crushing meds

Question
I had the Roux-en-ythis past March before the surgery I tested positive for H-pylori bacteria and was treated with antibiotics, I wasn't retested again until after I had the surgery and am still positive. My Gastroenterologist put me back on more antibiotics but I cannot crush them and ingest them, Iv'e tried everything, putting them in different foods, drinks etc. it's horrible I gag and throw them up and guzzle water to get the after taste out of my mouth, so I just quit trying. I asked for a liquid form but was told there is none, I did get liquid amoxicillan but there are two other pills that go along with that, any suggestions you can help me with would be appreciated.

Answer
Debbi,
H pylori can be very difficult to eradicate once it is present.  It's a fact the meds are quite a burden to take, but no one has figured out an easier set of pills.

I'm guessing that you are trying to crush the meds because someone told you they would be absorbed more easily?  Although it is not proper for me to give you medical advice without actually meeting you, I do feel comfortable letting you know that (in my understanding and experience) all antibiotics and acid-blocking meds are absorbed normally in pill form after gastric bypass.  In other words, I don't believe there is a *medical* reason that you should not take your H pylori treatment in standard pill form.  Please do check with your bariatric surgery team on this.

If you are crushing the meds because the pills physically won't go down, then we are faced with a more difficult problem.  I don't know of a simple solution, and I have to suggest you to follow up in person with your GI doc and your bariatric surgeon.

I hope this was helpful, and I wish you the best of luck!

Dr JP

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