Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | How To Take An Antibiotic

Lisa Marie:

Antibiotics can cause D in anyone, not just someone who has IBS. My doctor years ago recommended taking an antibiotic with one or two large glasses of water (assuming you are allowed to take water with it). By taking the medication with lots of water, you will quickly flush it through your intestines and reduce the likelihood of irritation and D.

If you are allowed to eat something before and after the antibiotic, I recommend having a slice of IBS-safe white bread or some white rice (Basmati is the best!) before and after. This will help you tolerate the antibiotic better.

It may or may not comfort you to know I would literally have to book off work for the entire course of an antibiotic because I would get so ill. I am fortunate though in that I haven't had to take a "serious" antibiotic since circa 1990 when I was bit by a "sick" black fly and the bite became infected. However, I have had to take a more "minor" antibiotic on a few occasions since 1990 for bladder infections. But the doctor has put me on Noroxin on those occasions and for some reason the Noroxin hasn't bothered me at. What a miracle!

I would recommend you stay away from IF while on the antibiotics and stick to a more soothing diet for your tummy. Binding foods like potatoes and white rice should help, along with some naturally raised chicken or turkey. Whenever my tummy is irritated, I drop all veggies, fruit and IF out of my diet until I am feeling better.

Hope this helps and hope you finish those antibiotics soon!

Belinda

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