How to Keep Antibiotics from Upsetting Your Stomach

Antibiotics are great when it comes to killing bacteria. But often, they'll kill some of the "good" bacteria that resides in our intestinal tracts, causing gastrointestinal upset. Follow these steps to keep antibiotics from upsetting your stomach.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. TAKE WITH FOOD
   
   Unless you're specifically instructed to take your drug on an empty stomach, try taking it with food to see if that alleviates the upset.

2. USE ACIDOPHILUS
   
   Acidiophilus can help restore the "good" bacteria in your intestinal system. Acidiophilus is found in yogurt or can be taken as a supplement.

3. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
   
   If your stomach upset persists, talk to your doctor about alternative remedies or, perhaps, trying another antibiotic.

Tips & Warnings

• When buying yogurt, look for 'live active cultures' on the label.
• Most health food stores or supermarkets should carry acidophilus tablets.
• Pharmacists are also good sources of information concerning side effects of medications.
• Never make changes to your medications without speaking to your doctor.

Resources

• Other Articles by Julie Mayfield

[oneloved]

on 8/11/2008 Good reminders!

[Gardengates]

on 8/11/2008 Good advice. And I'd add to make sure you take the whole course of antibiotics even if you feel all better!

[01KendraWrites]

on 8/11/2008 Thank you for the tips. I'll try them next time I'm sick. Knock on wood!

[Hapworth]

on 8/11/2008 I always do the yogurt.

[LilacGirl]

on 8/11/2008 Good suggestions, very helpful.