

Antibiotics used to treat some diseases can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in children. They often destroy beneficial bacteria living near the urethra and promote the growth of dangerous microorganisms in the urinary tract and bladder. UTIs can be prevented by practicing good personal hygiene.

9. Diseases of the inner ear.

All members of the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics are toxic to the inner ear, where the drug can enter through the circulatory system or by diffusion from the middle ear to the inner ear. There is a higher risk of ototoxicity when using aminoglycosides in those who use drugs. Symptoms of ototoxicity include partial or profound hearing loss, dizziness and tinnitus (temporary or permanent).

10. Reduced effectiveness of birth control pills.

If you are taking pills to prevent pregnancy, rifampin and similar drugs may reduce their effectiveness. This is confirmed by research. While taking antibiotics, if you need to use contraception, ask your gynecologist to suggest other methods of contraception, such as progestogen injections, intrauterine devices.

How to take antibiotics without harm to health.

• Remember that side effects vary from person to person and from antibiotic to antibiotic.
• Drink plenty of water while taking antibacterial medications to avoid dehydration.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Avoid eating spicy foods, switch to soft diets.
• Do not take medications without a doctor's prescription.
• Complete the entire course of treatment so that your body receives the required dosage.
• Never take medications left over from a course of treatment.
• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. Your infecting bacteria may be different from those for which the medicine was recommended.
• Don't pressure your doctor to prescribe you antibiotics to speed up your recovery. Instead, ask about methods to relieve symptoms.
• Use natural antibiotic products such as ginger, yogurt, honey, oregano, grapefruit, turmeric, garlic to fight infections.

Antibiotics are medications that have a strong effect on the human body. After taking antibacterial drugs, quite a lot of people complain of weakness, headaches and malaise. Weakness from taking antibiotics appears due to a deterioration of the body's immune system, since these pharmaceuticals destroy both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria.

How to regain strength after taking antibiotics

Antibiotics are a special type of medication prescribed by many specialists for therapeutic purposes for a variety of diseases, mainly to suppress bacterial and fungal flora. There is a special type of antibiotics - antitumor. But, unfortunately, the use of antibacterial medications, in addition to their main therapeutic purpose, can negatively affect the general condition of the patient. To eliminate the feeling of weakness that occurs after antibiotics, it is recommended to spend more time in the fresh air, as well as get good sleep and eat right. To prevent unwanted side effects, such as intestinal dysbiosis, thrush (candidiasis) and other unfavorable conditions, it is recommended to simultaneously take drugs that stabilize the normal microflora of the body.

Your daily diet should not contain fatty, fried or salty foods. It is best to consume fermented milk products, soups and cereals every day. The necessary vitamins to eliminate the feeling of constant fatigue are contained in apples, carrots, tomatoes, and sauerkraut. In addition, experts recommend drinking juice from beets, apples, carrots, and other fresh vegetables and fruits.

In rare cases, after treatment with antibacterial drugs, a person may remain lethargic for a long period of time. In this case, it is necessary to consult with your doctor, who will be able to prescribe a number of medications that contain vitamins and microelements that help eliminate constant weakness.

What to do if intestinal dysbiosis occurs

Quite a lot of people face the problem of intestinal dysbiosis after long-term use of antibacterial medications. The bottom line is that beneficial microorganisms that live in the human colon simply die due to exposure to the substance contained in antibiotics.

The occurrence of dysbacteriosis can contribute to the appearance of:

• diarrhea;
• flatulence;
• pain in the abdomen;
• severe weakening of the entire body.

To eliminate such adverse events, it is necessary to take special medications - pre- and probiotics. Their differences are that the former are various microorganisms (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, etc.), which under normal conditions make up the microflora of the human body, and the latter are substances that are not absorbed by the small intestine, but at the same time, creating favorable conditions for the normalization of normal microflora large intestine.

In addition to their content in certain food products, which usually indicate their presence, probiotic and prebiotic agents are produced in the form of specialized pharmaceuticals. Probiotics include Bifidumbacterin, Linex, Enterol, Lactobacterin, Rio Flora, and prebiotics include Lacto-filtrum, Lactusan, etc. These medications normalize the general condition of the patient, and also help fill the gastrointestinal tract with beneficial bacteria.

Important! If, after completing a course of antibiotic treatment, your stomach hurts severely, you should immediately consult a doctor who will diagnose the body and, if necessary, prescribe medications necessary to eliminate the problem.

The main causes of side effects

A variety of side effects from the use of antibacterial drugs can occur:

• due to the effects of the components contained in the medicine on the body;
• due to the individual characteristics of the human body, its inability to perceive the composition of the products;
• after taking excessive doses of medication;
• due to prolonged treatment;
• due to a number of other factors.

Only a qualified specialist can prescribe a safe and effective course of treatment with antibacterial drugs. Before using a medicine prescribed by a doctor, you should study the instructions for its use, which are usually contained in the packaging of the pharmaceutical drug or attached to it. Self-medication using these medications is strictly prohibited. This can cause more harm to the body than significant benefit.

But still, many people continue to worry about the question of what to do to eliminate the feeling of weakness that arose after prolonged use of antibacterial agents. To this end, it is initially necessary to balance the daily diet of the sick person. A patient who feels constantly tired should sleep at least eight hours a day. It is also advisable to take medications necessary for recovery, which include vitamins and other components beneficial to the body.

Antibiotics are potent drugs designed to aggressively interfere with the life of pathogenic bacteria. Thanks to this group of medications, the treatment of many infectious diseases that previously claimed thousands of lives became available.

Today it is difficult to imagine the practical activities of doctors of many specialties without antibacterial therapy. However, despite all the advantages of drugs of this type, their illiterate use can cause unwanted complications.

An increase in temperature after undergoing a course of antibacterial treatment, both in a child and an adult, can act as a probable side effect of the drug. Also, such a reaction of the body is provoked by non-compliance with the dosages prescribed by the doctor, or by the addition of another infectious agent, which is not affected by this antibiotic. In addition, the possibility of worsening the underlying pathology cannot be ruled out.

If antibiotic therapy was not prescribed in a timely manner or was not completed completely, the primary infectious process may be supplemented with new characteristics.

Possible causes of manifestation

The main purpose of prescribing antibacterial drugs is to suppress the activity of pathogenic bacteria that act as the causative agent of the disease. If the pathological process was provoked by viruses or fungi, drugs of this group have no effect.

By taking an antibiotic, in this case, the patient does not cure the disease, but only aggravates it. Improper use of drugs belonging to this group may be one of the reasons for the lack of improvement after taking them.

In addition, an increase in temperature after antibiotic therapy may be due to the following reasons:

If a child or adult has a fever and persists after taking antibacterial agents, this should not be left without due attention. To prevent the situation from getting worse, you must consult a doctor.

Why does the temperature not subside with the use of antibiotics?

An urgent problem today is the development of resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics. It is extremely difficult to solve due to the constant emergence of resistant strains of bacteria and the uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs. Therefore, if an elevated temperature during antibiotic treatment lasts more than 4 days, it is worth considering replacing the drug.

If the drug was prescribed correctly, taking into account the sensitivity of pathogens, then a temperature of 37 ̊C during antibacterial therapy is considered normal.

This reaction of the body is caused by the massive death of pathogens, which is accompanied by the release of a large number of toxic products of their breakdown. This temperature is not a sign of pathology, and does not require any additional measures, since it drops on its own over time.

Also, the appearance of such a symptom when taking antibiotics may signal the development of an allergic reaction to the constituent components. Penicillin antibiotics are particularly dangerous in this regard, and, as a rule, signs of allergy appear when medications of this type are reused.

Fever may be the only symptomatic manifestation of an allergic reaction. Usually the manifestation goes away a week after the end of the course of antibacterial therapy.

If a child has a fever that lasts for 3-4 days and does not fall, it is necessary to consider changing the treatment regimen, since most likely it was chosen incorrectly.

