Generic name: lactobacillus acidophilus [ LAK-toe-ba-SIL-us-AS-sid-OFF-il-us ]
Brand names: Acidophilus, Bacid, Flora-Q, Novaflor, RisaQuad, Superdophilus
Drug classes: Antidiarrheals, Probiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 7, 2023.

What is acidophilus?

Acidophilus is a bacteria that exists naturally in the body, primarily in the intestines and the vagina. Acidophilus helps maintain an acidic environment in the body, which can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Acidophilus has been used to treat or prevent vaginal yeast infections, yeast infections of the mouth, diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics, and urinary tract infections. It may work by helping the body maintain normal consistency of bacteria in the stomach, intestines, and vagina.

Acidophilus has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.

Acidophilus has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal 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.

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

Warnings

Acidophilus has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.

Acidophilus has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of acidophilus may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal 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.

Talk to your doctor before taking acidophilus if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Under certain conditions, it may be dangerous for you to take acidophilus.

Do not take acidophilus without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment. Do not take acidophilus without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.

Before taking this medicine

Talk to your doctor before taking acidophilus if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Under certain conditions, it may be dangerous for you to take acidophilus.

Do not take acidophilus without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment. Do not take acidophilus without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take acidophilus?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

Do not take more of this product than is directed.

If you choose to take acidophilus, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Acidophilus is available in capsule and tablet form. Powder or liquid forms may also be available. Some dairy products, especially yogurt, also contain acidophilus.

Do not use many different forms (such as tablets, topical formulations, and others) of acidophilus at the same time, unless your healthcare professional has told you to. You may get too much of this product if you use different forms together.

Store this product in a sealed container as directed on the product label, away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

No information is available about missing a dose of acidophilus. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider for instructions if you miss a dose.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, ceftriaxone, fluconazole, Augmentin, levofloxacin, dicyclomine, nystatin

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using acidophilus.

Acidophilus side effects

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

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

Tell your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect acidophilus?

There may be other drugs that can interact with acidophilus. Tell your healthcare provider about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your healthcare provider.

Further information

• Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments before using acidophilus.

• Consultation with a licensed healthcare professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial and coordination of treatment among all healthcare providers involved may be advantageous. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
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