Drug Interaction Report

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Coadministration of oral probiotic preparations with oral antibiotics may reduce the efficacy of the probiotic. It has been theorized that concomitant antibiotics may kill the live organisms found in lactobacillus-, bacillus coagulans-, and bifidobacteria-containing oral probiotic preparations. However, the clinical significance of the interaction has not been established.

MANAGEMENT: Although data are limited, it may be prudent to advise patients to take oral probiotics at least 1 to 2 hours before or after an oral antibiotic.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Bowel cleansing products can increase the gastrointestinal transit rate. Oral medications administered within one hour of the start of administration of the bowel cleansing solution may be flushed from the gastrointestinal tract and not properly absorbed.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised that absorption of oral medications may be impaired during bowel cleansing treatment. Oral medications (e.g., anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, antidiabetic agents, antibiotics) should not be administered during and within one hour of starting bowel cleansing treatment whenever possible. However, if concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitoring for reduced therapeutic effects may be advisable.