Acidophilus

What are other names for this remedy?

Scientific and common names: lactobacillus acidophilus, probiotic, acidophilus, lacto bacillus

What is acidophilus?

Lactobacillus acidophilus is bacteria used to make yogurt and cheese. Acidophilus bacteria are also known as probiotics. Many bacteria and other organisms live in our bodies normally. "Friendly" bacteria such as acidophilus can help us break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "unfriendly" organisms that might cause diseases.

What is it used for?

Acidophilus has been used to:

• prevent and treat diarrhea
• treat irritable bowel syndrome, gas, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and bad breath
• keep urinary tract infections from returning
• reduce cholesterol levels
• reduce symptoms of milk allergies when added to milk
• treat and prevent a skin condition called atopic eczema in infants who are allergic to cow's milk
• treat canker sores
• prevent colon cancer
• treat candidiasis or candida (yeast infections).

Be aware that uses for natural remedies are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Natural remedies are classified as dietary supplements by the FDA. They are not subject to the same scrutiny and regulations as prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Cultured dairy products such as yogurt are good sources of acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria. You can also purchase supplements in powder, liquid, capsule, vaginal suppositories, or tablet form. Follow the directions printed on the product label or given by your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Before using acidophilus, talk with your health care provider if you:

• are allergic to lactobacillus, lactose, or milk products
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease
• have a weakened immune system from diseases such as HIV, AIDS, or from taking medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Females of childbearing age: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take this remedy without your health care provider's approval.

Remember when taking any natural remedy:

• "Natural" does not always mean safe.
• Natural remedies affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about any natural remedies that you are using or considering.
• Natural products are not standardized. They may have different strengths and effects. Some remedies may be contaminated. Be careful which products you use.
• If your health care provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist about anything you do not understand.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, get the approval of your health care provider before you take any natural remedy.
• Do not give natural remedies to infants, children, or the elderly without advice from your health care provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious: Chest pain, allergic reaction (tightness in your chest; trouble breathing; hives; rash; itching; swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue).

Other: Vomiting, diarrhea, gas, vaginal irritation.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with prescription medicines, it can change the way this remedy or any of the medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, other natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• cancer medicines such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and cisplatin (Platinol)
• immunosuppressant medicines such as cyclosporin (Neoral, Sandimmune), tacrolimus (Prograf), and azathioprine (Imuran)

Antibiotics may kill acidophilus bacteria. Take antibiotics at least 2 hours before or after you take acidophilus.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

The information included here is based on information found in scientific journals, study reports, news releases, and other publications. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy and complete nature of the information. Nothing herein should be interpreted as a recommendation by the author or publisher for the use of any natural remedy.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this remedy or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.