Can probiotics prevent antibiotic side effects?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Probiotics may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a common side effect of antibiotic use. Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, and probiotics work by replenishing beneficial bacteria to restore that balance. Research suggests taking probiotics alongside antibiotics may reduce the risk and severity of diarrhea.

If you're experiencing digestive discomfort, diarrhea, or other symptoms while on antibiotics—or if you're unsure whether your symptoms warrant a doctor's visit—getting clarity quickly matters. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and receive guidance on the most appropriate next steps for your care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if probiotics can ease antibiotic side effects Discover likely causes of your antibiotic side effects Find out if symptoms need medical care See OTC options for antibiotic side effects Find specialists for antibiotic side effects Understand home remedies for antibiotic side effects Check if symptoms need urgent evaluation

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Explanation

When you take antibiotics, they can sometimes cause diarrhea by killing both bad and good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are good bacteria that you can take to help balance your gut.

How Probiotics Help:

Restore Balance: Probiotics help by adding more good bacteria to your gut, which can help keep it healthy.
Reduce Diarrhea: Studies show that taking probiotics can lower the chance of getting diarrhea from antibiotics.

What Studies Say:

One study found that probiotics can help prevent diarrhea when you are taking antibiotics.
Another study said that probiotics are safe and can help keep your stomach healthy when you take antibiotics.

In summary, probiotics can be a good way to help your stomach feel better when you are taking antibiotics. If you're experiencing digestive symptoms and want personalized guidance, try our free AI symptom checker to better understand your condition before talking to your doctor about new supplements.

(References)

Rajkumar C, Wilks M, Islam J, Ali K, Raftery J, Davies KA, et al. (2020). Do probiotics prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea? .... The Journal of hospital infection, 32035998.
Doron SI, Hibberd PL, & Gorbach SL. (2008). Probiotics for prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 18542041.
Blaabjerg S, Artzi DM, & Aabenhus R. (2017). Probiotics for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated .... Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 29023420.

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