Biogut

Indications

Saccharomyces Boulardii is a probiotic, a friendly live yeast. It is used to help prevent and treat diarrhoea caused by antibiotics, to shorten bouts of acute infectious diarrhoea in children and adults, to help prevent travellers' diarrhoea, and as an add-on to treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, where it can reduce side effects such as diarrhoea.

How It Works

Once swallowed, the yeast passes alive through the stomach to the intestine. There it helps restore a healthy balance of gut organisms, competes with harmful bacteria, breaks down some bacterial toxins, strengthens the gut lining and supports the gut's immune defences. Because it is a yeast and not a bacterium, antibiotics do not kill it, so it can be taken during a course of antibiotics.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults: usually 250 mg once or twice daily (or as directed on the label), for the duration of antibiotic treatment and for a few days afterwards, or for 5 to 7 days in acute diarrhoea.
• Children: as directed on the label or by a doctor, often 250 mg once or twice daily for children over 2 years.

Capsules can be swallowed with water, or opened and the contents mixed with cool water, food or drink. Do not mix with very hot food or drinks, or with alcohol. Keep taking oral rehydration solution if diarrhoea causes fluid loss.

Interactions

Antifungal medicines taken by mouth or injection (such as Fluconazole, Nystatin or Amphotericin B) can kill the yeast and reduce its effect. Antibiotics do not affect it. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.

Contraindications

• Allergy to yeast or any ingredient
• People with a central venous catheter (a long-term line into a large vein)
• Severely weakened immune system, such as critically ill patients, people receiving chemotherapy or with advanced HIV, unless a specialist advises it

Side Effects

Usually very well tolerated. Possible effects include:

• Mild bloating or wind
• Constipation
• Thirst
• Rarely, skin rash or itching

Very rarely, the yeast can enter the bloodstream (fungaemia), mainly in seriously ill or immunocompromised patients. Get urgent medical help if you develop high fever with chills, signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, blood in the stool, or diarrhoea that lasts more than 2 days or causes signs of dehydration.

Pregnancy and Lactation

It is not absorbed into the body and is generally considered low risk, but there is limited formal data. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if your doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

• Open capsules away from patients with central lines or weak immunity, as spores in the air can contaminate hands and lines.
• Not a replacement for rehydration in diarrhoea.
• See a doctor if diarrhoea is severe, bloody or comes with high fever.

Overdose

Overdose is unlikely to be harmful; it may cause bloating or wind. If a large amount is taken, contact a doctor for advice.

Therapeutic Class

Probiotic, antidiarrhoeal microbial agent

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children, or as stated on the pack.