However, it is worth noting that antibiotics in pediatrics are prescribed as a last resort, when taking other medications has not brought the expected results.

This is justified by the fact that antibiotic drugs suppress the child’s natural immunity, negatively affect the circulatory and digestive systems, and also have a detrimental effect on the liver. Therefore, their use is resorted to in extreme cases.

How to eliminate this manifestation?

Whether additional treatment is required when an alarming symptom appears should be decided solely by the doctor. Self-medication may not be advisable, since in order to prescribe appropriate therapy you need to know the causes of its occurrence.

Depending on what served as the trigger for the appearance of such a reaction in the body, appropriate ways to solve the problem will be selected:

In addition, it is important not to forget about maintaining a plentiful drinking regime. The liquid will speed up the removal of toxins from the body, allowing the temperature to stabilize faster.

Illiterate use of antibacterial agents can lead to a variety of consequences.

By taking the medicine independently, without prior consultation with a doctor, the patient takes full responsibility for possible complications.

One of the unfavorable forecasts is the wave-like appearance of temperature, when an alternation occurs, characterized by an increase and decrease in its indicators. Most often, this signals the development of complications. In many cases, the appearance of this symptom is a variant of the norm, but sometimes such a reaction of the body serves as a sign of a worsening situation.

In order for antibacterial treatment to give the necessary results and not harm health, antibiotics should be used competently and wisely. Therefore, self-medication is out of the question, since only a doctor can prescribe the most appropriate medication after identifying the cause that provoked the disease.

Adverse reactions to antibiotics are always associated with their use and, as a rule, disappear after stopping treatment or after changing the drug.

Adverse reactions to taking antibiotics can be very diverse, and the same adverse reactions, in different cases, can be different in strength. Below we describe the most common adverse reactions associated with taking antibiotics.

As is known, antibiotics have the greatest effect on tissues and cells that are actively dividing and developing. It is for this reason that the use of any antibiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding is highly undesirable. Most currently available antibiotics have not been adequately tested for use during pregnancy and their use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should therefore be done with great caution and only in cases where the risk of not taking the antibiotic outweighs the risk of harm to the baby.

1. I.M. Abdullin Antibiotics in clinical practice, Salamat, 1997

What are the consequences after antibiotics?

How to eliminate the consequences of taking antibiotics? Recovering from antibacterial therapy

Often the circumstances of our life and health develop in such a way that taking antibiotics becomes simply necessary. After all, we live in a rather aggressive environment, in the air we breathe, in food, water, no matter how much purification it undergoes, there are millions of bacteria, including pathogenic ones. And when their onslaught becomes stronger than the defense of our body, they begin to multiply in it, causing one or another disease.

However, although antibiotics are the most effective drugs against microorganisms, treatment with them does not pass without a trace - dysbiosis of the intestines and mucous membranes, decreased immunity, hypovitaminosis, disruption of the functioning of internal organs - and this is not the whole list of consequences of treatment with antibiotics. Therefore, after effective antibiotic therapy, it is necessary to carry out a set of measures aimed at eliminating the consequences of antibiotic treatment and restoring the health and normal functioning of our body.

The central link in the system of disorders after antibiotic treatment is intestinal dysbiosis. Bacteria in our colon protect it from other microorganisms, secrete certain vitamins, and promote the final stages of digestion. After taking antibiotics, these bacteria die, opening the way for other microorganisms that release gases and other toxic substances and prevent the absorption of water. From all this, a typical set of symptoms is formed - frequent diarrhea, flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain, symptoms of general intoxication (weakness, fatigue, sometimes a slight increase in temperature).

There is only one way to eliminate such consequences of antibiotic treatment - by taking probiotic preparations containing live bacteria that are beneficial to our body (Linex, Bifidumbacterin). In mild cases, it is enough to simply take a course of these drugs; in more severe cases, it is necessary to do a stool culture to determine the nature of the pathogenic microflora, prescribe a specific antibacterial drug, with the simultaneous introduction of a culture of beneficial microorganisms resistant to this drug and the mandatory use of prebiotics (Duphalac, Portalac) - a complex of carbohydrates, vitamins and amino acids necessary for faster growth of beneficial bacteria.

The next step in eliminating the consequences of antibiotic treatment is the restoration of the microflora of the mucous membranes - the oral cavity and vagina in women. Often, against the background of antibiotic therapy, people develop oral candidiasis and thrush - the reason for this is that fungi of the genus Candida are resistant to the action of a number of antibiotics, but the bacteria living next to them are not, therefore, in the absence of competition, the fungi develop rapidly. Elimination of this condition is divided into two stages: first you need to destroy the pathogenic fungus, then restore the normal balance of microorganisms. The second stage is not needed in the treatment of oral candidiasis, since the microflora there is successfully restored on its own. To destroy fungi, both local (creams, suppositories, ointments) and general (tablets and capsules) treatment methods are used. The most commonly used drugs are Miconazole, Nystatin, Fluconazole. After this, in many cases, women need to restore the normal microflora of the vagina, for which vaginal suppositories Bifidin, Acylak, Biovestin are used.

To quickly restore the body and eliminate the consequences of antibiotic treatment, a number of general strengthening measures are then used. For example, after antibiotic therapy, a person may have a deficiency of certain vitamins, which requires taking multivitamin preparations - Multivit, Kvadevit and others. There is also a strong decrease in the functioning of the immune system, which is manifested by frequent colds, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and the occurrence of various allergies. This requires taking immunomodulators - medications that enhance the functioning of the immune system. Echinacea purpurea extract is best suited for this.

Antibiotics can damage many organs and tissues, but the liver and kidneys are most susceptible to damage. Therefore, eliminating the consequences of treatment with high doses of antibiotics must necessarily include supportive therapy for these organs - for the liver it is worth taking some kind of hepatoprotectors (Essentiale Forte, for example), and drinking table alkaline mineral waters has a beneficial effect on the kidneys.

As you can see, after treatment with antibiotics there can be quite serious consequences that require a set of therapeutic measures to restore normal functioning of the body. But so far there is nothing better against bacteria and the diseases they cause. Therefore, you need to approach taking antibiotics and eliminating the consequences of treatment with them competently - then you will very quickly restore your health.

Negative effects of taking antibiotics

Antibiotics save a person’s life, but at the same time they bring a whole range of side effects and conditions.

Here are some negative effects of taking antibiotics.

Intestinal dysbiosis. It occurs because antibiotics kill not only harmful, but also beneficial bacteria living in the intestines.

As soon as beneficial bacteria (lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, etc.) die, all and sundry take their place.

As a result, digestion and absorption are disrupted, constipation or diarrhea develop, and dangerous intestinal infections can develop.

To cope with the problem of dysbiosis, it is necessary to quickly restore normal intestinal flora after antibiotic therapy.

This is why probiotics exist - preparations containing live cultures of beneficial bacteria.

A good gut probiotic should be comprehensive, i.e. contain not just one type of beneficial bacteria, but several. The composition must contain bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

By the way, some drugs contain bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

These medications can be taken at the same time as an antibiotic.

In this case, there may be no dysbacteriosis at all.

Vitamin deficiency is a common condition that develops against the background of dysbiosis

It is the bacteria in the intestines that produce a number of vitamins, so after prescribing an antibiotic, it is recommended to undergo a course of vitamin therapy.

Vaginal dysbiosis also develops while taking antibiotics.

Manifestation of vaginal dysbiosis - vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, itching.

It is important to remember that vaginal dysbiosis cannot be treated by taking oral probiotics.

In a woman who observes basic hygiene rules, the contents of the intestines (including flora) do not enter the vagina.

Probiotics for this type of dysbiosis are prescribed only locally, and in the form of vaginal suppositories, tablets and capsules.

Infectious - toxic shock.

If someone correctly guessed the sensitivity of the pathogen, correctly suggested an antibiotic, and you took it correctly, this can cause infectious-toxic shock.

The fact is that many antibiotics destroy the cell wall of the pathogen. In this case, the body receives the contents of the dead bacterial cell as a bonus.

