Lactobacillus Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Lactobacillus Capsule contains Lactobacillus, a type of friendly bacteria from the prebiotic and probiotic drug class. It naturally lives in the digestive, urinary, and genital systems without causing disease and is also found in fermented foods like yogurt. It is used to support digestive and vaginal health, including prevention and treatment of certain types of diarrhea. It is available in several forms, including capsules, tablets, powder, and vaginal tablets.

What is Lactobacillus Capsule

Lactobacillus is a type of friendly bacteria that normally lives in our digestive, urinary, and genital systems without causing disease. It is found in fermented foods like yogurt and is also sold as a dietary supplement or capsule.

Lactobacillus Capsule uses

• Preventing and treating diarrhea, including rotaviral diarrhea in children and traveler's diarrhea
• Preventing and treating diarrhea caused by antibiotics
• General digestion problems and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Helicobacter pylori infection (stomach ulcers), used along with antibiotics
• Vaginal bacterial imbalance and vaginal infections
• General digestive health and gut microbiome support
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis) treatment
• Hayfever symptom relief

Benefits of Lactobacillus Capsule

• Helps break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off harmful organisms
• May reduce the length of diarrhea caused by rotavirus in children
• May lower the risk of diarrhea linked to antibiotic use
• May improve symptoms of IBS such as bloating and stomach pain
• May help treat bacterial vaginosis when used inside the vagina
• May help the body clear H. pylori infection when combined with standard antibiotic treatment

How Lactobacillus Capsule works

Lactobacillus works by helping restore a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut or vagina. Some strains produce lactic acid and other substances that make it harder for harmful germs to grow, and they compete with other microorganisms to support digestive or vaginal health.

Lactobacillus Capsule dosage

Lactobacillus can be taken by mouth as a capsule, tablet, or powder, or used inside the vagina as a suppository or vaginal tablet, depending on the condition being treated. If you are taking antibiotics, space out your Lactobacillus dose so it is not taken at the same time as the antibiotic, since antibiotics can reduce how well it works. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if your next dose is almost due. It may help to start with a lower amount and gradually increase it to reduce stomach discomfort when first starting.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Capsule
• Powder
• Vaginal tablet
• Syrup

Side effects of Lactobacillus Capsule

Common

• Intestinal gas
• Bloating
• Mild stomach upset

Serious

• Gas or bloating
• Mild abdominal discomfort
• Constipation or loose stools
• Nausea
• Rarely, allergic reactions

Warnings and precautions

• If your immune system is weakened, such as from HIV/AIDS or medicines taken after an organ transplant, talk to your doctor before taking Lactobacillus, as it has rarely caused infections in such people.
• If you have short bowel syndrome, talk to your doctor before taking Lactobacillus, since you may be more likely to develop an infection from it.
• People with damaged heart valves should be cautious, as there is a theoretical risk that probiotic bacteria could cause a heart valve infection.
• Stop taking probiotics before digestive surgery or a colonoscopy, as there is some concern they could cause infection afterward.
• Do not take Lactobacillus if you have a known allergy to it.
• Lactobacillus is possibly safe to take by mouth during pregnancy, but you should check with your doctor before starting it, since not all strains have been studied for safety in pregnancy.
• There isn't enough reliable information to be sure Lactobacillus is safe while breastfeeding, so talk to your doctor before using it.
• Reducing alcohol intake may help you get the most benefit from probiotics.
• Lactobacillus is unlikely to affect your mental alertness or coordination needed for driving or operating machinery.

Storage

• Store according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Usually keep at 2–8°C if the product label requires refrigeration.
• Protect from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Keep the capsule in its original packaging.
• Keep out of reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• If you take too much Lactobacillus by accident, get medical help right away or contact a doctor for guidance.
• If side effects are severe or do not go away, contact your doctor.

Alternatives

• Saccharomyces boulardii
• Bifidobacterium
• Bacillus coagulans