Probiata (Oral)

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic that helps keep the amount of healthy bacteria in your stomach and intestines balanced.

You can get this supplement without a prescription.

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.

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 how age affects the use of lactobacillus acidophilus in children.

Geriatric

No information is available on how age affects the use of lactobacillus acidophilus in older adults.

Breast Feeding

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

Interactions with Medicines

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

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used at or around mealtime or with certain foods, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, you may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects happen:

Incidence not known

• Cough
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Hives, itching, or rash
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Tightness in the chest
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body gets used to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you ways to prevent or lessen 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

• Passing gas

Other side effects not listed may also happen 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.

In the U.S.

• Dofus
• Intestinex
• M.F.A.
• Novaflor
• Probiata
• Superdophilus

Available Dosage Forms:

• Capsule
• Tablet
• Wafer
• Tablet, Chewable
• Powder for Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Probiotic

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.

• For oral dosage form (capsules):For healthy stomach and intestines. Adults—1 capsule once a day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

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.