Lactobacillus acidophilus

Generic name: Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Usage of Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacteria that exists naturally in the body, primarily in the intestines and the vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus has been used as a probiotic, or "friendly bacteria."

Lactobacillus acidophilus has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in treating diarrhea in children with rotavirus.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid (in children or adults) in preventing diarrhea caused by antibiotics, travel, chemotherapy, or hospitalization. Lactobacillus acidophilus is also possibly effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial vaginal infection, colic in babies, lung infections in children, skin problems in children who are allergic to milk, and other conditions.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has also been used to treat lactose intolerance, Crohn's disease, overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines, or vaginal yeast infections caused by antibiotics. However, research has shown that lactobacillus acidophilus may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating indigestion, urinary tract infections, intestinal problems in premature babies, high cholesterol, lyme disease, cold sores, acne, cancer, the common cold, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether lactobacillus acidophilus is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Lactobacillus acidophilus should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Lactobacillus acidophilus may also be used for other purposes not listed in this product guide.

Lactobacillus acidophilus side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, lactobacillus acidophilus is thought to be likely safe when taken for a short period of time.

Common side effects of lactobacillus acidophilus may include:

bloating; or

gas.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Lactobacillus acidophilus

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

short bowel syndrome; or

a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Lactobacillus acidophilus

Do not take lactobacillus acidophilus without medical advice if you are using any medications that can weaken your immune system, such as:

medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; or

steroid medicine (prednisone, Dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with lactobacillus acidophilus, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.