It contains a lot of unpleasant substances (enzymes and radicals, etc.)

If the pathogen has managed to multiply, the consequences can be sad. Such cases occur when self-medicating with antibiotics.

Be treated under the supervision of a doctor, even if you are being treated at home.

After antibiotics, the liver is often no less tired than from a serious binge.

Most antibiotics pass through the renal enzyme system.

There is also a “queue” of food, alcohol, breakdown products from the circulatory system and much more.

This is why you should not drink alcohol while taking antibiotics.

Taking an antibiotic may cause allergic reactions.

It is important to know what drugs you are allergic to and tell your doctor about this, as well as any other side effects that occur while taking antibiotics.

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Consequences of antibiotics

The most common consequences of antibiotics on the intestinal microflora are dysbiosis, diarrhea (diarrhea) and decreased immunity.

Dysbacteriosis (dysbiosis) is a qualitative change in the normal species composition of intestinal bacteria. It is imperative to understand that dysbiosis is a syndrome in many intestinal diseases, and not a separate disease.

There is an opinion that intestinal dysbiosis occurs as a result of an imbalance in the intestinal microflora due to various reasons: the use of antibacterial agents, in particular antibiotics, poor nutrition, impaired immune function, etc. But basically dysbiosis is a consequence of antibiotics.

The problem of dysbiosis is now very relevant. Treating dysbiosis is not only expensive, but also time-consuming and difficult.

– unstable stool (alternating diarrhea and constipation);

– loose stool and diarrhea in a child (diarrhea in a child);

• Flatulence (a feeling of fullness in the stomach due to increased gas formation, rumbling).
• Abdominal pain (usually monotonous, pulling and bursting, sometimes severe, colicky).
• Gastrointestinal dyspepsia syndrome (feeling of fullness in the stomach, belching, nausea with preserved appetite; flatulence, difficulty defecating; abdominal pain like intestinal colic, which goes away after bowel movement; change in the nature of stool - pasty or liquid, foamy, fetid).
• Symptoms of polyhypovitaminosis (various types of anemia)
• Food allergies

Dysbacteriosis in infants deserves special attention.

According to statistics, 60% of women during pregnancy receive antibiotics for various infections, and did not receive probiotics as a preventive measure, which have an effect on the treatment of dysbiosis. In this regard, they developed disturbances in the intestinal and vaginal microflora during childbirth.

Since dysbiosis was not prevented while taking antibiotics, and treating dysbiosis is not so easy, dysbiosis occurred in infants.

Dysbacteriosis in infants most often manifests itself as diarrhea. Diarrhea in a child is characterized by frequent bowel movements, but is most dangerous when the child's body loses water.

Dysbacteriosis in infants also often manifests itself as constipation. Sometimes rashes appear on the shoulders and face, and diathesis develops. Treatment of diarrhea does not always lead to restoration of intestinal microflora.

Why is it more difficult to treat dysbiosis than to prevent it? After all, it would seem that it is enough to drink kefir and yoghurt (that contains the necessary lactic bacteria) and the problem is solved.

Normal bacterial flora is necessary for human life.

The two main functions of microflora include: protection against pathogenic bacteria and stimulation of the immune system.

In order to restore your own beneficial intestinal flora, you need a fairly long period of time. Therefore, in order not to treat dysbiosis, it is better to prevent it! Take Lacidofil from the first day of taking antibiotics.

Treatment of intestinal dysbiosis needs to be comprehensive and targeted. Attention should be paid not only to curing the underlying disease and normalizing the microflora, but also to increasing the resistance and immunological reactivity of the body.

One of the most common and unpleasant symptoms of dysbiosis is diarrhea (diarrhea). Diarrhea (diarrhea) in a child is always a big problem, because it poses a danger to the child: dehydration.

In most cases, diarrhea (diarrhea) in a child is manifested by the following symptoms: the child has no appetite and may feel slightly nauseous. General weakness, temperature fluctuates very easily. The stool is very loose and frequent.

Diarrhea (diarrhea) in a child causes anxiety, poor sleep, and tearfulness. Often, diarrhea in a child is accompanied by irritation of the anal area.

Often, diarrhea (diarrhea) in a child is a consequence of the action of antibiotics. In order to protect the child and prevent the development of diarrhea in a child when taking antibiotics, use Lacidofil from the first day of antibiotic treatment.

First of all, treatment of diarrhea (diarrhea) should be aimed at eliminating its cause.

One of the most important aspects in treating diarrhea (diarrhea) is to prevent dehydration. Since ordinary drinking water does not contain sugar or mineral salts, which the body loses during diarrhea, it is very important to compensate for this loss by drinking large amounts of liquid containing these substances. These can be rehydrating solutions, broth, mineral water.

It is very important to follow a diet. It is necessary to exclude fatty foods, coffee and milk from the diet for the entire period of illness. It is recommended to eat (especially for children) bananas, boiled rice, applesauce, and crackers.

In some cases, when treating diarrhea (diarrhea) of infectious origin, it is necessary to use antibacterial drugs, which can only be prescribed by a doctor.

In the complex treatment of diarrhea, it is also recommended to use probiotics to restore your own beneficial intestinal microflora. To avoid treatment of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics, use Lacidofil from the first day of taking antibacterial agents.

Dysbacteriosis due to antibiotic use

Drugs for the treatment of dysbiosis after antibiotics

Antibacterial therapy is widely used to eliminate a large number of diseases. Despite the high pharmacological effect, when taking antibiotics there is a risk of developing a large number of side effects. One of them is dysbiosis.

The medicine for dysbiosis after antibiotics is designed to restore normal intestinal microflora, eliminate colonies of pathogenic bacteria, and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therapy for dysbiosis should be comprehensive - in addition to the use of several groups of drugs, the patient must monitor the diet. This will eliminate the acute course of dysbiosis and quickly eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of the disease.

Why does dysbiosis develop?

The risk of developing dysbiosis increases if:

1. The patient's medical history includes chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. In the event that the patient increases the recommended dosage or duration of antibiotic use.
3. In cases where the patient self-medicates and prescribes an antibacterial drug to himself without first consulting a doctor.
4. If the patient does not follow the doctor’s recommendations regarding nutrition while using antibacterial agents.

If an antibiotic is prescribed, fatty and spicy foods should be excluded from the diet and alcoholic beverages should not be allowed. Small meals are recommended (at least 4 times a day, preferably at the same time), sufficient consumption of fermented milk products, grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.

How does dysbacteriosis manifest itself?

With dysbacteriosis, the ratio of “beneficial” microflora to pathogenic microflora is disrupted and this can provoke the development of the following reactions:

• Gastrointestinal tract disorders: stool disorders (constipation, diarrhea), development of flatulence, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, weight loss.
• The absorption of essential vitamins deteriorates, which leads to the development of hypovitaminosis. The skin and mucous membranes become drier and more sensitive, and jams and cracks appear. Against the background of a lack of vitamins and microelements, such a dangerous complication as anemia can develop.

Medicines to correct the problem

The medicine for dysbiosis after antibiotics is selected by a gastroenterologist, taking into account the age and individual characteristics of the patient’s body, as well as the existing manifestations of the disease. An approximate treatment regimen is as follows:

• The use of enzyme preparations that normalize the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Antispasmodics to eliminate pain in the epigastric region.
• Immunomodulators to normalize the normal functioning of the immune system. These can be both herbal medicines and synthetic drugs.
• An important place is given to the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and eubiotics. The preparations of these groups contain live colonies of microorganisms that eliminate imbalances and normalize the internal eco-system of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of heaviness in the abdomen, stool disturbances, discomfort and flatulence gradually disappear. Drugs of this group can be used for a long period of time.
• Taking vitamin-mineral complexes is designed to eliminate the problem of deficiency of vital vitamins and microelements. Particular attention is paid to B vitamins, folic acid, vitamins A, E and D.

