Tag: Gut microbiota

Studies have shown that certain macrolide antibiotics, when taken with specific blood pressure drugs, can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, particularly in older adults. For many, this raises a crucial question: **Can antibiotics affect your blood pressure?** The answer is yes, though effects are typically indirect and often involve interactions with other medications.

While animal studies have shown that amoxicillin can alter gut microbiota and lead to lower blood pressure in rats, there is no evidence to suggest that amoxicillin can lower blood pressure in humans under normal conditions. In fact, low blood pressure in humans is a rare symptom of a serious allergic reaction, not a typical pharmacological effect of the antibiotic.

Clinical studies show that diarrhea is a common side effect for some individuals taking Somac, the brand name for pantoprazole. This article explains why and answers: can Somac cause diarrhea?

While rapid, unusual weight gain is not a typical side effect of vancomycin, it can be a critical sign of a more serious, underlying issue related to kidney function, according to health authorities like the Mayo Clinic. Recent research also explores a more complex and indirect link involving the gut microbiome.

Studies have shown that combining specific probiotics with high-dose vancomycin can reduce the recurrence rate of *Clostridioides difficile* infection from 50% to just 17% [1.2.8]. This raises a critical question for patients and clinicians: **should you take probiotics with vancomycin** to support gut health during treatment?

Used for over 400 years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea, the natural compound berberine is known to have a significant impact on gastrointestinal health. This interaction with the digestive system is why many people wonder: does berberine change stool? The answer is complex, with effects ranging from diarrhea to constipation depending on usage and individual factors.