saccharomyces boulardii

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 ⬆ ⬇

Nonpathogenic yeast used to colonize the GI 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:

Immunocompromised patients (↑ risk of fungemia);
OB: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding;
Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

F and E: ↑thirst

GI: bloating, constipation, flatulence

Misc: fungemia

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

Antifungals may ↓ effectiveness.

Natural-Natural Products:

Oregano oil, garlic, or berberine may ↓ effectiveness.
May cause overstimulation in autoimmune-prone individuals if consumed with echinacea or elderberry.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): 250–500 mg 2–4 times daily.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Capsules: 250 mg^OTC
Powder: ^OTC

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess 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 with or without food.
Administer ≥1 hr before and 2 hr after antifungal agents.
Capsules can be swallowed whole or opened and mixed with liquids or soft foods. Avoid hot foods and beverages.
Dissolve powder in water, juice, or milk.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain purpose and side effects of herb to patient.
Advise patient to consult with health care provider before using any herbal supplement especially when taken concurrently with Rx or OTC medications or vitamins.
Advise patient to take as directed. Administer herb early in the course of antibiotic treatment for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding before using this herb.

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