Lactobacillus

What is it?
Lactobacillus is found in yogurt and buttermilk. It is used for preventing mouth sores, diarrhea (loose stools), and vaginal infections caused by bacteria and yeast. It is also used to prevent a urinary tract infection.

Other names for Lactobacillus include: Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:
Tell your doctor if you

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are allergic or sensitive to Lactobacillus, lactose, or milk products
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:
Talk with your caregiver about how much Lactobacillus you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Lactobacillus. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:
Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Warnings:

• Before taking Lactobacillus, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Do not take Lactobacillus if you are allergic to lactose (milk sugar) or milk (3)
• Over-the-counter commercial Lactobacillus are not to be used in children under the age of 3 unless prescribed by your doctor (1)

Side Effects:
Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:
You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• You may throw up, or have diarrhea (loose stools) burping, hiccups, or gas (4)
• May cause burning when used as a vaginal tablet that has Lactobacillus acidophilus and estriol (estrogen) (5)

References:
1. Anon: Lactobacillus. In: Anon: Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO; 1999:53.
2. Reid G, Bruce AW, McGroarty JA et al: Is there a role for Lactobacilli in prevention of urogenital and intestinal infections? Clinical Microbiology Reviews 1990;3(4):335-344.
3. Anon: DDS(R)-Acidophilus Capsules, Tablets, and Powder. In: Anon: PDR for Nonprescription Drugs. Medical Economics Company, Montvale, NJ; 1995:835.
4. Tankanow RM, Ross MB, Ertel IJ et al: A double blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of Lactinex in the prophylaxis of amoxicillin-induced diarrhea. DICP Ann Pharmacother 1990;24:382-384.
5. Ozmen S, Turhan NO & Seckin NC: Garnerella-associated vaginitis: comparison of three treatment modalities. Tr J of Medical Sciences 1998;28:171-173.
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