Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic, is "good bacteria". It is used to treat many conditions such as diarrhea and vaginal yeast infections. It is found in many yogurts.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus Overview
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic. Probiotics are live microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) that are either the same as or similar to microorganisms found naturally in the human body and may be beneficial to health. Probiotics are also referred to as “good bacteria” or “helpful bacteria” which may help the body function properly.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is used most often for a variety of gastrointestinal conditions and to prevent certain infections.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is thought to work by reducing harmful organisms in the intestine, producing substances that destroy or suppress the growth of other microorganisms, and stimulating the body’s immune response.
Common side effects of lactobacillus acidophilus include gas and other gastrointestinal side effects.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus Cautionary Labels
Uses
Lactobacillus acidophilus is used most often for acute diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), atopic eczema, childhood respiratory infections, tooth decay, nasal pathogens (bacteria harbored in the nose), and gastroenteritis relapses caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria after antibiotic therapy.
Lactobacillus acidophilus has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Lactobacillus acidophilus may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Common side effects of lactobacillus acidophilus include gas and other gastrointestinal side effects
This is not a complete list of lactobacillus acidophilus side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus Interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:
- Antibiotics
- Drugs that suppress the immune system
This is not a complete list of lactobacillus acidophilus drug interactions.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus Precautions
Special precautions & warnings:
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using lactobacillus acidophilus if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus should not be used in those who are critically ill.
- Studies suggest that probiotics usually have few side effects. However, long-term effects of taking lactobacillus acidophilus, especially in children, are unknown.
