What is the best probiotic to take while on triple antibiotic therapy?

Posted by corina3892 @corina3892, 2 days ago

I was just diagnosed with pulmonary MAI after a biopsy. I will be on a regimen of Rifampin/Ethambutol/Azithromycin for 12-18 months. I want to avoid a yeast infection(s). My reading states there are two probiotics: Saccharomyces boulardii and lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. I am leaning toward the Saccharomyces bollardii as it cannot be destroyed by the triple antibiotic. I do not see the pulmonologist until the end of the month, but I want to be prepared with questions. Suggestions?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

When I started antibiotic treatment for MAI, my gastroenterologist recommended Florastor. It is Saccharomyces bollardii, and apparently it is the only brand established in (small) studies to survive and work against antibiotic gi effects. That doesn't mean it's the only brand of Saccharomyces bollardii that will be effective, just that it's been studied. I have found it very helpful and have continued it since being off antibiotics even though it's pricey.

REPLY

May want to check out Consumer Labs https://www.consumerlab.com. It is a subscription based testing company, about $75 per year. Tests all sorts of supplements and nutrition products. Appears to be very independent. Look at it and see what you think.

REPLY
Profile picture for lvnl @lvnl

When I started antibiotic treatment for MAI, my gastroenterologist recommended Florastor. It is Saccharomyces bollardii, and apparently it is the only brand established in (small) studies to survive and work against antibiotic gi effects. That doesn't mean it's the only brand of Saccharomyces bollardii that will be effective, just that it's been studied. I have found it very helpful and have continued it since being off antibiotics even though it's pricey.

Jump to this post

@lvnl
Thank you for your assessment. I did see Florastor during my research. I will definitely ask for my pulmonologist’s recommendation!

REPLY
Profile picture for corina3892 @corina3892

@mjb24
I have also looked on the iHerb website. My drug regimen will include Rifampin, Ethambutol, and Azithromycin for 12-18 months. The literature suggests both Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and some lean toward recommending the former, since it is a probiotic yeast rather than a bacteria, so it will not be killed by the antibiotics I will be taking. I see my pulmonologist in 2 weeks and I want to have all of my questions lined up. I will start the treatment at that time.

Jump to this post

@corina3892 Hope this is not common but with iHerb buying Vitacost there are some changes.
"Kroger" no longer owns them.
My order was messed up by them. I double checked all information I was inputting.
First order went to the Bronx rather than OKC. Finally messaged to say where is it.
Outcome. They refunded the money and had to reorder all and make sure they applied and gave the the original 20% off coupon. They took forever to get the second order out.
That meant it took two weeks to get what I needed in two days.
Just be aware....
and know they appear to no longer take telephone calls.....e mails now.
Barbara

REPLY
Profile picture for tw508 @tw508

I always look for peer-reviewed studies - and more than one - but there are precious few that I trust. And of course, the studies do not reveal where they source their cultures because they cannot be seen to promote a given supplier. However, since I used to attend a number of CF conferences for my work, I did buttonhole one researcher who admitted they got their L. acidophilus from Culturelle. This was years ago, but I still use that one. It worked great for IV antibiotic-induced diarrhea, but now I'm searching for probiotics to help treat SIBO, so I'm going to have to try to contact some of my old (and I do mean old) colleagues.
Please note I am not promoting Culturelle. The company may have changed hands 10 times since then for all I know. Also, YMMV!

Jump to this post

@tw508 You are right Found this informatiom:
Culturelle has not had the same owner since its inception. The brand was originally established as a probiotic supplement company but was acquired by Amerifit Brands in December 2006. Prior to this acquisition, it operated independently.

REPLY
Profile picture for irenea8 @irenea8

https://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/product/ortho-biotic-capsules
I think this one looks promising for use during antibiotics. Spaced 2 to 4 hours after. It includes Sac. Boulardi but you could probably take extra of that as well.

Jump to this post

@irenea8
Apparently you need to gain access to shop for these products through a licensed health care professional... ?

REPLY
Profile picture for blm1007blm1007 @blm1007blm1007

@corina3892 Hope this is not common but with iHerb buying Vitacost there are some changes.
"Kroger" no longer owns them.
My order was messed up by them. I double checked all information I was inputting.
First order went to the Bronx rather than OKC. Finally messaged to say where is it.
Outcome. They refunded the money and had to reorder all and make sure they applied and gave the the original 20% off coupon. They took forever to get the second order out.
That meant it took two weeks to get what I needed in two days.
Just be aware....
and know they appear to no longer take telephone calls.....e mails now.
Barbara

Jump to this post

@blm1007blm1007
Good to know. Thank You.

REPLY
Profile picture for lvnl @lvnl

When I started antibiotic treatment for MAI, my gastroenterologist recommended Florastor. It is Saccharomyces bollardii, and apparently it is the only brand established in (small) studies to survive and work against antibiotic gi effects. That doesn't mean it's the only brand of Saccharomyces bollardii that will be effective, just that it's been studied. I have found it very helpful and have continued it since being off antibiotics even though it's pricey.

Jump to this post

@lvnl NOW brand has a s. Bollardii that is significantly cheaper, just not third party tested.

REPLY
Profile picture for mark1952 @mark1952

@irenea8
Apparently you need to gain access to shop for these products through a licensed health care professional... ?

Jump to this post

@mark1952
Amazon has it

REPLY

@corina3892 eating plain Greek yogurt would help too.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.