Lactobacillus

(lak toe ba SIL us)

U.S. Brand Names

Bacid® [OTC]; Culturelle® [OTC]; Dofus [OTC]; Flora-Q™ [OTC]; Kala® [OTC]; Lactinex™ [OTC]; Lacto-Bifidus [OTC]; Lacto-Key [OTC]; Lacto-Pectin [OTC]; Lacto-TriBlend [OTC]; Megadophilus® [OTC]; MoreDophilus® [OTC]; Superdophilus® [OTC]

Canadian Brand Names

Bacid®; Fermalac

Mexican Brand Names

Lacteol Fort

Pharmacologic Category

Dietary Supplement; Probiotic

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to Lactobacillus or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat diarrhea.

• This medicine is used to relieve excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract.

How does it work?

• Lactobacillus maintains the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the gastrointestinal tract.

How is it best taken?

Tablets and capsules:

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew or crush.

• You may sprinkle contents of capsule on soft food or liquid.

• Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.

Granules:

• Mix with cereal, food, or milk.

Powder:

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

• Mix with water and drink.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are on a lactose-free diet, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Gas.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Follow directions for storage.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

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

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2007-07-24 15:17:22.0

Modified: 2008-01-25 11:37:19.0

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