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Share Your Story - Antibiotics and GI issues

In: General Discussion
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ChristinaH

When I started with a new pulmo 2014 after diagnosing me with bronchiectasis we talked about zpak weekly but due to hearing loss a side affect of that antibiotic he was hesitant on giving me this. So I had my hearing checked and I had already lost complete hearing in my right ear. So with this information my pulmo decided to give me zpak 3 times a week and have been doing this for quit a few years now to prevent infections. I have not had any infections just a lot of inflammation of which zapk is to help that also. I have had gerd before this diagnoses and after having a appt with a upper Gi dr he did a upper twice and decided that I do show Barret's esophagus so he has prescribed another gerd pill taken at night so that is one in morning and one before bed. If antibiotics affect your stomach a good probiotic will help you stomach but must be taken 2 hrs before the and or 2 hours after. Do not take them together.

Latest Activity: August 13, 2021
11
43 Replies

Replies

K

When I started with a new pulmo 2014 after diagnosing me with bronchiectasis we talked about zpak weekly but due to hearing loss a side affect of that antibiotic he was hesitant on giving me this. So I had my hearing checked and I had already lost complete hearing in my right ear. So with this information my pulmo decided to give me zpak 3 times a week and have been doing this for quit a few years now to prevent infections. I have not had any infections just a lot of inflammation of which zapk is to help that also. I have had gerd before this diagnoses and after having a appt with a upper Gi dr he did a upper twice and decided that I do show Barret's esophagus so he has prescribed another gerd pill taken at night so that is one in morning and one before bed. If antibiotics affect your stomach a good probiotic will help you stomach but must be taken 2 hrs before the and or 2 hours after. Do not take them together.

Latest Activity: June 15, 2021
9

Comments

ChristinaH

Good advice Kandy! Do you take a particular brand?

Latest Activity: June 14, 2021
4
K

I was told best ones are kept in the refrigerator.  Mine is RenewLife 

Latest Activity: June 15, 2021
4
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
l

I've never experienced gastrointestinal issues while using any oral antibiotics to fight a lung infection. 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
ChristinaH

@laff4evr Oh my. You are so fortunate to not have that issue. :) 

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
M

When antibiotic therapy causes loose stools, I find the "BRAT" diet helps: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. Plus whenever I'm on CIPRO I have to stop drinking coffee and resort to a cup of tea instead. I do take one 250 mg. azithromycin three times a week (MWF) but don't have any problems with it.


Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
7

Comments

ChristinaH

I always use that "old faithful" BRAT diet myself when my stomach is upset. It just seems to mellow out my system. 

Latest Activity: June 17, 2021
4
d

I don't have NTM or lung infections, but have suffered from diverticulitis and rosacea so have been prescribed a lot of different antibiotics (CIPRO [ciprofloxacin], metronidazole, levofloxacin, doxycycline). I have generally found that taking them with meals (doesn't really matter what kind of food for me) helps - as long as the label indicates you can do that. I also take probiotics and apple cider vinegar gummies (Goli). With these measures, I was able to take doxycycline for 3 months without any bad GI effects.

Latest Activity: June 16, 2021
5

Comments

ChristinaH

Taking antibiotics with food is a great suggestion. I feel like it "coats" your stomach a bit.

I have wanted to try the apple cider vinegar gummies! I tried the "normal" ACV in water and I just couldn't get it down without gagging! LOL :) My sister also swears that it helps her acid reflux as well.   

Latest Activity: June 17, 2021
3
K

Have had diverticulitis a few times which means that Cipro and Flagyl was giving to me. Also have had doxycycline a few times for infections. Leviquin is another have had over the years many times seems.

Latest Activity: June 17, 2021
4
ChristinaH

I also wanted to make sure the community knows that we have a new content page on "Coping with Nausea". Feel free to check it out if you struggle with GI issues associated with antibiotic use. Maybe there will be an idea on there that you want to consider.

https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Lea...

Latest Activity: June 17, 2021
6
D

I am prescribed Amoxicillin 875 mg 2x a day when my sputum gets very thick. Seems that this happens about every 2 months. Have had no side bad effects so far. Hoping to get some pulmonary therapy so I can learn how to breath properly in order to get the sputum up to prevent infections. I have to spit all the time and it is very annoying especially when out in public. Wondering if others have the same problem?


Latest Activity: June 17, 2021
11

Comments

K

Hello!  I do hope that you can get to a pulmonary therapy program soon to get airway clearance techniques and other preventative measures under your belt in order to avoid infections. Are you taking probiotics? 
Yes, having to cough up, spit up in public is very awkward, to say the least. We all find ways to make it less noticeable over time. 

Latest Activity: June 17, 2021
4
ChristinaH

Hi Deppydo.  We just added new content a couple of months ago on airway clearance. Check it out. It may provide you some suggestions how to best clear your airways. 
https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Learn-More/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus

Latest Activity: June 28, 2021
3
D

Yes, just started taking a probiotics about 3 weeks ago. Seems to help.  Having bronchiectasis I'm always trying something new to see if it will help the condition.  Process of elimination!!
@Ksmiles123

Latest Activity: August 13, 2021
3
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
S

I agree. I have GI issues with all oral antibiotics except Zithromax.

Latest Activity: August 12, 2021
D

I started the big three treatment only two weeks ago, and I’m having such extreme and severe side effects, including nausea that never goes away, so my doctor is taking me off everything for a week and then slowly introducing me to one at a time to find the culprit. My biggest concern is that he told me a lot of the alternative medication‘s are not as effective treating this disease.

Latest Activity: October 31, 2024
4
K

Di731,


A gradual approach, one pill at a time will be the best approach for you. Have you taken anti nausea medication, ginger root? Other forms of ginger?
I realize how frustrating this process can be- you just have to wait and see if you can tolerate the meds over time.

Latest Activity: October 31, 2024
3
K

Di731,

In addition to the community support you receive here on BronchiectasisandNTM360, you can call one of our Patient Ambassadors directly by phone at (833) 411-5864. Our Ambassadors are real live patients with experiences similar to yours and understand what you are going through.

You can also email us at info@bronchiectasisandntm360.org to get more information about on the subject of medications.

Our Ambassadors can’t provide medical advice but may be able to assist you with additional information and resources.

Latest Activity: October 31, 2024
3

It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.

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