antibiotics and probiotics

JJ1973

My LO has an ear infection and was put on antibiotics. The pharmacist tried to sell me probiotics while I was checking out - she indicated that antibiotics kill the flora and that giving probiotics helps. My pediatrician never mentioned it. Has anyone done this? I've sent my pediatrician an email and am waiting to hear back, but just curious.

LCB34

Our pedi told us to put Kate on probiotics when she was on antibiotics for strep.

Unfortunately, due to Kate's allergies and GI issues, the probiotics didn't work out for us.  But, if she could tolerate them, I would have given them to her.

Antibiotics kills off all bacteria - good an bad - and the probiotics simply help replenish the good bacteria needed for digestion.

wearenutts

I went to the Pedi yesterday and found out M has Strep and an Ear Infection. Neither the Pedi or the Pharmacist said anything about probiotics.

snansley

Probiotics are a good thing as LCB said.  We feed yogurt (which has some probiotics) regularly to DS, but would probably look at actual probiotics if he was on antibiotics.  Antibiotics can mess up their tummies and make them susceptible to yeast rashes.

brittonlin

I am a big advocate of probiotics. Per our pedi's recommendation we started LO on Culturelle for Kids (dairy free) when she was on an antibiotic. It was like she was a new baby. Not only do probiotics replinish the good bacteria (and prevent thrush) they also help out with GI issues. Ever since we started giving her a probiotic once each day she has been super happy and her tummy super settled. She is no longer on antibiotics, but we still give her the probiotic in her bottle every morning. Here is a link to the product we use, which is totally safe for young babies/infants:

 https://www.culturelle.com/your_health/culturelle_for_kids?gclid=CM7t8a7lqKgCFRNl7AodZH6eHw

 It is a bit pricey, but you can get it through Amazon Mom/Subscribe and Save for about $18/month. 

mrs.kapow

We just use yogurt as our positive culture source. I'm not a huge fan of adding things to her diet, though I do buy the rationale and support the use of probiotics.

Since adding the yogurt, DD seems to do better with diarrhea when she's on antibiotics. 

jpsen

LO was on antibiotics a few weeks ago and the pedi put us on Florastor and Culturelle probiotics.  She had thrush as a newborn so we wanted to make sure she didnt get that or any other yeast infections.  Both of these probiotics are allergen free since LO is allergic to dairy and soy.  We do keep her on probiotics all the time.  We normally use ones from Klaire Labs which are also allergen free.