Probiotics
Patient Counselling
Patient Counselling
Probiotics are used to increase the amount of “good” bacteria in the digestive tract and help maintain a healthy gut. They can be used to help prevent and treat diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics. They may also be beneficial with irritable bowel syndrome associated diarrhea. Probiotics are well tolerated, with mild side effects of intestinal gas and bloating. It is important to rehydrate yourself along with taking probiotics when experiencing diarrhea. Probiotics should be discontinued if you are experiencing nausea, fever, vomiting and severe abdominal cramps. Probiotics can be taken without regard to food. Probiotic administration should be separated from antibiotic or antifungal administration by at least 2 hours. Most probiotic capsules can be broken open and the contents sprinkled over food for easier ingestion. When mixing probiotics with drinks, only cold liquids should be used as hot liquids can destroy the probiotic bacteria. Probiotics should be stored according to product label (some require refrigeration), and the expiry dates should be monitored.
Example directions for specific products:
References:
1. Scott GN. Probiotics: an update. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. July 2012. 2009;25(9):250908.
2. Florastor: Sacchharomyces boulardii lyo package insert. http://www.florastor.ca/sites/default/files/florastor_CA_PDF/Florastor-CA-Package-Insert.pdf. Accessed July 13, 2014.
3. Culturelle: Use with Antibiotics. http://www.culturelleprobiotic.ca/culturelle-antibiotics. Updated 2014. Accessed July 13, 2014.
4. VSL#3: Full Product Information. http://www.vsl3.ca/full-product-information.html. Updated 2014. Accessed July 13, 2014.
Probiotics are used to increase the amount of “good” bacteria in the digestive tract and help maintain a healthy gut. They can be used to help prevent and treat diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics. They may also be beneficial with irritable bowel syndrome associated diarrhea. Probiotics are well tolerated, with mild side effects of intestinal gas and bloating. It is important to rehydrate yourself along with taking probiotics when experiencing diarrhea. Probiotics should be discontinued if you are experiencing nausea, fever, vomiting and severe abdominal cramps. Probiotics can be taken without regard to food. Probiotic administration should be separated from antibiotic or antifungal administration by at least 2 hours. Most probiotic capsules can be broken open and the contents sprinkled over food for easier ingestion. When mixing probiotics with drinks, only cold liquids should be used as hot liquids can destroy the probiotic bacteria. Probiotics should be stored according to product label (some require refrigeration), and the expiry dates should be monitored.
Example directions for specific products:
- Florastor: 2 capsules twice a day for the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea.
- Culturelle: 1 capsule or packet once daily for the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea.
- VSL#3: 1 sachet mixed with cold water, milk or juice once daily
References:
1. Scott GN. Probiotics: an update. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. July 2012. 2009;25(9):250908.
2. Florastor: Sacchharomyces boulardii lyo package insert. http://www.florastor.ca/sites/default/files/florastor_CA_PDF/Florastor-CA-Package-Insert.pdf. Accessed July 13, 2014.
3. Culturelle: Use with Antibiotics. http://www.culturelleprobiotic.ca/culturelle-antibiotics. Updated 2014. Accessed July 13, 2014.
4. VSL#3: Full Product Information. http://www.vsl3.ca/full-product-information.html. Updated 2014. Accessed July 13, 2014.