Taking Ultra Levure (Saccharomyces boulardii) with Antibiotics
Taking Ultra Levure (Saccharomyces boulardii) with antibiotics is recommended, but you should separate the doses by at least 2 hours to maximize effectiveness.
Rationale for Using Probiotics with Antibiotics
Antibiotics can disrupt the normal gut microbiota, leading to antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and other gastrointestinal disturbances. Probiotics like Ultra Levure (Saccharomyces boulardii) can help mitigate these effects.
Benefits of Ultra Levure (S. boulardii) with antibiotics:
- S. boulardii is a yeast-based probiotic that is not affected by antibiotics (unlike bacterial probiotics), making it particularly suitable for co-administration 1
- Can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Helps maintain gut microbiota balance during antibiotic treatment 2
- May reduce antibiotic-related adverse gastrointestinal symptoms
Proper Administration
To maximize effectiveness:
- Take Ultra Levure at least 2 hours before or after your antibiotic dose 3
- Continue taking the probiotic throughout the entire course of antibiotics
- For optimal results, continue taking the probiotic for 1-2 weeks after completing antibiotics 3
Evidence for Effectiveness
Research shows mixed results but generally supports the use of S. boulardii with antibiotics:
- A 2017 study demonstrated that S. boulardii mitigated antibiotic-induced microbiota changes and reduced antibiotic-associated diarrhea scores 2
- S. boulardii administration during and after antibiotic treatment helped restore bacterial equilibrium in the gut 4
- Some studies show S. boulardii can reduce the risk of Clostridioides difficile infection when used with antibiotics 5
Special Considerations
Safety concerns:
- Do not use if you are immunocompromised as there is a rare but serious risk of fungemia (yeast in the bloodstream) 5
- Use caution if you have severe illness or are critically ill 5
- If you have a central venous catheter, discuss with your healthcare provider before using S. boulardii
Effectiveness limitations:
- Some studies show no significant benefit in preventing AAD, particularly in elderly hospitalized patients 6, 7
- Individual response may vary based on the specific antibiotic used and your gut microbiota composition
Dosing Recommendations
- Standard dosing is typically 250-500 mg twice daily
- Begin taking Ultra Levure within 48 hours of starting antibiotics for best results 1
- Ensure adequate dose (at least 10^10 CFU) for effectiveness 3
By following these guidelines, you can maximize the potential benefits of Ultra Levure while minimizing any interference with your antibiotic treatment.