Can I take Akkermansia and Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) together?

Taking Akkermansia and Augmentin Together

Taking Akkermansia muciniphila probiotics with Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is not recommended as Augmentin will likely kill the Akkermansia bacteria, negating its benefits.

Rationale for This Recommendation

Impact of Antibiotics on Probiotics

Augmentin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic combination containing amoxicillin (a penicillin-class antibiotic) and clavulanic acid (a beta-lactamase inhibitor). Research shows that Akkermansia muciniphila is susceptible to many antibiotics, including ampicillin, which is closely related to amoxicillin 1. When these agents are taken together:

• Augmentin will likely kill or significantly reduce the Akkermansia population in your gut
• The therapeutic benefits of the probiotic would be negated
• You would essentially be wasting the probiotic supplement

Antibiotic Effects on Gut Microbiome

Antibiotics like Augmentin can cause significant disruption to the gut microbiome:

• Augmentin is associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea and other gastrointestinal side effects 2
• Antibiotic exposure can disrupt the microbial balance of the intestines, potentially contributing to long-term adverse health effects 2
• Amoxicillin-clavulanate has higher rates of gastrointestinal adverse effects compared to some other antibiotics 2

Timing Recommendations

If you must take both Akkermansia and Augmentin for medical reasons:

1. Complete your Augmentin course first

   • Follow your prescribed antibiotic regimen exactly as directed
   • Augmentin is typically prescribed for 5-10 days depending on the infection 2, 3

2. Wait before starting Akkermansia

   • Allow at least 2-3 days after completing your antibiotic course before starting Akkermansia
   • This gives time for antibiotic levels to decrease in your system

3. Consider extended probiotic use

   • Akkermansia may actually help restore gut health after antibiotic treatment 1
   • Research in mice shows that pasteurized Akkermansia can help protect against antibiotic-associated diarrhea 1

Special Considerations

Importance of Completing Antibiotic Treatment

If you've been prescribed Augmentin for a bacterial infection:

• Complete the full course as prescribed by your healthcare provider
• Stopping antibiotics early can lead to treatment failure and antibiotic resistance 2
• Augmentin is a first-line treatment for many common infections including sinusitis, respiratory tract infections, and others 2, 3

Potential Benefits of Akkermansia After Antibiotics

Recent research suggests that taking Akkermansia after completing antibiotic treatment may actually be beneficial:

• Pasteurized Akkermansia has been shown to help restore gut microbiota after antibiotic disruption 1
• It may help reduce inflammation and restore intestinal barrier function after antibiotic use 1
• It could potentially help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea 1

Bottom Line

While Akkermansia shows promise as a "next-generation probiotic" with potential health benefits 4, taking it simultaneously with Augmentin would be counterproductive. For optimal results, complete your antibiotic course first, then begin Akkermansia supplementation after a short waiting period to help restore your gut microbiome.