Biosolve

Indications

This is a probiotic supplement that provides about 20 billion live beneficial bacteria per dose, usually a mixture of several Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. It is used to help restore healthy gut bacteria, to reduce the risk or shorten the duration of diarrhoea caused by antibiotics, to support recovery from infectious diarrhoea, and to ease symptoms such as bloating and irregular bowel habits in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Benefits depend on the strains used and vary between people.

How It Works

The gut normally contains a large community of friendly bacteria that help digest food, make some vitamins and keep harmful germs in check. Illness, antibiotics and stress can upset this balance. Probiotic bacteria temporarily settle in the gut, compete with harmful bacteria, help strengthen the gut lining and support the local immune system.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: usually one capsule or sachet once daily, or as directed on the label. Take it with or just after a meal with a glass of water. Do not mix it with hot drinks. If you are taking an antibiotic, take the probiotic at least 2 hours before or after the antibiotic dose, and continue for about a week after the antibiotic course ends. Use in children as directed on the label or by a doctor.

Interactions

• Antibiotics and antifungal medicines may kill the probiotic organisms if taken at the same time: separate the doses by at least 2 hours.
• Medicines that suppress the immune system (for example after transplant or for cancer): use probiotics only on a doctor's advice.

Contraindications

• Severely weakened immune system, such as during chemotherapy or after an organ transplant, unless a doctor approves.
• People with a central venous line (central catheter) or recent heart valve surgery, unless a doctor approves.
• Allergy to any ingredient, including milk protein if present.

Side Effects

Probiotics are generally well tolerated. Mild wind, bloating or a change in bowel habit can occur in the first few days and usually settles. Allergic reactions are rare.

Get urgent medical help if you develop high fever with chills, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, or signs of allergy such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Common probiotic strains are considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Check with your doctor before starting any supplement.

Precautions and Warnings

• Probiotics do not replace oral rehydration salts (ORS) or medical treatment for diarrhoea.
• See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days, or sooner if there is blood, high fever or signs of dehydration.
• Premature babies and seriously ill patients should receive probiotics only under medical supervision.
• Check the label for milk, lactose or gluten if you are sensitive to them.

Overdose

Taking more than the recommended amount is unlikely to be harmful but may increase wind and bloating.

Therapeutic Class

Probiotic (dietary supplement for gut health).

Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children, or in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C if the label says so. Do not freeze. Keep capsules in the original pack to protect them from moisture.