Antibiotics are one of the most prescribed medications worldwide. It is given to treat a wide range of infections and diseases. However, usage of antibiotics is associated with several side effects. The most frequently reported side effect is diarrhoea since antibiotics affect the gastrointestinal microbial environment. Antibiotic associated diarrhoea refers to the diarrhoea that develops at the initiation of the antibiotic therapy and can extend even up to six or more weeks after termination of the therapy. The prevalence of antibiotic associated diarrhoea ranges from 5% to 39% and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Antibiotic associated diarrhoea can be caused by any antibiotic used although the risk is higher for broad-spectrum antibiotics since they primarily target anaerobes and are poorly absorbed. Probiotics aid in reducing the risk of antibiotic associated diarrhoea. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about the impact of concurrent use of probiotics on risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in adults. Various studies in the literature suggest of concurrent use of probiotics in treatment and prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhoea. Probiotics have been widely recommended as a robust and reliable strategy to lessen the negative effects of antibiotics on gastrointestinal function. Probiotics have a beneficial role in improving the gut health thus lowering the incidence of antibiotic associated diarrhoea if administered concurrently. Probiotics are generally well-tolerated and have minimum side effects. However more clinical research is needed to establish the guidelines for their concurrent use with antibiotic therapy to prevent antibiotic associated diarrhoea.
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