Acidophilus as-i-DAH-fi-lus

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. acidophilus, probiotic, acidophilus, lacto bacillus

What is acidophilus?

L. acidophilus is a kind of bacteria. It is used to make yogurt and cheese. Many bacteria live in our bodies all the time. "Friendly" bacteria such as acidophilus can help you digest food better and fight off certain kinds of germs. Acidophilus bacteria are also known as probiotics.

What is it used for?

This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.

This remedy has been used to:

• Prevent and treat diarrhea.
• Treat digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, gas, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
• Reduce cholesterol levels.
• Reduce symptoms of milk allergies when added to milk.
• Treat and prevent atopic eczema (a skin problem) in infants who are allergic to cow's milk.
• Treat cold sores, hives, and acne.
• Stimulate the immune system.
• Treat vaginal, urinary tract, or H. pylori infections.
• Prevent lung infections in children.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Cultured dairy products such as yogurt are good sources of this bacteria. Acidophilus may be taken as powder, liquid, capsule, vaginal suppositories, or tablets. Check the label on the package for the specific dose.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Before using this remedy, talk with your healthcare provider if you:

• are allergic to lactobacillus, lactose, or milk products
• have a weakened immune system from diseases such as HIV/AIDS or from taking medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection
• have short bowel syndrome

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may be contaminated. They may have different strengths and effects.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this remedy.

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 healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

The most common side effect of this remedy is gas.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• cancer medicines such as cyclophosphamide and cisplatin
• corticosteroids such as betamethasone (Celestone), cortisone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone (Florinef), hydrocortisone (Cortef), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisolone (Orapred), prednisone, and triamcinolone (Aristospan, Kenalog)
• immunosuppressants such as azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Prograf)

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

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.