Factors Affecting the Use of Probiotics during Antibiotic Therapy

Abstract

Aim: To indicate the importance of the use of probiotics and the factors that influence the use of probiotics during antibiotic therapy. Introduction: Antibiotics are pharmacological agents selectively toxic to bacteria, but non-toxic or acceptably toxic to humans, prescribed and used in the treatment of bacterial infections. The most common gastrointestinal complication during antibiotics use is diarrhea. Probiotics are live microorganisms, bacteria and yeasts, which are used in the therapy of numerous conditions, especially in intestinal diseases. Methods: An anonymous survey of 207 patients from Bosnia and Herzegovina who used antibiotics and probiotics in the period from February 2023 to March 2024. Results: The results indicate that the use of antibiotics is frequent. About a third of the examined patients used the probiotic occasionally or not at all during the duration of the antibiotic therapy. About two thirds of the patients took the probiotic on their own initiative. A large part of the examined patients is familiar with the purpose of using probiotics. The price of probiotics plays a significant role in the application and length of use of probiotics. Discussion: Frequent use of antibiotics can increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects, especially diarrhea. The use of probiotics is often shorter than the duration of antibiotic therapy. It’s use is often occasional, and on patients initiative, mostly because of the price of probiotics. Conclusion: The obtained results indicate that it is important to point out the purpose of the use of probiotics in addition to antibiotics to patients, and that a decrease in the price of  probiotics would increase the length of use of probiotics.