Infection: Conventional and Prescription Medications

There are many conventional medicines that doctors prescribe to treat infection. These medicines can cause depletion of certain nutrients.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics – Used to treat bacterial infections. The commonly known antibiotics include amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin, cefaclor, erythromycin, gentamicin, doxycycline, and many others.¹¹ The use of antibiotics depletes B. bifidum, biotin, inositol, L. acidophilus, potassium, vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-12, and vitamin K.¹³ Common side effects are diarrhea, and yeast (Candida albicans) overgrowth. This overgrowth can further inhibit the digestion and absorption of nutrients and cause a weakening of the immune system.

Warning about Antibiotics: Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics, will destroy all of the bacteria—both good and bad—in the intestinal tract. You should avoid antibiotics as much as possible and reserve their use for life-threatening situations only. For those times when you must take an antibiotic, you should supplement with heavy and extended use of probiotics (good bacteria) to recolonize the intestinal tract.

Pain relievers – Used to manage the pain and inflammation caused by an infection.

Analgesics (Tylenol^®) – Analgesics relieve pain, but don’t relieve inflammation. Acetaminophen depletes glutathione.¹³Tylenol should be used strictly as indicated on the label. Taking larger doses than what is recommended on the label can possibly cause liver damage.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – The FDA has warned against heavy use of over-the-counter NSAIDs due to their implication in the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal bleeding.¹²
- Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and ketoprofen (Common brand names Advil^®, Motrin^®, and Aleve^®). These deplete folic acid.¹³
- Aspirin (Bayer^®, Ecotrin^®, Bufferin^®) – Depletes folic acid, iron, potassium, sodium, and vitamin C.¹³ The potential problems caused by these depletions include birth defects, anemia, fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, muscle weakness, weakened immune system, easy bruising, poor wound healing, loss of appetite, poor concentration, and irregular heart beat.

Decongestants and mucus thinners – Used to break up congestion during an infection.

Guaifenesin (Robitussin^®) – Specific nutrient depletions have not been documented.
Oxymetazoline (Afrin^®), nasal spray – Overuse can damage nasal tissue.
Phenylephrine (NeoSynephrine^®), nasal spray – Overuse can damage nasal tissue.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed^®) – Depletes folic acid.¹³

Corticosteroid nasal sprays – Used to reduce inflammation. These medications deplete calcium, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.¹³ In addition to those problems already listed above, these depletions can lead to osteoporosis, heart/blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay, cardiovascular problems, asthma, cramps, PMS, lowered immunity, reduced antioxidant protection, and hearing loss.

Beclomethasone dipropionate
Flunisolide (Nasalide^®)
Fluticasone (Flonase^®)
Triamcinolone (Nasacort^®)
Prednisone

Antifungal medications – May be used if the infection is caused by an invasive fungus.

Diflucan^® – Considered by many doctors as the best overall antifungal medication. It can be taken intravenously or by mouth. It is not known to deplete any nutrients.
Nizoral^® – Can be administered orally or topically and is not known to deplete any nutrients. However, Nizoral does interfere with the adrenal hormones, cortisol and DHEA, which may produce feelings of weakness and fatigue.
Sporanox^® – An oral antifungal. It is not known to deplete any nutrients.¹³

Additional Information about Infection