Although antibiotics are very effective against bacterial infections, they often cause less welcome effects on the digestive system. Stomach pain is a fairly common consequence, as these medicines also kill the normal bacterial flora present in the gastric tract. Fortunately, there are some remedies to reduce the chances of experiencing stomach pain when on antibiotic therapy.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Take Antibiotics Wisely
Step 1. Follow your doctor's instructions to the letter
When the doctor prescribes antibiotics, he also notes specific recommendations regarding the dosage. By adhering to them carefully, you can reduce the chances of stomach pain, as your doctor will most likely give you advice on how to avoid this unpleasant side effect.
- The instructions are for the time you should take the antibiotics, so that they are not very aggressive on the stomach.
- Unless the leaflet states different directions, store the medicines in a dark and dry place.
- Some should be kept in the refrigerator. In this case, put them in the same compartment as the fruit and vegetables. Never freeze antibiotics.
Step 2. Determine if you have to take them with food
Some medicines are formulated to be taken with meals. This is because foods neutralize the aggressive action of the antibiotic or act as a protective barrier, preventing the stomach from suffering from any ailments. If your doctor has advised you to take the drug with meals, stick to their directions, otherwise you will end up with stomach pain.
- However, some medicines must be taken on an empty stomach. These include ampicillin and tetracyclines. You should never take them with food, as food accelerates their effects on the body.
- If you have to take antibiotics on an empty stomach, the best time is before breakfast. Set an alarm to help you remember this.
- Some cause stomach pain when taken with certain foods. For example, tetracyclines lead to this unpleasant effect when accompanied by dairy products. To avoid pain when taking this type of antibiotic (or its counterparts, such as doxycycline and minocycline), do not eat dairy products for the duration of therapy.
Step 3. Make sure you are taking the correct dose each day
You have to be precise with these medicines; do not overdo it, do not take too little and never double the dosage. Although a low dose is less effective on the bacterial infection you want to defeat, an overdose increases the strength of the medicine, increasing the chances of stomach pain.
- If you are having trouble remembering if you've already taken your medication for the day, hang a calendar where you keep your antibiotics. When you take your dose, make a cross with the pen on the corresponding date. That way, you don't risk accidentally doubling the dosage.
- The duration of therapy should be indicated on the prescription, which corresponds to the time it takes for the antibiotic to eradicate the infection. If you don't take it as advised by your doctor, the bacteria are likely to start growing again or the drug will no longer be effective in the future.
Step 4. Increase the amount of good bacteria in your body
In addition to fighting pathogens, antibiotics also kill the beneficial bacteria found in the human body and, as a result, lead to ailments such as stomach pain. Try to re-establish the healthy bacterial colony to control gastric discomfort.
- Yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics, which are good bacteria. While it is generally recommended that you eat one serving of yogurt a day to enjoy its benefits, consider consuming three to five a day when you are on antibiotic therapy to restore the balance of your intestinal flora. Look for a product that contains live and active lactic ferments for best results.
- Garlic is rich in prebiotics. These provide nourishment to probiotics (found for example in yogurt and raw sauerkraut). Three large cloves of garlic a day can help protect healthy bacteria and keep the population at the right levels (just be aware of bad breath).
- Other sources of beneficial bacteria are miso, sauerkraut, kombucha tea, and kefir.
Step 5. Tell your doctor about any reactions you have had in the past with antibiotic therapies
If you have already suffered from stomach pain from these medications, you should discuss this with your doctor so that he can prescribe an alternative medicine.
- He may also decide to just adjust the dosage to prevent the medicine from causing stomach upset, or he may recommend an anti-emetic to control nausea or vomiting.
- Some antibiotics can cause an allergic reaction. If you notice a rash or itching when taking a new medicine, contact your doctor immediately.
Method 2 of 2: Stomach Pain Recovery
Step 1. Drink a cup of chamomile tea
It is a gentle herbal remedy that works as an anti-inflammatory. If the stomach lining is irritated because the antibiotic has altered the balance of the bacterial flora, chamomile helps to soothe the discomfort.
- Boil some water and then pour it over a tea bag of chamomile tea.
- Cover the cup or saucepan and leave the herbal tea to infuse for 15-20 minutes. The longer you wait, the stronger the chamomile will be.
- If desired, add a teaspoon of honey or another sweetener; however, this drink is already quite sweet without the need to add any other substances.
Step 2. Place a "very hot" compress on your stomach
By placing a hot water bottle or an electric warmer on your stomach, you can relax your abdominal muscles and feel better. If the pain is due to the cramps caused by the antibiotic, the heat on the skin has a calming and beneficial effect.
- If you don't have a hot pack, fill a fabric container (such as a sock) with dried beans or uncooked rice. Make sure you close it tightly (you can tie a knot or use a clothespin) and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds (or until the contents are warm to the touch).
- Don't let the compress get too hot. You must feel a pleasant warmth on the skin.
- Find a quiet place to lie down and keep the warm compress balanced on your stomach. Leave it in place for at least 15 minutes. You can repeat the treatment whenever you feel the need.
Step 3. Drink some rice water
This is the cooking water left over after boiling the rice. This liquid helps soothe the stomach by creating a kind of protective barrier on the gastric lining.
- To prepare it, boil 100 g of white rice in double the amount of water required. In this case, 100 g of rice should be cooked in half a liter of water. Bring the water with the rice to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the cereal is tender.
- Drain the rice through a colander and save it for a plain meal. Collect the water in a bowl or pot.
- Fill a glass with the cooking water and sip it while it is hot. If you wish, you can add a spoonful of honey.
Step 4. Enjoy a cup of hot ginger tea
This plant relaxes the muscles of the intestinal tract and is a well-known remedy for abdominal cramps. Ginger root is also able to reduce nausea; While sipping hot herbal tea, you can find relief from stomach pain caused by antibiotics.
- Wash, peel and coarsely chop 3 to 5 cm of ginger root. Bring 250-500ml of water to a boil and then add the root. The greater the quantity of water, the more diluted the herbal tea will be; however, if you leave the ginger to infuse, the drink will be stronger.
- Let the water with the ginger boil for three to five minutes and wait another 3-5 minutes to infuse.
- Remove the herbal tea from the heat, filter the root pieces and pour it into a cup or teapot.
- You can add a tablespoon of honey or another sweetener if you wish. Many people like to put a slice of lemon in this herbal tea, which is useful for stomach pain.
Advice
- Don't take antibiotics when you don't really need them. These medicines should only be taken when there is a bacterial infection. Otherwise, they only kill the body's beneficial bacterial flora, leading to further health problems. Furthermore, pathogens can mutate and increase their drug resistance; that way, when you really need antibiotics, your doctor may be forced to increase the dose.
- Remember that this class of drugs does not kill viruses. If you have a cold or another viral infection, antibiotics are not needed.
Warnings
- Never share antibiotics with another person; only take those that have been prescribed specifically for you.
- If you are considering taking another medicine to relieve stomach pain, you must first discuss this with your doctor. Some pain relievers interact with antibiotics, interfering with their effectiveness.
