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ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM › ANTIDIARRHEALS, INTESTINAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY/ANTIINFECTIVE AGENTS › ANTIDIARRHEAL MICROORGANISMS › Antidiarrheal microorganisms
lactic acid producing organisms
A07FA01
Forms & Strengths
- Oral capsules: 1 billion to 10 billion CFU
- Oral powder packets: 1 billion to 5 billion CFU
- Oral chewable tablets: various CFU counts
- Liquid suspension: various concentrations
Adult Dosing
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevention: 1 to 2 capsules or packets 1-3 times daily with or after meals
- Acute infectious diarrhea: 1-2 billion CFU daily for 5-7 days
- IBS symptom management: 1 capsule 1-2 times daily for 4-8 weeks
Pediatric Dosing
- Infants and children (>1 month): 1 packet or 1 capsule daily mixed in breast milk, formula, or water
- Acute viral gastroenteritis: 1-2 billion CFU daily for 5-7 days
Indications
- Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Adjunctive treatment of acute infectious diarrhea
- Management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms
- Restoration and maintenance of normal intestinal flora
Mechanism of Action
- Colonizes the intestinal tract and competes with pathogenic bacteria for adhesion sites and nutrients
- Produces lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, lowering intestinal pH and inhibiting pathogen growth
- Exerts immunomodulatory effects by enhancing local mucosal immune responses
- Produces bacteriocins that suppress harmful microorganisms
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to lactic acid producing organisms or excipients
- Severe immunodeficiency or immunosuppression due to high risk of systemic infection
- Patients with central venous catheters due to risk of bacteremia or fungemia
- Severe acute pancreatitis
Adverse Reactions
- Flatulence and mild abdominal discomfort (common upon initiation)
- Bloating
- Systemic infection (bacteremia or sepsis in severely immunocompromised patients)
- Allergic reactions (rash, pruritus)
Drug Interactions
- Antibacterial agents (antibiotics): May reduce the efficacy of the probiotic; separate administration by at least 2 hours
- Antifungal agents: May inactivate yeast-based probiotics (e.g., Saccharomyces boulardii, though less applicable to strict bacterial lactic acid strains)
- Immunosuppressants: Increased risk of opportunistic systemic infections
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use