General
Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.
Pronunciation:
sak-a-roe-mye-seez boo-lar-dee
Trade Name(s)
- Brewer's yeast
- probiotics
Ther. Class.
antidiarrheals
anti irritable bowel syndrome agents
Common Uses
- Treatment and prevention of diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
Action
Saccharomyces boulardii is a non-pathogenic yeast used to colonize the gastrointestinal tract.
Therapeutic Effect(s):
Reduced number of bowel movements.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Unknown
Distribution: Unknown
Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown
Half-life: Unknown
TIME/ACTION PROFILE
| ONSET | PEAK | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO | unknown | 3 days | unknown |
Contraindication/Precautions
Contraindicated in:
- Hypersensitivity to yeast.
Use Cautiously in:
- Pregnancy and lactation;
- Immunocompromised patients (↑ risk of fungemia)
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
GI: bloating, constipation, flatulence
Misc: fungemia, ↑ thirst
* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.
Interactions
Natural Drug Interaction
Antifungalsmay decrease effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii
Natural-Natural:
None.
Route/Dosage
PO: (Adults) 250–500 mg two to four times a day.
Availability
Capsules: 250 mg
Assessment
- Assess patient for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and usual pattern of bowel function.
- Assess color, consistency, and amount of stool produced.
Lab Test Considerations:
Monitor CBC periodically during therapy.
Potential Diagnoses
- Diarrhea (Indications)
Implementation
- PO: Administer as directed.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Instruct patient to take as directed.
- Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
Resolution of diarrhea and decrease in number of loose stools.
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