Some women develop dysbiosis of both the intestines and vagina while taking antibacterial agents. This requires an in-person examination by a gynecologist and the appointment of a separate therapy regimen.

If the development of dysbiosis against the background of an antibiotic occurs in a child, medications such as Chlorophyllipt, Hilak Forte, Linex, Bifidumbacterin can be used. Nursing mothers should consider stopping breastfeeding if there is a need to take antibacterial drugs. The antibiotic has the ability to penetrate into breast milk and dysbiosis can develop in a small child.

A cure for dysbiosis after antibiotics allows you to quickly normalize the intestinal microflora. However, the treatment must be selected by a doctor. Self-medication may not have the expected therapeutic effect, which will lead to a deterioration in health and progression of the disease.

Against the background of the use of antibiotics, it is imperative to take probiotics and introduce a sufficient amount of fermented milk products and dietary fiber into the diet.

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics

With long-term use of antibiotics, a qualitative change occurs in the normal microflora of the intestines and skin - dysbacteriosis, which is fraught with digestive disorders, the development of various fungal diseases, and inflammatory processes.

Intestinal dysbiosis

The most common violation when taking antibiotics, since it is in the intestines that a huge number of “useful” bacteria are concentrated. When the balance of these microorganisms is disturbed, a number of symptoms occur:

• bowel dysfunction (constipation, diarrhea);
• loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting;
• possible abdominal pain;
• belching, flatulence, bloating;
• possible manifestation of allergic reactions (itching of the skin and mucous membranes, rashes) due to intoxication;
• due to impaired absorption of vitamins and minerals, the development of vitamin deficiency, dry skin, and peeling.

It should be remembered that in the initial stages, dysbiosis may not manifest itself in any way, but if you are undergoing antibiotic treatment, taking medications to prevent dysbiosis is necessary.

Vaginal dysbiosis

A fairly common complication after taking antibiotics, since due to a violation of the microflora, various pathogenic (primarily fungal) microorganisms begin to actively multiply. Candidiasis develops, the common name is thrush.

Unlike intestinal dysbiosis, for the treatment of which it is often sufficient to take drugs that restore normal microflora, this consequence of dysbiosis requires separate treatment, with the use of not only various drugs to restore the microflora, but also antifungal drugs.

Treatment and prevention of dysbiosis

To avoid the development of dysbiosis, it is recommended to combine the use of antibiotics with the use of drugs to maintain normal intestinal microflora. Moreover, one preparation “Yoghurt in capsules”, which is the most popular, is actually not enough in this situation. The most effective is a complex of probiotics bifidoform (or its analogues), lactobacterin and antifungal drugs (for example, nystatin). It should also be remembered that although the course of taking antibiotics is most often limited to 7-10 days, drugs to normalize the microflora must be taken for at least a month.

Treatment of dysbiosis, if preventive measures have not been taken in advance, is no different from prevention, except that the course of treatment may be longer.

Dysbacteriosis cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antifungal drugs can be prescribed, but not as a remedy for dysbiosis, but to combat diseases that have developed against its background.

To restore normal intestinal microflora, two groups of drugs are used: prebiotics and probiotics.

Probiotics are preparations containing live bifidobacteria and lactobacilli used to “populate” the intestines. Such products should be stored in a cool, dark place, otherwise the living bacteria contained in them die and the medicine becomes ineffective.

In addition, before entering the intestines, probiotic capsules enter the stomach, and as a result, under the influence of gastric juice, only 1 to 10% of the beneficial bacteria taken survive.

Prebiotics are drugs to stimulate the growth of one’s own microflora. They contain substances that are food for intestinal bacteria and stimulate their reproduction. Storage conditions do not matter.

Thus, the course of treatment for dysbiosis should be comprehensive and include not only drugs containing the necessary bacteria, but also drugs that stimulate their production by the body itself.

After taking antibiotics, dysbiosis must be treated

Introduced at the beginning of the twentieth century, antibiotics saved millions of people and significantly increased average life expectancy. Today, the “saviors of humanity” have caused the emergence of new diseases, including cancer, allergies, chronic infections and heart disease. The cause of disease is dysbacteriosis - the aggressive destruction of the natural intestinal microflora by antibiotics.

Dysbacteriosis: danger

The intestines provide up to 70% of the immunity of the entire body. Healthy intestinal microflora ensures normal absorption of nutrients from food and strong immunity.

Live bacteria that protect the body are very vulnerable. Even one-time stress can completely destroy the entire colony of protective bacteria in the small intestine. In addition to stress, bacteria are affected by the environment, poor nutrition, diseases of internal organs and infections.

The effect of antibiotics on colonies of protective bacteria in the small intestine resembles aggressive genocide - they are destroyed without a trace. The body remains defenseless against infections.

Dysbacteriosis: treatment

Dysbacteriosis always occurs after antibiotics: only a doctor can prescribe treatment. However, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the basic principles of treatment, the full course of which must be completed.

The main treatment for dysbiosis is repopulating the intestines with beneficial microflora. To do this, take medications containing beneficial bacteria. A doctor will help you choose a medicine. It is necessary to follow the doctor's recommendations or, at a minimum, instructions. The duration of administration and daily dosage indicated by the creators of the drug are optimal for restoring the intestinal lactobacilli colony.

To effectively restore the body’s immune barriers, preparations with probiotics are not only taken orally: they are gargled, dropped into the nose, used rectally or vaginally.

Healthy microflora of the body

The body receives a colony of beneficial bacteria at birth. They are found on the mucous membranes, in the skin, and in the intercellular space. Each cell in the body has a certain number of protective bacteria. When breastfeeding, the baby receives beneficial microorganisms through milk - that’s why mother’s milk is so healthy.

If you need to take antibiotics, you need to start taking probiotics at the same time.

Antibiotics: rules of administration

Treatment with antibiotics is prescribed only by a doctor. Uncontrolled use of drugs can be harmful: only a specialist knows which drugs will help with a particular disease. For some diseases, for example viral or allergic, antibiotics are useless and only weaken the body.

The type of antibiotic is determined individually based on the results of bacterial culture.

You should take the full course of antibiotics, for at least 5-7 days. You should also follow the recommended daily dose.

Violation of the dosage and duration of treatment leads to the emergence of bacteria resistant to the effects of the drug. Subsequently, you will have to constantly increase the dosage and use stronger drugs for treatment.

Dysbiosis after antibiotics can be prevented if you start taking drugs with live bacteria at the same time as antibiotics.

Probiotics: which drug to choose

One should not assume that it is possible to restore the balance of microflora naturally, for example, by consuming fermented milk products. The predominance of pathogenic microflora after antibiotics is eliminated only by the introduction of a huge amount of probiotics. To replace one capsule of medicine, hundreds of liters of live kefir or yogurt will be required.

Which drug should I choose? Doctors prefer liquid medications. But they require refrigeration and are more difficult to take than capsules. Therefore, those who take the product at work or are constantly in a hurry can use capsules - they are just as effective.

Most often, doctors prescribe liquid probiotics: Hilak-Forte, Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin - or Linex capsules, Probifor or Bactisubtil. Pharmaceuticals do not stand still; new effective medicines appear every day.

Dysbacteriosis: diet

To effectively treat dysbiosis, a diet is necessary.

• dairy products;
• vegetables;
• sweet fruits;
• porridge;
• lean meat;
• bran bread;
• applesauce – it is recommended to eat it several times daily.

• all dishes with spices and marinades;
• onion garlic;
• smoked meats;
• mushrooms;
• chocolate, ice cream;
• sour fruits;
• carbonated drinks;
• spinach and sorrel.

Taking antibiotics aggressively destroys healthy intestinal microflora. It is most advisable to start taking probiotics at the same time as treatment. Prevention of dysbiosis is much more effective than its treatment.

