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Lactobacillus acidophilus (Oral)

Generic name: lactobacillus acidophilus [ lak-toe-bah-SIL-us-as-i-DAH-fil-us ]
Brand names: Dofus, Intestinex, M.F.A., Novaflor, Probiata, Superdophilus
Drug classes: Antidiarrheals, Probiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 17, 2024.

Uses for lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic that is used to help maintain the number of healthy bacteria in your stomach and intestines.

This supplement is available without a prescription.

Before using lactobacillus acidophilus

If you are taking this dietary supplement without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For this supplement, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of lactobacillus acidophilus in pediatric patients.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of lactobacillus acidophilus in geriatric patients.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of lactobacillus acidophilus

Follow the instructions on the product's label if you are using this supplement.

You may take it with or without food.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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

Precautions while using lactobacillus acidophilus

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the supplement is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

If you develop a skin rash, hives, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing, or any allergic reaction to this supplement, call your doctor as soon as possible.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal, vitamin, or other dietary supplements.

Side Effects of lactobacillus acidophilus

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lactobacillus acidophilus side effects (more detail)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Probiotic

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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