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There is limited research regarding possible interactions between probiotics, prebiotics and other medications, supplements or foods.

It is generally believed that the following may decrease the effectiveness of probiotics:

• Antibiotic use. Antibiotics and probiotics should be taken two to three hours apart because antibiotics may kill the live beneficial bacteria contained in probiotics.
  
  
• Alcohol use. Probiotics and alcohol should not be consumed at the same time because the beneficial bacteria in probiotics may be damaged by alcohol.

Some experts recommend the use of antacids an hour before ingesting probiotics to help the live bacteria survive stomach acid. Some have advised probiotics be taken with milk or other dairy products to help ensure survival of the beneficial bacteria in probiotics.

Probiotics may potentially affect the quality of other medications. For example, some research indicates that probiotics may reduce the effectiveness of certain medications used to treat digestive disorders (e.g., sulfasalazine), although more study is needed.