You might also be interested in:

• How to take Linex with antibiotics
• What you need to know about dysbiosis in infants
• Bifidumbacterin
• Bifiform or Linex

Causes of diarrhea while taking antibacterial drugs

Diarrhea is one of the consequences of taking antibacterial drugs. This is due to the fact that medications kill not only pathogens, but also beneficial representatives of microflora. With diarrhea or diarrhea, the stool becomes liquid. The urge to defecate occurs up to 10 times a day. Diarrhea after taking antibacterial drugs is observed in people prone to various adverse reactions. This condition always needs treatment.

Antibiotics have a negative effect on intestinal microflora

Why does deviation develop?

Diarrhea when taking antibiotics in adults and children develops in the presence of the following predisposing factors:

• age under 5 years or over 60;
• the presence of disorders associated with the functioning of the nervous system;
• using too many antibacterial drugs or changing the dosage on your own;
• long-term use of antibacterial drugs.

What to do if an adult has loose stools after antibiotics, only the attending doctor can tell. Diarrhea after taking antibacterial drugs may begin after a few days or a week. It depends on individual characteristics. Thrush may appear along with diarrhea.

Diarrhea often develops in older people while taking antibacterial medications

Antibacterial drugs are aimed at destroying pathogenic microorganisms. Strong medications can change the natural microflora. Against this background, loose stools occur, as the body weakens after using potent medications.

To establish the root cause of the disorder, it is necessary to monitor the frequency of bowel movements and the nature of the attacks. In the presence of severe and prolonged diarrhea after antibiotics, the functioning of the thyroid gland may be impaired. It may be necessary to call a doctor.

The main causes of the disorder while taking antibiotics are described in the table.

The likelihood of the disorder increases if the patient simultaneously uses several types of antibacterial drugs.

Figuring out on your own how to stop diarrhea after antibiotics in an adult can be dangerous. The doctor should review the prescribed medications.

What drugs can trigger the disorder?

Diarrhea after a course of antibiotics may be caused by taking drugs that have a weakening effect on the intestines. These medications include some macrolide antibiotics. In this case, diarrhea does not cause great discomfort. Symptoms are mild and short-lived.

When using medications that weaken bowel function, there is no need to figure out what to do for diarrhea after antibiotics in an adult. The condition is normalized without outside help and does not require additional medications.

Prolonged and severe diarrhea after taking antibiotics can cause disruption of the thyroid gland

Diarrhea can also be a consequence of slow growth of natural microflora. In parallel, the number of pathogenic microorganisms increases. Such drugs include drugs from the group of tetracyclines and aminoglycosides.

Finding out what to do if you need antibiotics is necessary if, after taking the listed groups of drugs, the patient experiences:

• rapid increase in body temperature;
• sharp painful sensation in the abdominal cavity;
• vomiting reflex;
• general weakness.

The listed symptoms are the main ones and almost always accompany an upset stomach after taking antibacterial drugs. The urge to defecate occurs about 10 times a day. The consistency of fecal matter is liquid.

Diarrhea is often accompanied by bouts of vomiting

If a disorder occurs, you need to find out as early as possible why antibiotics cause diarrhea and how to cope with it. Some groups of medications can lead to a number of complications.

Treatment of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics

Only a doctor can tell you how to treat intestinal upset after antibiotics. The therapy is complex and includes:

• change in diet;
• taking medications;
• compliance with preventive measures.

Changing your diet is highly effective in eliminating loose stools. At first, the patient needs to give up dairy products and any baked goods. If this recommendation is not followed, the severity of the disorder may increase.

Linex and other drugs containing bifidobacteria are prescribed for the treatment of diarrhea.

If a side effect occurs, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. A medical professional will tell you whether an adult can have diarrhea from antibiotics and select the most appropriate diet.

It is undesirable for fruits and bran to be present in the diet. Their use is recommended only after complete recovery.

The patient is allowed to eat foods that are quickly digested. All food is pre-boiled. Fried and fatty foods are strictly prohibited. Proper food will help normalize stool.

If diarrhea does not go away on its own after antibiotics, you need to change your diet. Bread is completely replaced with crackers. It is recommended to add fruit jelly and fruit drinks to your diet. It is strictly forbidden to use:

Tea with lemon balm will help solve the problem of diarrhea after antibacterial therapy

• food with a lot of chemical additives;
• confectionery;
• kvass.

Antibiotic diarrhea in adults can be treated with medication. In this case, the patient may be recommended to take:

Drug treatment is aimed at restoring the natural microflora of the body. The drugs normalize the number of beneficial bacteria. The course of taking tablets is no more than 14 days. In addition, vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed.

Traditional methods for eliminating diarrhea

Treatment of stomach upset after antibiotics can be based on the use of traditional medicine. Highly effective:

You should not take antibacterial drugs uncontrollably

• caraway;
• carrot.

To prepare a remedy for loose stools, you need to take 0.5 teaspoon of dill seeds and 150 ml of water. Natural ingredients are placed in a saucepan and boiled for 20 minutes. Then the drink is infused for an hour. The prepared product is drunk in small sips throughout the day.

It is not advisable to figure out on your own how to treat diarrhea after antibiotics with folk remedies. Some natural ingredients may cause a negative reaction in the body.

Melissa is also highly effective. To eliminate the disorder, you need to brew tea with it and drink it throughout the day. Can be used only in the absence of individual intolerance.

Treatment of diarrhea from antibiotics in adults based on natural ingredients is used only in combination with a proper diet. Traditional medicine itself is ineffective.

Even more traditional medicine recipes are presented in the video:

Prevention of diarrhea

Diarrhea while taking antibiotics will not occur if the following preventive measures are followed:

• use antibacterial drugs only as prescribed by a doctor;
• careful adherence to the recommended dosage;
• refusal to use analogues without prior consultation with a doctor;
• taking into account the compatibility of simultaneously taken drugs;
• maintaining a proper diet.

You cannot choose antibiotics on your own. The medicine can only be prescribed by the attending physician based on all individual characteristics. It is also important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are using.

Diarrhea in a child after taking antibiotics is due to a weakening of the body due to the presence of the disease.

After clarifying the information regarding the question of how long diarrhea lasts. Important! Introducing antibiotics into treatment can harm the baby.

Symptoms and treatment of dysbiosis after taking antibiotics have their own characteristics, so it is recommended to consult a specialist.

What causes diarrhea. The causes of diarrhea after childbirth in a mother are varied. . The antibiotic is taken in accordance with the instructions (for adults).

A doctor will help you find out more precisely why your child has diarrhea with blood. For bacteria, microbes and viruses - antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Tetracycline.

Antibiotics: recovery after treatment

Thanks to the invention of antibiotics, mortality from infectious diseases has dropped to negligible numbers. Pneumonia and intestinal infections, which a hundred years ago claimed millions of lives, are today treated within a few days, even on an outpatient basis. The name of Louis Pasteur is forever inscribed in the history of medicine.

However, the same Pasteur who invented a means of fighting infection uttered the famous phrase: “Gentlemen! The microbes will have the last word.” And the scientist was absolutely right. Over time, it became absolutely clear that antibiotics also have plenty of their “skeletons in the closet.”

Side effects of antibacterial drugs can be no less serious than the original disease that became the root cause of treatment. A study conducted by American clinicians proved that antibiotic toxicity has become one of the most common causes of death in hospitalized patients. But don't rush to conclusions.

Let's try to consistently answer the burning questions: why sometimes the result of the use of drugs is therapy of consequences? And how to recover after antibiotic treatment?

Antibiotics: side effects

As you know, antibacterial drugs are divided into groups that have a common spectrum of action and similar side effects.

Antibiotics of the penicillin group are generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include rash and exfoliative dermatitis. However, the appearance of antibiotic-associated diarrhea during treatment with penicillins (drugs Amoxicillin, Augmentin, etc.) is not uncommon.

Cephalosporins of all four generations are considered relatively safe antibiotics. Among the side effects attributed to these drugs, diarrhea takes pride of place. Quite rarely, hypersensitivity reactions are recorded: rash and fever. Ceftazidime, a third-generation antibiotic, causes liver dysfunction.

