Hi Everyone,
I just returned from the doctor to discuss my pouchitis. She suggested that I start taking probiotics which I know have been very successful for several of you. The only problem is that I am currently on Cipro and have not been able to get off because the pouchitis keeps returning. The doctor wants me to take the cipro in the morning and then the probiotic at night. I don't understand how the probiotic would work? Wouldn't the antibiotic kill the probiotic? Has anyone else tried this and had success? Any input would be much appreciated!

I asked the same question and got several replies suggesting that taking probiotics midway between your cipro ingestion times had the best chance of benefit. I personally, am sceptical that the benefical potential of probiotics can be reached while taking cipro. NOTE: My friend's GI who is treating her for chronic pouchitis has told her there is no point in taking probiotics until she is clear of the "bad" bacteria.
Antibiotics work best when the level of medication is kept at a constant (minimum) level...and therefore should be spaced in equal intervals.
Cipro should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking any products containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum ... because they bind with ciprofloxacin preventing its full absorbtion.

There is a lot of controversy regarding this topic and the truth is, they really don't know for sure. I am of the mind that while it may not be counterproductive to take both, it seems like a waste of money, generally.

However, it does make sense for someone trying to get off of antibiotics and have failed at doing it "cold turkey." When taking cipro only once a day, there will be that trough in blood level about 12 hours later and it may make sense to try to populate with good bacteria in between cipro doses. You need to keep in mind that most antibiotics do not sterilize the body or bowel, but just really reduce the bacterial count. This is especially true with low or infrequent dosing (such as daily).

So, overlapping treatment by a few weeks or even a few months, may be what works for you. You may even want to gradually taper the cipro when you come off, rather than stopping abruptly. Take it every other day for a week, then every three days, etc.

Does that make sense?

Jan

My GI doc told me the same. Taking an antibiotic the same time as a probiotic wont be very effective....but you do need to get the bad bacteria gone with the antibiotic before going on the the probiotic....I just got started on VSL#3....I had my colectomy almost 12 years ago...and I have chronic pouchitis with acute pouchitis on top of it.