saccharomyces boulardii

section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

SAK-a-roe-mye-seez boo-LAR-dee

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antidiarrheals, anti irritable bowel syndrome agents

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS

Treatment and prevention of diarrhea
Irritable bowel syndrome.

Action ⬆ ⬇

Saccharomyces boulardii is a non-pathogenic yeast used to colonize the gastrointestinal tract.

Therapeutic effects:

Reduced number of bowel movements.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown

Distribution: Unknown

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown

Half-Life: Unknown

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	3 days	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity to yeast.

Use Cautiously in:

Pregnancy and lactation;
Immunocompromised patients (↑ risk of fungemia)

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GI: bloating, constipation, flatulence

Misc: ↑thirst, fungemia

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

Antifungalsmay decrease effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii

Natural-Natural Products:

None.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): 250–500 mg two to four times a day.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Capsules: 250 mg

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess patient for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and usual pattern of bowel function.
Assess color, consistency, and amount of stool produced.

Lab Test Considerations:

Monitor CBC periodically during therapy.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

PO: Administer as directed.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patient to take as directed.
Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

Resolution of diarrhea and decrease in number of loose stools.

US Brand Names ⬆

Brewer's yeast, probiotics