Antibiotics And Heartburn.

[windywillow]

I am taking Flucloxacillin (500gm) 4 times a day because I have an infected cyst. Since starting the course of antibiotics I've had horrendous heartburn - worse than I've ever had before.

I take Lansoprazole but not every day - just when I know I'll be having greasy food (which I try to avoid). The doctor advised me to cut down on Lansoprazole (I was originally taking 60mg per day).

Would I be able to take a Lansoprazole before each antibiotic tablet? Or maybe just one Lansoprazole per day? Would this help to reduce the discomfort of the heartburn?

I am an overweight lady in my 60's, take blood pressure and cholesterol tablets, as well as Lansoprazole for acid reflux.

Any thoughts please? Thanks for any replies.

[Sqad]

I would would certainly return to your antacid regime for the period of taking your antibiotics.

I would take Lansoprazole 60 mgms once daily, with your first tablet of Flucloxacillin on an empty stomach before breakfast.

[windywillow]

Thank you so much Sqad, much appreciated.

[Samuraisan]

Maybe you should now consider losing weight. It would help your acid reflux tremendously, and your BP

[Milo2]

A few years ago I was prescribed antibiotics and was also given lansoprazole to take at the same time.

[windywillow]

Thank you Milo and Sam.

I am trying (and succeeding, very slowly) to lose weight. Have lost about 10 kilos since being diagnosed with diabetes (sorry Sqad, forgot to mention I take Metformin for diabetes, hope that doesn't make a difference to your advice).

I used to take 3 teaspoons of sugar in my coffee(!) but I've cut it down to 1. Tried various sweeteners, didn't like the taste. I don't enjoy my coffee much but I'm hoping one day I'll prefer it with less sugar.

I'm eating smaller portions and cutting right down on sweets/biscuits/takeaways etc. Walking locally instead of using the car. I've still got a long way to go but I've gone from 'obese' to 'overweight'. It's a start.

[Samuraisan]

Well done ! 10 kilos is a lot . Keep at it, I think you'll find you will lose the desire to have everything sweet. I also have forgone chocolate, pastries and cakes. I have lost 4 kilos so far, my goal is 10.

[windywillow]

Thank you Sam. Good luck in reaching your target.

[windywillow]

Took antibiotics for a week, cyst is now dry and most of the redness has gone, not painful anymore, just annoyingly itchy.

Doc had advised to take antibiotics for 1 week only, unless cyst still weeping or sore, as sometimes antibiotics do harm as they kill off good bacteria as well as bad (her words).

Anyway, I had a diabetic check-up yesterday and asked the nurse if she'd take a look and advise about a 2nd week of antibiotics. She said she didn't like the feel of the cyst, could feel a lump, and advised I should see doc again for further advice.

Couldn't see a doc for a week (fully booked) so I asked for a ring-back. Different doctor advised, over the phone, to take antibiotics for a further 4 days "just to be sure, it'll do no harm". Didn't look at cyst, said he didn't think there was any need as the first doc had already seen it.

Any thoughts about taking the extra antibiotics please? If I didn't take them, would the cyst clear up anyway, given that it's much better than it was?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[windywillow]

I should add, the latest tablets are Co-amoxiclav 500mg/125mg.

[Sqad]

My opinion........do not take any more antibiotics, the cyst is now non infected, you will always have a "lump" there, enough is enough.

[windywillow]

Thanks very much Sqad. That's what my husband said (although he's not a medical man).