Indications
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a probiotic, a type of live friendly bacteria. It is used to help prevent and shorten diarrhoea in children and adults, including acute infectious diarrhoea and diarrhoea caused by antibiotics, and to support a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Some products combine it with Zinc for childhood diarrhoea. It is a supplement, not a replacement for oral rehydration and medical care.
How It Works
LGG survives stomach acid and settles temporarily in the intestine. It competes with harmful germs for space and nutrients, produces substances that discourage their growth, strengthens the gut lining, and helps balance the local immune response. This can reduce the length and severity of diarrhoea.
Dosage and Administration
Use as directed on the label, as strength (number of live bacteria) varies between products. It is usually taken once or twice a day. Capsules can be opened and the powder, or sachets, mixed with cool water, milk or soft food; do not mix with hot food or drinks, which can kill the bacteria. When taken with an antibiotic, take it at least 2 hours apart from the antibiotic dose and continue for a few days after the antibiotic course ends. During diarrhoea, continue oral rehydration solution (ORS).
Interactions
Antibiotics and antifungal medicines may reduce its effect if taken at the same time, so separate the doses. People taking strong immunosuppressant medicines should ask a doctor before use.
Contraindications
Do not use if allergic to any ingredient (some products contain milk protein or lactose). Avoid in people with a severely weakened immune system, a central venous line, short bowel syndrome, or critical illness unless a doctor advises, and in premature infants without medical supervision.
Side Effects
It is usually well tolerated. Mild wind, bloating or stomach discomfort may occur in the first few days and usually settle.
Get urgent medical help if diarrhoea is bloody, there is high fever, signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, little or no urine, sunken eyes, drowsiness in a child), persistent vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction. Very rarely, serious bloodstream infection has occurred in very ill or immunocompromised people.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Probiotics like LGG are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your doctor before use if you have any medical condition.
Precautions and Warnings
Probiotics do not replace fluids lost in diarrhoea; give ORS and seek care for young infants or severe diarrhoea. See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days in a child or 3 days in an adult. Check the label for milk or other allergens.
Overdose
Taking more than recommended is unlikely to be harmful but may cause wind or bloating.
Therapeutic Class
Probiotic (antidiarrhoeal supplement)
Storage
Store as directed on the label, usually below 25 to 30°C in a dry place, away from heat and light; some products need refrigeration at 2 to 8°C. Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.