Is It Safe To Have Probiotics Along With Rabeprazole?

Posted on Wed, 26 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 Answered on

Fri, 26 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I was diagnosed with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and now taking rabeprazole once in the morning, domperidone and Gaviscon. I have lost weight (from 44kg to 38kg) because I'm afraid to eat and might get severe heartburn again. Is it okay to take probiotics with these meds and is there any multivitamins I can take to assist me in gaining a little weight again? I really feel bad seeing myself so skinny.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get work up for Malabsorption syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Vrahsney. I understand your concern.
See, LaryngoPhrayngeal Reflux Disease or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease if associated with weight loss, change in bowel habits, should get a work up for Malabsorption syndromes like Celiac Disease.
There is no problem in taking a probiotic.
Don't take a multivitamin, they might aggravate gastritis.
I would like to know:
1. Since when are you suffering from this problem?
2. How was it diagnosed?
3. Was any Endoscopy performed?
4. Any loose stools?
5. Any pain abdomen?
6. Any constipation?
Revert with these details for a better help.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (9 days later)

"I would like to know:
1. Since when are you suffering from this problem?
2. How was it diagnosed?
3. Was any Endoscopy performed?
4. Any loose stools?
5. Any pain abdomen?
6. Any constipation?"

I was first diagnosed with GERD after meds (omeprazole) failed to treat my symptoms back in August this year in Singapore. Stopped taking omeprazole and resorted to natural remedies and honestly I felt a relief from that. Then I had my endoscopy in Oct and I was told that I have esophagitis so the doctor advised me to take omeprazole again, from which I experienced severe abdominal pains and heartburn again so I again, I stopped taking it. I was diagnosed with LPR only in November after I went to ENT here in the Philippines due to sore throat and constant burning in my throat. I don't have any constipation or loose stools. Though I don't have a regular bowel movement like everyday, I still do 3-4x a week. Now I am experiencing bouts of heartburn and abdominal pain again after a week in rabeprazole and domperidone.

I just bought a supplement that comes with a bottle of chelated mineral and mega-antioxidant (https://www.usana.com/webhosting/shoppings?page=page3). I want to be healthy again and gain a little weight. Is there any cure for this? I don't want to be under medication for a long period of time because these drugs can cause side effects.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get tested for Celiac disease.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney.
I understand your concern.
After getting through your history, I recommend you to get tested for Celiac Disease.
I advise you to get Anti TTG Antibody done. This is a blood test. In case you have Celiac disease, all the treatment that you are taking is of no use.
So, get this test done as soon as possible.
I would advise you to take Rabeprazole. You can continue your supplements if you are getting benefits.
Get the above mentioned test done and write back to me with the report.
Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar