Lactobacillus Acidophilus Drug Interactions, Contraindications and Warnings

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a bacterium often referred to as a probiotic (or ‘good’ bacterium) because of its role in promoting good health. This probiotic supports digestive function, boosts immunity and exhibits a number of additional beneficial effects.

Although L. acidophilus drug interactions are rare, there are some herbal and prescription medications that should not be taken with probiotics. Antibiotics can also interact with probiotic supplements and need to be used at least two hours apart.

Individuals with a compromised immune system, intestinal damage or an existing overgrowth of bacteria should not take acidophilus supplements. In addition, it should not be given to babies under the age of six months, as it may increase the risk of developing an allergy to cow’s milk.

What is the right way to take Lactobacillus Acidophilus pills to prevent interactions and who is contraindicated against using this probiotic supplements?

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Acidophilus Supplement Overview

L. Acidophilus is a Lactic Acid Bacteria that exists naturally in the body, primarily in the mouth, intestines and vagina. This bacterium helps maintain an acidic environment in the body, which helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is available in capsule and tablet form. Powder or liquid forms of this supplement are also available.

Acidophilus is also found naturally in milk and yogurt products, but at relatively low dosages. There are probiotic-enriched milk and yogurt products that contain a higher number of live Colony Forming Units (CFUs) per serving.

This probiotic is rated as Likely Safe by the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database when it is used orally at appropriate dosages. However, certain individuals are recommended to avoid this supplement to prevent adverse effects.

Acidophilus Use

Acidophilus is used to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the body, or to treat conditions stemming from a bacterial imbalance. It is taken as both an anti-diarrheal and probiotic medicine.

Acidophilus has been claimed to treat a wide variety of ailments including:

• Mouth yeast infections (oral thrush);
• Vaginal yeast infections;
• Bacterial infections caused by Clostridia;
• Hay fever;
• Diarrhea caused by antibiotics or traveller’s diarrhea;
• Irritable bowel syndrome;
• Urinary tract infections.

While there is good evidence to support the claim that acidophilus is helpful in treating vaginal yeast infections, the Mayo Clinic website characterizes the additional therapeutic claims as lacking sufficient evidence.

That being said, there have been studies to indicate that probiotics (although not specifically acidophilus) may help in the treatment of allergies.

Probiotics are also being used to treat high cholesterol. Studies have shown Lactobacillus bacteria help breakdown bile salts. This beneficial action helps reduce the gut’s absorption of cholesterol, and helps lower the blood levels of LDL bad cholesterol.

To treat symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) it is recommended to use a probiotic product for a minimum of four weeks to see if it has a beneficial effect. Research shows this supplement can improve pain, inflammation and diarrheea associated with this condition.

Acidophilus Antibiotic Interactions

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is commonly taken for medicinal reasons, such as restoring the microflora of the gut during or following the use of antibiotics.

Antibiotics can be beneficial for treating bacterial infections, but they target all bacteria in the body and not just the pathogenic species. When antibiotic medicines are used, they can kill off the probiotic microorganisms that live within the gastrointestinal tract as well.

This causes a state of internal dysbiosis, which can result in side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or increased likelihood of developing a yeast infection.

Acidophilus is often recommended to replenish the gastrointestinal microflora that are killed off by antibiotic medicines. But they should not be taken at the same time due to the risk of a drug interaction.

Doctors generally recommend that probiotics should be taken at least two hours after administering an antibiotic medicine to prevent interaction. Check with your doctor to determine the best dosage schedule for you.

Acidophilus Drug Interactions

Acidophilus can also interact with immunosuppressant medications. These drugs work by suppressing the effects of the immune system. There is a concern that concomitant use could result in probiotic bacteria translocating to other parts of the body where they could cause negative effects.

Out of caution, Lactobacillus Acidophilus and other probiotics should not be used with the immunosuppresants cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), tacrolimus (Prograf), or azathioprine (Imuran).

It could also interact with cancer drugs, such as the chemotherapy agents, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and cisplatin (Platinol-AQ).

According to the Mayo Clinic, Acidophilus may affect the way that the body uses insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. For this reason, it should not be used by patients being treated with drugs for diabetes or hyperglycemia, unless under the guidance of a physician.

Acidophilus Safety & Contraindications

Probiotics are contraindicated for individuals with conditions relating to immune function, those with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) and anyone using a catheter. These supplements should also be used cautiously in people with open surgical wounds.

Probiotic bacteria are healthy and perform a beneficial function when they are located in the gastrointestinal tract. However, in some cases, these bacteria have cause side effects if they are translocated to other parts of the body (such as the lungs).

The above contraindications are individuals who may be at a higher risk of probiotic translocation, based on available research studies. For healthy adults, this risk is very low.

Acidophilus supplements are often cultured on milk-based mediums. This probiotic should be avoided if you are lactose intolerant. Seek out probiotics that are specifically designed to be free of dairy products.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak to their doctor before using probiotics. Your doctor can help you decide on the best strain to use for your health needs.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus side effects are generally mild. A common side effect of acidophilus supplementation is flatulence, but this usually decreases as more of the supplement is taken.

If you are concerned about Lactobacillus Acidophilus drug interactions, consult with a qualified physician to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you.

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