Generic Name: lactobacillus acidophilus
Brand Names: Bacid, Culturelle, Dofus, Flora-Q, Floranex, Kala, Lactinex, Lacto-Bifidus, Lacto-Key, Lacto-Pectin, Lacto-TriBlend, Lactobacillus acidophilys and Bulgaricus, Megaophilus, MoreDophilus, Probiotica, RisaQuad, Superdophilus
What is Lactobacillus acidophilus, and what is it used for?
Lactobacillus acidophilus is an acid producing bacteria that is available in dietary supplements to restore the normal intestinal flora. Lactobacillus acidophilus is used to help re-establish the normal gut or intestinal flora. It is used to restore intestinal flora, the loss of which may be caused by antibiotic treatment and is associated with diarrhea.
What are the side effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus?
Common side effects include:
- bloating and
- flatulence (gas).
Other side effects include:
- constipation,
- hiccups,
- nausea,
- rash, and
- infection.
What is the dosage for Lactobacillus acidophilus?
- Adults: Dosing varies by manufacturer. Some dosing examples include 1 to 2 capsules daily; 8 oz of yogurt twice daily; or 1 to 10 billion colony forming units (CFU) daily divided in 3 to 4 doses.
- Take at least 2 hours after receiving an antibiotic and continue for several days after stopping antibiotic treatment.
Which drugs interact with Lactobacillus acidophilus?
No significant drug interactions have been reported with the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus.
SLIDESHOW
Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More See SlideshowIs Lactobacillus acidophilus safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Lactobacillus acidophilus has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women.
It is not known whether Lactobacillus acidophilus is secreted into breast milk.
What else should I know about Lactobacillus acidophilus?
What preparations of Lactobacillus acidophilus are available?
- The bacteria are available in many different preparations. Oral: capsules, caplets, chewable tablets, tablets, granules, powder. It is also in dietary supplements and fermented foods such as yogurt.
How should I keep Lactobacillus acidophilus stored?
- Lactobacillus preparationsshould be stored at 15-30°C.
How does Lactobacillus acidophilus work?
- Lactobacillus acidophilus bacterial strains are normal colonizers of the bowel and work by inhibiting or decreasing the growth of harmful microorganisms in the gut by producing lactic acid. Preparations that contain these bacteria are considered to be probiotics, dietary supplements that contain live bacteria that when taken orally, restore beneficial bacteria to the body (GI tract) and promote good health.
Summary
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a supplement used to help regulate digestion and prevent diarrhea. Side effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus include bloating, flatulence (gas), constipation, hiccups, nausea, rash, and infection. No significant drug interactions have been reported with the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Consult your doctor before taking if pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Related Disease Conditions
-
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a change in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Symptoms associated with diarrhea are cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency. Causes of diarrhea include viral, bacterial, or parasite infection, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and drugs. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.
-
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI symptoms include pain, abdominal pain, mild fever, urinary urgency, and frequency. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.
-
What Is Good to Eat and Drink When You Have Diarrhea?
People with diarrhea should eat small meals throughout the day instead of three big meals—clear liquids and plain foods that are easy to digest.
-
What Happens if You Eat Yogurt Every Day?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends three cup equivalents of dairy per day (including yogurt, cream cheese, low-fat milk) for those older than nine years of age. So, if people stay within recommended limits, yogurt will help keep them healthy.
-
Can You Eat Eggs When You Have Diarrhea?
Yes, in most individuals with diarrhea, eggs help slow down bowel movements and help the patient recover faster from diarrhea. Cooking them makes them easier to digest. So, a person can eat boiled eggs when they have diarrhea, provided they are not allergic to eggs.
-
What Naturally Stops Diarrhea?
Diarrhea or loose stools are often caused by a virus, bacteria or food allergies. Things that naturally stop diarrhea include the BRAT diet, probiotics, oral rehydration solution (ORS), zinc, turmeric, cinnamon and nutmeg.
-
Does Sprite Help With Diarrhea?
Diarrhea causes the body to lose fluids, leading to dehydration. Sugary drinks, such as Sprite, may not be high up on the list of recommended fluids in case of diarrhea. If you don't have any other options but to drink Sprite, it may be a good idea to add some water to it and let the bubbles fizz out before drinking it.
-
What Stops Diarrhea Fast?
Diarrhea or loose stools may be caused by an infection, parasites, certain medications, intestinal disease, food intolerance, hormone disorders, bowel cancer or lactose intolerance. You can stop diarrhea fast with one of two different kinds of over-the-counter medication, Imodium (loperamide) or Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).
-
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What to know about prebiotics vs. probiotics vs. postbiotics. Learn about the health, risks, and differences between the microbiota and how they might benefit your digestive system.
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Is Greek Yogurt Good for You?
Greek yogurt is a high-protein yogurt produced by bacterial fermentation of lactose present in milk, releasing lactic acid that coagulates milk proteins and produces typical aromatic compounds. Health benefits of Greek yogurt include better mood, blood sugar levels, immunity, muscles, bone strength and healthier blood.
-
How Do You Get Rid of Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is characterized as loose or runny stools that happen an abnormally high number of times throughout the day. Diarrhea can be linked to autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s or irritable bowel syndrome but is more often a sign of food intolerance (lactose is common), viral infection, food poisoning or other infectious diseases of varying severity.
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What Are the Benefits of Taking Probiotics?
The digestive system contains trillions of helpful bacteria. The benefits of taking probiotics include improved digestion, oral health, and vaginal health.
-
What Can Diarrhea Be a Sign Of?
Diarrhea is a common condition and usually goes away without intervention.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
- What Are the Health Benefits of Yogurt, and Which Are the Healthiest Types?
- Probiotics
- What Drinks Help Diarrhea?
- What Are the Signs You Need Probiotics?
- Is It OK to Take a Probiotic Every Day?
- Is Frozen Yogurt Healthier Compared to Ice Cream and Other Frozen Desserts?
- Is Kefir Healthier Than Yogurt?
- What Does Lactobacillus (L. acidophilus) Do to Your Body?
- What Is the Best Probiotic for Women?
- Why Do Probiotics Make Me Poop So Much? Are They Good for Constipation?
- Here's Why Men Should Take Probiotics
- Is High-Protein Greek Yogurt Good for You?
- Do All Probiotics Help With BV or Yeast Infection?
- 24 Best Probiotics for Kids
- What Is the Difference Between Greek Yogurt and Regular Yogurt and What Are the Benefits?
- What Happens if You Put Store Bought Yogurt in the Freezer?
- Which Food Has the Most Probiotics?
- What Are the Top 8 Probiotics?
- Digestive Support to Immune Health: 6 Best Probiotics for Women
- Is Yogurt a Good Source of Protein?
- Should You Take Probiotics During Pregnancy?
- How Do Probiotics Improve Skin?
- 9 Healthy and Beneficial Probiotics That Are Safe for Kids
- Do Probiotics Help Vaginal Health?
- How to Pick a Healthy Yogurt: What It Should and Shouldn’t Have in It
- What Is the Most Effective Form of Probiotic, and What Are Signs You Need to Take One?
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE:
Medline Plus - National Library of Medicine
Medscape - Lactobacillus