For Those On Antibiotics

Yes! Taking live cultures with antibiotics is highly recommended.  However, it’s important to select supplements such as Optibac Probiotics For Those On Antibiotics, which contains strains extensively researched^1,2 alongside antibiotic medication and shown to reach the gut alive.

Antibiotic medication can harm most delicate live cultures. Strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus/helveticus Rosell-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94 have been have been specifically and extensively researched^1,2 alongside a variety of antibiotic medication, proven to reach the gut alive, even when taken at the exact same time as short or long courses of antibiotic medication^1,2,3. These strains can be found in Optibac Probiotics For Those On Antibiotics.

No. Conveniently, you can still take Optibac For Those On Antibiotics supplement with breakfast as recommended, regardless of when you take your antibiotics. This is because the strains we have chosen are proven to be hardy against the effects of antibiotic treatment¹. Other live cultures supplements, including Every Day EXTRA and alternative brands like SMART STRAINS^®, need to be taken at least two hours away from the medication.

Live cultures are best taken with food, ideally breakfast, when stomach acidity is closer to neutral. It’s recommended to take 1 capsule of For Those On Antibiotics daily with breakfast - there is no need to take this probiotic at a different time of the day from the antibiotic. Ideally, start taking this supplement at the beginning of the course of antibiotics, but if that's not possible, rest assured these live cultures will still have a good chance of reducing any unwanted side effects. If you are taking Every Day EXTRA instead, we recommend that it be taken at a different time of day to the antibiotic medication, at least 1-2 hours apart, as it contains delicate bacteria which could be destroyed by the antibiotics.

Unlike the live culture strains in For Those On Antibiotics, the strains in Every Day EXTRA have not been extensively tested alongside antibiotic medication. Therefore, Every Day EXTRA is most suitable when taken after finishing a course of antibiotics, as it contains strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®, which have been scientifically trialled for use after a course of antibiotics¹.

Children from the age of four onwards can take Optibac Probiotics For Those On Antibiotics. The strains in this supplement have not been tested on infants and babies so we cannot recommend that under fours take it. Younger children who need to take antibiotics can be given our Babies & Children supplement, which is suitable for all ages from birth onwards. This supplement contains the renowned Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain which has been widely researched in children taking antibiotics^1,2. For children of all ages, once their course of antibiotics has been completed we recommend they take one of our children's products for at least a couple of months to complement the gut microbiome.

It is highly recommended to continue taking live cultures for at least a month following a course of antibiotic medication. You can continue to take For Those On Antibiotics if this is easier, but another popular option is to swap to our Every Day EXTRA. This supplement contains strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®, which have been scientifically trialled for use after a course of antibiotics¹. This powerful supplement is just what your digestive system needs to complement and harmonise the gut microbiome after antibiotics. Many people find that their gut needs a bit more TLC after finishing a course of antibiotics, so they prefer to take a higher strength supplement like Every Day MAX for a month or two before before resuming their favourite daily product. Alternatively, if you usually take a daily product like Every Day or Gut Health Gummies, then you can return to taking this after finishing a course of antibiotics.