Korean Job Discussion Forums

maeil · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: Haebangchon

So after being sick for a week, I finally broke down and went to the doctor. Got the "magic shot" in the rump, and packets of pills.

Assuming that they're pumping me full of antibiotics (I didn't have the energy to go confirm with my English-speaking pharmacist), what is the best course of action as far as probiotics? Should I start taking them at the same time as my medication, or wait till I'm finished?

Thanks for any advice.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Holy crap, they didn't give you instructions? You need to check it out with an English speaking doctor.

Most likely, you can take them anytime, but follow the schedule and take ALL of the antibiotics (don't quit just because you feel better). Stay away from alcohol.

maeil · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: Haebangchon

Oh, of course they explained to me how to take the medicine they gave me. My Korean is good enough to understand the directions. I just didn't go and find out exactly what each little pill was, though I know one is Sudafed and one is a megadose of Vitamin C.

I just know that if they've given me antibiotics, which is a habit of doctors here, they will kill off all the good bacteria in my system, so I want to replace it. I'm thinking that I should wait until the course of the medicine is through, and then start chugging those yogurt drinks, but I wanted to hear if anyone knew for certain whether it would be all right to start now.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Start now & keep going -- yogurt is cheap & can do no harm.

GG probiotic yogurt is valued as especially effective in an acid gut but bulgaris & others have benefit too. Its healthful to be in the habit of daily yogurt intake in any case.

Re: the comment above about staying away from alcohol. While it may not be conducive to healing, its a myth that alcohol negates the effects of antibiotics. If moderate drinking makes you feel better, go for it.

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

The International Clinic in Itaewon always gives you probiotics to take whenever they prescribe antibiotics.

You should have been given some.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

I doubt you were given antibiotics for the common cold, that's not done here.

jdog2050 · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

winterwawa · Joined: 06 May 2007

I have been in Korea 9 years now and I used to get a lot of colds. I guess I was stupid, but I just took whatever the doctor gave me and always got better by the time the medicine was gone.

Last August I started taking mega doses of vitamin C. Now I take a regement (is that the right word?) of vitamins that include C, B complex, Omega 3, folic acid and one muli - vitamin every morning. As a result, I haven't had a cold since last August, not even a minor sore throat.

I know this isn't specific to the question by the OP, but IMHO, if you start a daily regement of vitamins, you probably won't have to worry this sort of problem again.

maeil · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: Haebangchon

My daily vitamin regimen: multi-v, vitamin c, b complex, ginko, ginseng, fish oil, multi-mineral, and calcium. Still managed to get sick.

By the way, I don't think it was an antibiotics shot. I've heard the "magic shot" they give is something like a megadose of vitamins. I've figured out most of the pills they gave me, but there's still one I'm not so sure about, so I'll keep drinking my yogurt just in case.