Side effects of macrolides (for example, the antibiotic Sumamed) include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rarely antibiotic-associated colitis and cholestatic jaundice.

When taking these drugs, gastrointestinal symptoms are more often recorded, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Allergic reactions such as rash and itching develop much less frequently.

Drugs in this group are among the most toxic. Of particular concern is the nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides, which manifests itself in the development of acute renal failure, as well as ototoxicity, leading to hearing impairment.

So, the range of side effects of antibacterial drugs is extensive. But the most well-known adverse event associated with treatment with these drugs is certainly antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Let's try to figure out what causes this manifestation and how to deal with it.

Antibiotics and diarrhea: causes

Let's start with the fact that the probability of diarrhea or simply diarrhea during treatment with antibacterial agents is not so small: it ranges from 5 to 40%.

Diarrhea during or after treatment with antibiotics can be caused by two completely different reasons:

• imbalance of microflora colonizing in the large intestine;
• extremely rapid growth of opportunistic bacteria Clostridium difficile.

Stool disorder caused by changes in the composition of the intestinal flora is the symptom that in domestic medicine is usually called dysbiosis.

Dysbacteriosis - truth or myth?

Heated debates about dysbacteriosis have not subsided to this day. Many patients and doctors diligently look for signs of this condition and treat it. Meanwhile, Western medicine treats the concept of “dysbacteriosis” very reservedly.

Let us note that in Russia there is no nosological unit with this name, that is, there is no such diagnosis officially. This is largely due to the fact that the composition of the intestinal flora is too diverse to allow clear norm criteria to be established. Moreover, a healthy person has recovery mechanisms, and they start on their own.

The condition, which in our country is regarded as dysbiosis due to the use of antibiotics, is called antibiotic-associated diarrhea by most European and American specialists. The main and often the only symptom of impaired intestinal microflora is loose stool.

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis - an unfamiliar name for a familiar problem

In approximately 5-15% of cases of antibiotic use, diarrhea that occurs during or after treatment is caused by the growth of Clostridium difficile. The disease that develops as a result of the proliferation of clostridia is called pseudomembranous enterocolitis. Most often, this complication is recorded in patients undergoing inpatient treatment.

The diagnosis of pseudomembranous enterocolitis is considered primarily in any patient with diarrhea who has taken antibiotics in the previous three months and has been hospitalized.

Symptoms of pseudomembranous enterocolitis include:

• mild to moderately severe watery diarrhea;
• cramping abdominal pain;
• lack of appetite;
• malaise.

In severe cases, fever and dehydration may occur. If signs of enterocolitis appear, urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary. And no self-medication!

Dysbacteriosis after taking antibiotics: risk factors and solutions

Much more often there is a less aggressive consequence of treatment with antibacterial drugs - dysbacteriosis.

The likelihood of developing dysbiosis and, as a consequence, antibiotic-associated diarrhea increases if the primary infection is caused by clostridia, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus and some other pathogens.

In addition, people at risk for diarrhea associated with treatment with antibacterial drugs include:

• aged people;
• patients of inpatient departments;
• cancer patients;
• patients taking proton pump inhibitors.

Let us remember that these drugs include drugs for the treatment of gastritis and peptic ulcers: Omeprazole, Lanzaprozole, Pantoprozole and others.

So, what should those 5–39% of patients do who, during or after taking antibacterial agents, felt manifestations of dysbacteriosis?

First of all, don’t be discouraged. In the vast majority of cases, diarrhea is not the reason for discontinuation of the main drugs.

And secondly, at least one more drug will have to be added to the main list of medications.

Probiotics after antibiotics: evidence of effectiveness

Probiotics are living organisms that help restore microbial balance in the gastrointestinal tract. Most often, these drugs contain Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or Saccharomyces.

In the West, probiotics are usually registered as food additives, but in Russia many products from this group are presented in the group of over-the-counter drugs. They are available in the form of capsules, powders, tablets and even fermented foods such as yogurt.

In recent decades, a lot of evidence has been obtained regarding the effectiveness of probiotics in antibiotic-associated diarrhea, including those associated with the growth of clostridia. Thus, in 2002, a large meta-analysis was conducted, consisting of 9 studies. The experiment involved patients receiving antibiotics in combination with probiotics, and volunteers who took an antibiotic and a placebo, that is, a dummy. The results of the study confirmed the high effectiveness of probiotics compared to placebo.

However, there are other, less impressive data.

Probiotics: another look at effectiveness

English scientists conducted a large study studying the effect of probiotics against the background of antibiotic therapy. The experiment fully met all the requirements of evidence-based medicine: it was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled.

The result of the experiment somewhat surprised the medical world: the largest trial to date did not recognize the effectiveness of probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Who should we, ordinary patients, believe: advocates or opponents of probiotics? And how to deal with the intestinal consequences of antibiotic therapy?

Let's look towards domestic medicine. Most Russian doctors have a favorable attitude towards probiotics and invariably include them in the treatment regimen along with antibacterial agents. Many experts believe that probiotics have a right to exist even without evidence of effectiveness, based on the high safety profile, low cost of treatment and their own positive experience. Let's take a closer look at these drugs.

Probiotics: classification

Probiotics, which are available in Russian pharmacies, can be divided into several groups:

1. lactobacilli preparations: Lactobacterin, Yogurt, Extralact;
2. preparations of bifidobacteria: Bifidumbacterin, Bifikol, Bifiform;
3. complex preparations: Linex;
4. other drugs: Enterol, Bactisubtil, Biosporin, Hilak, Hilak forte, etc.

Let's take a closer look at them.

Lactobacilli: drugs and indications

In Russia, for several decades now, a product has been produced containing lyophilisate (dry powder), from which a solution for internal use is prepared. In addition, the resulting solution can also be used topically, for example, in gynecology for vaginal dysbiosis.

Lactobacterin should be dissolved in boiled water at room temperature and taken orally an hour before meals three times a day. For better survival of lactobacilli, it is recommended to take the medicine with milk.

Yogurt contains a mixture of lactobacilli and a yogurt culture consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbruesckii ssp. bulgaricus.

The dosage regimen depends on the patient's age and severity of the condition. The average dosage is 1-2 capsules of Yogurt three times a day during or after meals while taking antibiotics.

To preserve the properties, Lactobacterin and Yogurt must be stored in the refrigerator.

Preparations of bifidobacteria

Among the drugs containing bifidobacteria, one can find both long-known domestic and modern imported drugs.

Bifidumbacterin contains only live bifidobacteria. There are several forms of release: in the form of a powder for preparing a solution, as well as in the form of suppositories for rectal and vaginal use.

The solution is prepared immediately before use. Doses of bifidumbacterin vary and can be up to 15–30 doses per day, divided into three doses. Bifidumbacterin is recommended to be taken 30–40 minutes before meals.

Bifikol contains bifidobacteria and E. coli strains. The product is available in powder form for the preparation of an internal (or local) solution. The dosage is up to 10–15 doses, divided into three doses 30 minutes before meals.

Both Bifidumbacterin and Bificol should be stored in the refrigerator.

The product produced by the Danish company FERROSAN contains bifidobacteria and enterococci. A feature of probiotics containing enterococci is their positive effect on the flora of the small intestine.

Bifiform capsules do not dissolve under the action of gastric juice, so bacteria enter the intestines unchanged.

Bifiform is prescribed one capsule three times a day after meals, and for acute diarrhea during treatment with antibacterial agents, the dose is increased to four capsules per day.

The drug is produced not only in capsules, but also in powder, from which a solution is prepared before use. This form is intended for children who enjoy taking strawberry-flavored medicine.

Complete probiotic: maximum bacteria in one bottle

The Slovak probiotic from LEK PHARMACEUTICALS is distinguished by a complex composition, including lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and enterococci.

The Linex dosage regimen is quite intensive: to prevent dysbiosis during or after antibiotic therapy, it is recommended to take two capsules three times a day before meals.

