Antibiotics are the first line of treatment in modern medicines and have a role in treating infectious diseases, such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

Despite the numerous uses of conventional antibiotics for treating UTIs, recent studies highlight their negative impact on the human gut microbiome.

Also, antibiotic resistance increases the concerns as it may affect the quality of medicine and result in less effective treatments.

Fortunately, new studies have recognized the beneficial effects of probiotics alongside antibiotics to reduce the adverse impact on the gut and urogenital microbiome.

According to WHO, probiotics are the second most important immune defense system once the antibiotic becomes ineffective due to antibiotic resistance.

Therefore, it becomes necessary to know more about their combined effects and clear your queries on ‘Can I take probiotics with antibiotics for UTIs?’.

So, let’s delve into the topic and explore it in detail!

Are probiotics with antibiotics for UTIs beneficial

Yes, clinical evidence shows that probiotics (a specific strain- Lactobacillus) alongside antibiotics are beneficial to reduce the adverse effects caused by long-term use of antibiotics.

Although it’s not necessarily bad to incorporate other strains alongside antibiotics treatment, but the effectiveness may vary.

Because different probiotics have different mechanisms of action against pathogens.

According to NCBI, their combined consumption in children with recurrent UTIs is safe and effective compared to antibiotics alone.

It has been shown that Lactobacillus (good bacteria) strain probiotics have a strong inhibitory effect on the E. coli population and treating the condition.

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Read Probiotics for UTIs: A Complementary and Alternative Medicine to learn how probiotics can be beneficial for treating UTIs.

How probiotics work with antibiotics for UTIs

E.coli bacteria lab test
E.coli bacteria lab test

Probiotics for UTIs have some properties that can work positively to kill the infection-causing bacteria and treat recurrent UTIs.

Also, it can minimize the adverse effect on the gut microbiome caused by antibiotics and enhance species diversity.

Furthermore, probiotics can restore urogenital flora by preventing dominating pathogens (E. coli) in the region.

The urogenital flora is a small ecosystem where bacteria live in its urogenital tract (a combination of reproductive and urinary systems).

Why you should take a probiotic with an antibiotic

There is no doubt that antibiotics are effective in treating UTIs by killing the infection-causing pathogen.

However, it has recently been recognized that antibiotics can also harm the beneficial bacteria inside the gut.

Moreover, consistent antibiotic exposure and lack of new drug development can turn the bacteria antibiotic-resistant.

These antibiotic-resistant bacteria are comparatively harder to treat and can lead to two-fold higher rates of adverse outcomes. 

To minimize these adverse effects, probiotics are beneficial along with antibiotics.

The Probiotic strain, such as Lactobacillus, can treat recurrent UTIs and enhance the antibiotic function. 

Furthermore, according to NCBI, these are especially used in the treatment of complicated UTIs and provide vaginal recolonization. 

Fact
Vaginal recolonization leads to the multiplication of the beneficial microorganisms without interacting or harming the host.

Do probiotics disturb antibiotic functioning

There is no such evidence that claims that probiotics disturb antibiotic functioning.

Probiotics play a key role in reducing the adverse effects caused by antibiotics and preventing antibiotic-induced decline in microbes diversity.

When to take probiotics with antibiotics for UTIs

Probiotics are generally advised to be administered 1-2 hours after taking antibiotics.

After this length of time, a sufficient amount of live and beneficial bacteria in probiotics are able to reach the gut alive. 

Warning
Always consult your doctor and follow the recommended dosage to avoid health complications.

Things to remember while taking probiotics with antibiotics

follow doctor's instructions
Consult a doctor in case of any side effects

After understanding the efficacy of probiotics along with antibiotics, here are a few things to remember to avoid any complications:

  • Take them on the same day: Start taking your prescribed antibiotics and probiotics on the same day
  • Different time: You can take them at the same time. However, a gap of up to two hours will allow live bacteria to reach the gut
  • Probiotics for gut flora: You can also take safe probiotics for one month after antibiotics to replenish your gut flora
  • Complete course: Be sure to complete your antibiotic course along with probiotics, and on observing any side effects, consult your doctor and seek treatment

You can follow the recommended dosage along with these things to minimize the chances of potential risks.

Conclusion

Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for UTIs and are being used for a longer time in their treatment.

However, the increase in antibiotic resistance has raised concerns as it can affect the quality of medicine and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Fortunately, recent studies have recognized the efficacy of probiotics alongside antibiotics for treating UTIs.

Clinical evidence and research claim the necessity of probiotics in maintaining the gut and urogenital flora that was abrupted due to antibiotics and pathogens, respectively.

Moreover, with no resistance observed, probiotics can effectively tackle the concerns regarding antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Lactobacillus strain probiotics are known to be beneficial for treating UTIs and recovering vaginal recolonization with good bacteria.

It is advised to consume probiotics two hours after the antibiotic drug, as live bacteria can reach the gut and work properly.

Although probiotics have abundant benefits, we still need more research to know their full potential. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you take probiotics if you have UTIs?

Yes, probiotics are usually considered safe and effective for treating UTIs, and you can take them along with your antibiotics to maximize the effect. Probiotics rich in Lactobacillus are known to maintain the growth of good bacteria in the vagina and kill the infection-causing bacteria to restore urogenital flora.

Is it OK to take probiotics when taking antibiotics?

Yes, clinical evidence supports the use of probiotics with antibiotics. Their combined effect was observed to be safe for children with UTIs. It is usually recommended to take a gap of 2 hours before taking probiotics. However, it is best to follow a doctor’s advice about the schedule.

Do probiotics disturb antibiotic functioning?

No, there is no evidence to prove that probiotics intervene with the functioning of antibiotics. Instead, probiotics are able to maintain the urogenital flora, decline adverse effects caused by antibiotics, and treat UTIs. There is much research needed to know the full potential of probiotics.

Which are the best probiotics for UTIs?

Lactobacillus probiotics strains are effective and are best to treat UTIs. These probiotics are safe to administer and pose no severe side effects on its use. They contain healthy bacteria that maintain the urogenital flora of the patient and prevent the pathogen in the region.

Are antibiotics better than probiotics for UTIs?

Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for UTIs. They can kill the infection-causing pathogen and treat the condition. However, antibiotics can also harm the good bacteria in the body and make the infectious bacteria resistant to antibiotics. In that case, follow a doctor’s advice to take probiotics with antibiotics.

Citations:
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