Anyone on long term Erythomyocin or any anti?

I'm almost at the end of a 14 day dose of xifaxan. When the 14 days are over this week, I'll start one year of erythromycin. The dosage is 1 ml two hours after a meal and there will be three meals a day with no snacks. For me, this is to resolve a bacerial overgrowth (SIBO - small intestine bacterial overgrowth) that is not going away. I've been on PPI's for so long that my intestinal bacteria is messed up. Now that I've had the Nissen wrap along with hiatal hernia repair (10/07) and no longer require PPI's, I can address the SIBO.

I can't answer your question right now, but after starting the erythomyocin regime, I'll let you know what happens.

PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitor = Nexium, Protonix, etc.

I don't know the answer to your question regarding Protonix causing GP. What I do know is that I took Protonix for many years and Nexium for several months. Both are PPI's. Therefore, for many years the acid in my stomach was suppressed. Lack of stomach acid meant there's nothing to destroy bad bacteria in my stomach before it entered my intestines. I believe the long term use of Protonix caused intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

This excerpt is from the Protonix web site "PROTONIX is a prescription drug that is used to treat and maintain healing of erosive acid reflux disease, also known as erosive GERD (breaks in the lining of the esophagus), and relieve associated symptoms that may include frequent and persistent heartburn and stomach acid backup. Most patients heal within 8 weeks of treatment. Doctors may prescribe PROTONIX beyond 8 weeks to maintain healing or to prevent a recurrence of your symptoms. Controlled studies did not extend beyond 12 months."

Protonix was supposed to be a short term medication - 8 weeks, but physicians started prescribing it long term. There is no research data for over one year of use. That means anything that happens as a result of long term usage we are learning about now as people taking the medications are having symptoms.

The person to ask about Protonix causing GP is your physician.

Good luck.