"Tricky" probiotics

Enterol has proven its effectiveness in randomized clinical trials and is considered one of the most effective probiotic antidiarrheal agents.

The well-known French drug produced by BIOCODEX contains lyophilized yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. The medicine is available in two forms: capsules and powders for preparing a solution.

The yeast included in the drug antagonizes pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms, the growth of which provokes intestinal complications. Enterol is active against:

• Clostridium difficile;
• Klebsiella;
• Staphylococcus aureus;
• pseudomonas;
• fungi of the genus Candida;
• salmonella;
• coli;
• shigella (causative agents of dysentery);
• Giardia.

Saccharomyces boulardii does not colonize in the intestine, but is excreted almost unchanged a few days after administration.

The dosage regimen is quite simple: one or two capsules twice a day for seven (ten) days, one hour before meals. Enterol is not recommended for children under one year of age.

The French probiotic Bactisubtil contains spores of the bacteria Bacillus cereus. The microorganisms that make up Baktisubtil produce antibacterial substances that are active against most pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria. Interestingly, the spores are not destroyed by gastric juice, and when they enter the intestines, they begin to germinate with the formation of vegetative forms of Bacillus cereus.

Bactisubtil is prescribed two capsules two to four times a day one hour before meals.

Hilak and Hilak forte

German probiotic products from the company Ratiopharm were among the first to appear on the Russian pharmaceutical market.

Hilak contains waste products of only one strain of lactobacilli, while Hilak forte contains waste products of two strains of lactobacilli, Escherichia coli and fecal streptococcus. In addition, Hilaka Forte contains lactic acid as an auxiliary component, which helps restore the acidity of gastric juice regardless of the initial pH values.

The drug is dosed for children 15–40 drops, and for adults 40–60 drops three times a day. Hilak and Hilak forte should not be taken with milk or lactic acid products. In addition, both medications cannot be taken simultaneously with drugs that normalize acidity - antacids (Rennie, Maalox, Gaviscon, etc.)

Rules for taking probiotics

We must not forget that probiotics are special, “live” medicines. The bacteria contained in these drugs must pass through all barriers of the gastrointestinal tract, including hydrochloric acid treatment in the stomach. And not only to reach the intestines, but also to maintain viability.

In order for probiotics to have a real effect, you need to follow several rules of use:

Do not take probiotics with hot drinks. The temperature at which the vital activity of bacteria is maintained should not exceed 45 degrees. At higher rates, microorganisms die together;

Most probiotics are strictly not recommended to be taken with alcoholic beverages;

Bacterial preparations are best taken simultaneously with antibiotics.

If you decide to restore the already altered microflora, say, a week after antibiotic therapy, the probiotic may not be as effective as you would like;

The duration of taking probiotics is determined individually. If you started taking these drugs simultaneously with antibiotics, and complications passed you by, you can limit yourself to a 5-10-day course (during the period of antibiotic therapy). Patients who have nevertheless experienced the delights of antibiotic-associated diarrhea require more intensive and prolonged treatment. In such cases, the course of therapy can range from 10 days to several weeks or even months.

Probiotic Safety

Probiotics are over-the-counter medications. The safety profile of these drugs is so high that they are approved for use in children, including newborns, as well as in pregnant and lactating women. Therefore, probiotics are the first-line drugs for restoring intestinal microflora after antibiotic therapy.

Side effects of probiotics are minimal and are usually associated with minor gastrointestinal disturbances. These include flatulence, constipation, and bloating. Medicines containing S.boulardii (Enterol) should not be taken by patients suffering from an allergic reaction to yeast.

Probiotics for children: dosage features

Many probiotics do not have a specific pediatric dosage form. Thus, one of the most popular drugs, Linex, is available in the form of capsules of one dosage. How to give such medicines to small children? After all, infants are usually prescribed half the dose.

In order to measure it, you need to open the gelatin capsule, pour the contents onto a clean surface and conditionally divide the powder into two approximately equal parts. After this, one pediatric dose of the medicine is dissolved in water (juice, tea) at room temperature and given to the child.

Please note that the dissolved medicine cannot be stored: bacteria quickly die in the solution.

Pseudomembranous enterocolitis: recovery after antibiotic therapy

A serious complication after antibiotic treatment - diarrhea associated with Clostridium Difficile - has its own treatment characteristics.

First of all, if pseudomembranous enterocolitis is suspected, laboratory diagnosis is necessary. Bacterial culture of stool, confirming a significantly higher number of Clostridium Difficile, against the background of clinical signs of the condition, is the basis for making a diagnosis.

Symptoms of Clostridium Difficile-associated colitis include:

• watery diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours);
• abdominal pain;
• perhaps an increase in temperature.

If you suspect pseudomembranous enterocolitis, you must immediately notify your doctor, who should take therapeutic measures. Treatment of the disease is based on stopping the antibiotic and selecting a new antibacterial drug active against Clostridium Difficile.

To restore your intestinal flora after taking antibiotics, you should start taking probiotics. Enterol and other products containing the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii are used as first-line drugs.

Candidiasis: causes

Disturbances in the composition of the intestinal flora lead not only to antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Often, a change in the balance of non-pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms provokes the growth of the latter and the development of candidiasis. Fungi of the genus Candida, in particular C. albicans, live in the mucous membranes of a healthy body without causing any clinical manifestations. However, with a decrease in immunity, increased growth of hitherto completely harmless microorganisms may begin.

In addition, candida that live in the mucous membranes of the genital tract react very sensitively to the acidity of the flora. As is known, a shift in the balance of microorganisms in most cases also changes the pH level. The resulting acidic environment creates ideal conditions for the growth of C. albicans fungi, as a result of which candidiasis or thrush develops.

Thrush after taking antibiotics: treatment

In immunocompetent people, candidiasis usually manifests itself on the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals.

Oral candidiasis

Damage to the oral mucosa is most often observed in children. This complication manifests itself in the form of a milky-white, cheesy coating on the inner surface of the cheeks, palate, gums and tongue. If you remove plaque, for example, with a gauze swab, reddened areas will remain in its place.

In severe cases, the infection spreads to the tonsils, which can result in candidal tonsillitis.

Treatment for oral thrush includes antifungals and probiotics. In addition, for candidiasis, it is recommended to exclude from the diet sweets, alcohol, white yeast bread, as well as fermented foods - sauerkraut, pickles.

The most favorite place for Candida fungi that have lost control in the female body is the vagina. Therefore, many ladies, during or after taking antibiotics, encounter vaginal candidiasis - thrush, which manifests itself as white curdled discharge and itching.

Local and internal antifungal agents are primarily used to treat this disease. Second-line drugs that are prescribed for severe vaginal dysbiosis include probiotics in the form of oral capsules and tablets for intravaginal administration.

Treatment after treatment. Getting rid of thrush

Let us consider in detail the medications that are used to treat candidiasis of any localization.

Antifungal agents:

The most popular drug with a pronounced antifungal effect is Fluconazole. Tablets are dosed individually, based on the patient’s medical history and the severity of the process. For initial vaginal candidiasis during antibiotic treatment (or after it), one tablet or capsule containing 150 mg of Fluconazole is sufficient.

If episodes of thrush recur periodically, treatment regimens vary. The dose of Fluconazole can be 150–400 mg per day, and the duration of treatment can be up to two weeks. Fluconazole is widely used to treat children, including infants.

There are dozens of drugs containing fluconazole on the pharmaceutical market. The brand product is American Diflucan. Its exclusivity is emphasized not only by the pronounced effect, but also by the price. Among the generics of Diflucan we note:

• Diflazon, produced by the Slovak company KRKA;
• Zentiva's Mikomax;
• Mikosist (Hungary, Gedeon Richter);
• Fluconazole-Teva made in Israel.

In addition, the Russian market is saturated with a wide variety of Indian and Russian generics, which are distinguished by affordable prices and a variety of release forms.

Itraconazole is an effective antifungal agent that is active against many types of fungi, including the genus Candida.

