Probiotics with long-term antibiotic?

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
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Would probiotics be potentially useful for people who routinely take antibiotics? I was previously on minocycline daily for several years (acne) although I’m not currently. My toddler has been on 8 or so rounds of antibiotics for ear infections over the last 18 months. My dad has been on long-term rounds of antibiotics for lyme treatment.

Is there anything to the “good bacteria”/“gut health” things thrown around? Would consuming keifer/yogurt with cultures, or even probiotic capsules actually do anything?

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There is some weak evidence that use of probiotics can help reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, though this is controversial. [Note: this appears to be your situation]

The evidence for probiotics in the treatment of patients who have antibiotic-associated diarrhea in selected patients is a bit stronger.

Patients with severe systemic illness and / or immunosuppression can be harmed by the use of probiotics, so this is a situation where we would avoid using them.

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