You will have been given a course of antibiotics for a reason - they have an important job to do. Unfortunately though, some people suffer from unpleasant side effects, the most common being antibiotic-associated diarrhoea1.
In recent years it has become well known that antibiotics negatively affect our gut microbiome2. Ideally, you want to start taking live cultures as soon as you start a course of antibiotics. Of course, this isn't always possible, so please be assured that the live cultures in our supplements are proven to reach the gut alive, even if you start taking them a few days after you start the course of antibiotics.
The best live cultures to take with antibiotics
For Those On Antibiotics is most suitable for adults and children over the age of 4 currently taking a course of antibiotic medication, either short term or long term. The highly researched strains in For Those On Antibiotics are safe take at the same time as a variety of antibiotics, no matter the type of dosage regime, making this supplement very convenient.
For Those On Antibiotics is also perfectly safe to take ongoing if you are on a long-term course of antibiotics, however Every Day EXTRA is a good alternative if you are taking longer term antibiotic therapy. This supplement has also been researched alongside antibiotics, but please note that the capsules must be taken 2 hours away from antibiotic medication.
Watch our video on how to use For Those On Antibiotics.
Once you have finished your course of antibiotics it is absolutely fine to continue taking For Those on Antibiotics until the pack is finished. Equally, if you prefer to switch to a higher strength supplement, like Every Day MAX, or a daily supplement to support gut and immune health, like Gut Health Gummies, that is fine too. The important thing is keeping your friendly bacteria topped up!
Younger children who need to take antibiotics can be given our Babies & Children supplement which is suitable from birth onwards. Please ensure a 2 hour gap between antibiotic medication and this supplement. Babies & Children contains the renowned Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain which has been widely researched in children taking antibiotics4,5.
Can I take live cultures and antibiotics at the same time of day?
You can safely take For Those On Antibiotics supplement with breakfast as we usually recommend, regardless of when you take your antibiotics. This because the strains of live bacteria in this supplement have been proven to be hardy against the effects of antibiotics3.
If you are taking other live cultures supplements, including Every Day EXTRA, whilst on antibiotics we recommend leaving a gap of at least two hours to give the delicate live cultures the best chance of survival.
Optibac For Those on Antibiotics
Here are guidelines for taking live cultures with antibiotics for easy reference:
For Those On Antibiotics can safely be taken alongside antibiotics
Other live cultures supplements can be taken at a different time of day - a gap of at least two hours is recommended
If you are unable to swallow capsules, the contents can be opened and mixed with a cool drink or meal
It is highly recommended to continue taking live cultures following a course of antibiotic medication
This FAQ has been answered by Helen Morton, Nutritional Therapist DipION