The medicine is dosed at 100–200 mg once or twice a day, and the duration of therapy depends on the stage of the disease. The drug is prescribed for candidiasis, which is difficult to treat with fluconazole, as well as recurrent processes. Itraconazole is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and lactation.

The original product containing itraconazole, Orungal, is produced by the Janssen company. Generics of Orungal include Itrazol, Rumikoz and others.

Unlike Fluconazole, which is available only in oral and parenteral (injection drip) forms, Itraconazole is used intravaginally. The Russian company Veropharm produces Irunin vaginal tablets, which contain 100 mg of itraconazole.

Vaginal preparations

Uncomplicated vaginal candidiasis, which arose for the first time during treatment with antibacterial agents, can be cured with local medications. As a rule, they are available in the form of suppositories or vaginal tablets containing an antifungal active substance.

Among the most popular vaginal preparations we note:

• Clotrimazole, Candibene - drugs containing clotrimazole;
• Pimafucin (active ingredient - natamycin);
• Livarol;
• Ginesol;
• Neo-Penatran and Neo-Penatran forte.

Some doctors prefer to prescribe vaginal antifungals along with antibiotics. This tactic is justified when treating patients with reduced immunity.

I would like to say a few words about vaginal products containing bacteria. The principle of action of such drugs is similar to probiotics, and the difference is only in the point of application. Vaginal preparations of bacteria are indicated for restoring the vaginal microflora, including due to treatment with antibiotics.

Drugs in this group include: Vagilak, Vagisan, Acylact, Ecofemin, Laktozhinal.

Thrush in a child. What to do?

The immune system of children is imperfect, therefore, during treatment with antibiotics, it is quite possible for young patients to develop candidiasis. Most often, thrush in children appears on the oral mucosa.

The diagnosis is easy to make even for an amateur: the specific white coating on the gums and inner surface of the cheeks is difficult to confuse with something else. Young children often cannot explain the cause of discomfort. Therefore, a mother should be wary if a child taking antibiotics begins to be capricious while eating.

Treatment of thrush in a child should be safe, which means that oral medications should be the last thing to think about.

A topical solution containing clotrimazole can be used in children of any age, including newborns. Using a gauze pad, the solution is applied to the affected areas 3-4 times a day.

In addition, some pediatricians recommend borax in glycerin, cyanocobalamin, soda solution and other similar medications, known since Soviet times. The effectiveness of these drugs is usually low, so it is much more effective to start treatment with proven remedies.

If, after using a clotrimazole solution, thrush continues to flourish, the doctor should be closely involved in restoring the microflora and combating the consequences of antibiotic therapy in the child. As a rule, in such cases fluconazole drugs are prescribed.

Pregnancy after taking antibiotics

Many women are haunted by the same question: what is the safe interval between treatment with antibacterial agents and pregnancy? That is, when can you still get pregnant after taking antibiotics?

The answer depends on the specific drug, its dosage and duration of therapy. However, in the vast majority of cases, it is enough to recover within one cycle after using antibiotics, after which you can begin the path to a planned pregnancy.

Liver: recovery after antibiotic therapy

Restoring liver function after taking antibiotics is often a concern for patients, and the need for this process is controversial among doctors. The fact is that taking antibacterial agents, of course, may be accompanied by a slight hepatotoxic effect. However, in a healthy person, the liver recovers on its own.

Most hepatologists, if discomfort occurs in the right hypochondrium after taking antibiotics, recommend simply changing your diet, avoiding fried and fatty foods. This is the surest way to restore the liver.

Some experts advise taking safe over-the-counter preparations of essential phospholipids: Essentiale, Enerliv, Phosphogliv, Essliver and others. These agents are able to integrate into the membranes of hepatocytes - liver cells - and thus restore it. Essential phospholipids take 2 capsules three times a day for two or more weeks.

If during antibiotic therapy you have a bitter taste in your mouth, jaundice of the skin, nausea and other symptoms of cholestatic jaundice, you cannot do without consulting a gastroenterologist.

Rash after taking antibiotics: restoring skin health

Usually, taking antibiotics is accompanied by skin side effects in patients with allergies. However, rashes or redness of the skin are also possible in people who are immune to allergens. What to do if taking antibacterial agents is marked by the appearance of itchy elements?

As a rule, in such cases, drugs are prescribed that block the release of histamine, an allergy mediator responsible for all manifestations of an allergic reaction.

Let's list modern antihistamines:

• Loratadine (Claritin);
• Cetirizine (Cetrin, Zyrtec);
• Levocetirizine (L-cet);
• Fexofenadine (Telfast).

Typically, treatment begins with the prescription of Loratadine in a daily dose of 10 mg, and if the effectiveness is low, the drug is selected individually.

If the rash causes severe discomfort, external ointments containing glucocorticoids are occasionally used. However, before taking any measures to combat rashes, you should notify your doctor about them, who must make a decision.

Despite the impressive list of side effects that occur during or after antibiotic treatment, there is no need to panic and expect trouble. Modern antibacterial agents are usually well tolerated, and with the right and serious approach to therapy, the consequences, if they occur, are easily overcome. Trust your doctor and get treated correctly!

The article above and comments written by readers are for informational purposes only and do not encourage self-medication. Consult a specialist regarding your own symptoms and illnesses. When taking any medicine, you should always use the instructions that come with the medicine and your doctor's advice as a guide.

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Myth 1: Antibiotics are dangerous “Chemistry”

In fact, many antibiotics are natural or semi-synthetic. They have no more side effects than all other classes of drugs.

Myth 2: Antibiotics “burn out” the intestinal microflora

Antibiotics can affect the intestinal microflora, but in the vast majority of cases it recovers on its own and without additional treatment after the end of the course of therapy.

Myth 3: Antibiotics should not be given to patients with allergies

The presence of food allergies is not a contraindication to the prescription of antibiotics. And if an allergic reaction to a certain drug is detected, it is canceled and another one is prescribed.

Myth 4: Antibiotics cannot serve as prophylaxis

Sometimes they can. For example, if a person becomes ill with a highly contagious bacterial infection, everyone in contact with them will receive antibiotics as a preventive measure. But these cases are quite rare, and you absolutely cannot prescribe antibiotics yourself.

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Myth 5: If an antibiotic helped in the past, it will help now

Is not a fact. Firstly, bacteria mutate and develop resistance to antibiotics, and if five years ago you cured a disease with one antibiotic, this time it may not work. In addition, formulas also change over the years, and modern products often do not have the side effects that their predecessors had. The doctor who knows best about antibiotics is the one you should consult.

Myth 6: If familiar symptoms occur, you can treat with your usual antibiotic

Similar symptoms can occur in different diseases. Uncontrolled use of an antibiotic can blur the picture, and even with a subsequent visit to a doctor, significantly complicate the diagnosis.

Myth 7: Antibiotics cause liver damage

Yes and no. In rare cases, harmless complications may occur. As for severe complications, isolated cases have been recorded throughout the world over the past 20–30 years.

Myth 8: If an antibiotic has a side effect, it is not suitable for me

One of the clearest signs that an antibiotic is not right for you is an allergic reaction that occurs on the very first day after taking the first dose. It is completely normal if various disorders may occur while taking antibiotics. Finally, an obvious sign that an antibiotic is not right for you is the lack of the desired effect. A complete list of possible side effects is contained in the instructions for the drug; you must read it.

Myth 9: Antibiotics can be taken from time to time, regardless of the course of treatment

The first antibiotic - penicillin - has now lost its importance, since the vast majority of microbes have adapted to it and stopped responding to it. This can happen with other antibiotics as well. And every course not completed is a help to bacteria. Always finish the course to the end, even if your health returns to normal faster.

Myth 10: Antibiotics give immediate effect

Some drugs actually alleviate the patient’s condition after the first dose, but for many the effect is cumulative, and improvement may occur after a few days. This is by no means a reason to interrupt treatment!

More information about antibiotics and how to take them correctly on the website

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