Probiotic (By mouth)

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Some forms of this medicine must be kept in the refrigerator after opening.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about any health problems you have and any medicines that you are taking.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting.
• Stomach upset, gas, or cramps.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Delayed Release Capsule, Liquid, Powder, Tablet, Stick, Chewable Tablet, Coated Tablet, Wafer

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not let it melt in your mouth.
• Do not chew, break, or crush the coated tablet or delayed-released capsule. Swallow them whole.
• Take the powder with meals. Avoid breathing in the powder. It can be very irritating to your lungs. Do not get the powder on your skin.
• If you are using the chewable tablet or wafer, chew it completely before you swallow.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Introduction

Used to increase the number of "friendly bacteria" in your stomach and intestines (bowels).

Brand Name(s)

Culturelle, Bifidonate, Optimum Acidophilus, Lacto-Pectin, Florajen BifidoBlend, Nature's Blend Lactobacillin Acidophilus, Nature's Blend Pro-Biotic Blend, Florajen Acidophilus, Trenev Trio, Natural Acidophilus Probiotic, RisaQuad-2, Pamine FQ, Flora Q 2, RisaQuad, Flora-Q