August• 2017 | 21SHOULD I DRINK A FULL GLASS
OF WATER WITH THIS?
Absolutely, yes. “Taking an antibiotic
with water makes for the best
experience,” says pharmacist Norman
Tomaka. By diluting stomach
contents, water helps get an
antibiotic through your digestive
system before your belly gets irritated
or nausea sets in, both common side
effects. Some medications need a full
glass of water for proper absorption.
ARE THERE ANY FOODS TO AVOID?
Some medications may not work
as well with certain foods, because
they can affect how the body absorbs
them. For instance, dairy products
make tetracycline less effective
because the calcium in the food
binds with the antibiotic, so your
body doesn’t absorb as much, Young
says. Grapefruit juice can also be
problematic. Follow directions if
your medication is to be taken on an
empty stomach – the food may block
the drug from being absorbed into
your bloodstream, says Hartzell.
SHOULD I TAKE A PROBIOTIC, TOO?
Your doctor will likely recommend
eating probiotic-rich yoghurt or taking
a probiotic supplement to prevent
side effects such as stomach upsets,
UTIs and yeast infections. ‘Friendly’
bacteria
are essential
to a healthy
digestive
system, but
“antibiotics
kill a variety of bacteria,
including the ones you
don’t want to kill,” Hartzell
says. Probiotics may help maintain
a healthier balance of gut flora while
you’re on medication. And a healthy
gut is key to a healthy immune system.IS IT OK TO CRUSH THE PILL?
Check with your doctor before
crushing a pill – it might not absorb
the same way a whole one would,
Young says. If you have trouble
swallowing pills, many antibiotics are
available in liquid or chewable form.WHY AM I TAKING THIS?
Nearly a third of oral antibiotics
may be inappropriately prescribed,
according to a study by the Journal
of the American Medical Association.
A wait-and-see approach may work
better for many sinus, ear and
respiratory infections. Your doctor
should be able to provide a clear
rationale for why you need any drug,
says Tomaka.