Can you take probiotics with antibiotics?

Short answer: Many people take probiotics a few hours apart from their antibiotic rather than at the exact same time. Because antibiotics and probiotics interact, spacing them out is a common approach — but your doctor or pharmacist should guide this, especially while you're on a prescribed course.

Spacing is the usual approach

Since antibiotics act on bacteria, many people separate their probiotic from their antibiotic by a couple of hours so the two are not taken at the very same moment. This is a widely used habit rather than a strict rule.

Because you are dealing with a prescribed medicine, the safest move is to follow the specific guidance your doctor or pharmacist gives for your course.

Keeping the timing straight

Taking two things at different times each day is exactly where a reminder earns its keep. Pillog lets you set separate times for each, check them off from the notification, and see your record as a monthly card, all stored on your phone with no account.

Once your course is finished, some people continue a probiotic for a while — again, your pharmacist can advise what suits you.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours apart should they be?

Many people leave a couple of hours between them, but follow the specific advice your pharmacist or doctor gives for your antibiotic.

Should I keep taking probiotics after antibiotics?

Some people do for a period afterward. Ask your pharmacist what makes sense for your situation.