GoodGut

Indications

This probiotic combination contains about 4 billion live beneficial bacteria (and in some products yeast) per dose, usually from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups. It is used to:

• Help prevent or shorten diarrhoea caused by antibiotics.
• Support recovery from acute diarrhoea, together with oral rehydration solution (ORS).
• Ease bloating, gas and irregular bowel habits, including in irritable bowel syndrome.
• Help restore normal gut bacteria after illness or antibiotic treatment.

How It Works

Probiotics are live "friendly" microbes. They settle in the gut for a time, compete with harmful germs for space and food, help keep the gut lining healthy, and support the normal balance of gut bacteria.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults: usually 1 capsule or sachet once or twice a day, or as directed on the pack or by your doctor.
• Children: as directed on the pack or by the doctor; capsules can be opened and sachets mixed into cool water, milk or soft food.
• Do not mix with hot food or drinks, as heat kills the live bacteria.
• With antibiotics: take it at least 2 hours before or after the antibiotic dose, and continue for about a week after the antibiotic course ends.
• In diarrhoea, keep drinking ORS and fluids; the probiotic does not replace them.

Interactions

• Antibiotics can kill the bacteria in the product, so space the doses at least 2 hours apart.
• Antifungal medicines can reduce the effect of products that contain yeast.
• People taking medicines that weaken the immune system (such as after transplant or during chemotherapy) should ask their doctor first.

Contraindications

• Allergy to any ingredient, including milk proteins if present in the product.
• Severely weakened immune system, critical illness, a central venous line (long-term drip line), or acute pancreatitis, unless a doctor advises it.

Side Effects

Usually well tolerated. Mild gas, bloating or changes in bowel habit may occur in the first few days and usually settle.

Get urgent medical help if you have:

• High fever, chills or feeling very unwell, especially if your immune system is weak (rarely, the microbes can cause a blood infection).
• Severe stomach pain, blood in the stool, or signs of dehydration (very little urine, dry mouth, sunken eyes, drowsiness in a child).
• Swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Probiotics are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns or a medical condition.

Precautions and Warnings

• See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days, there is blood in the stool or high fever, or the patient is a baby, an older person or very weak.
• Premature babies and people with serious illness should use probiotics only on medical advice.
• Check the label for milk, soy or other ingredients if you have food allergies.

Overdose

Taking more than recommended is unlikely to cause serious harm but may increase gas and bloating. Seek medical advice if symptoms are troublesome.

Therapeutic Class

Probiotic (live beneficial microorganisms); antidiarrhoeal support.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, or in a fridge at 2 to 8°C if the pack says so, away from light and moisture and out of the reach of children. Keep the container tightly closed.