Preparations containing lactic acid bacteria contribute to the normalization of intestinal microflora and the restoration of the digestive tract. Otherwise, they are called probiotics. Among the medicines belonging to this group, “Lacidophilus” deserves special attention. Instructions for use recommend it for the treatment of diarrhea and other intestinal disorders.
Description of the drug: composition and form of release
The medicine goes on sale in the form of coated gelatin capsules. One pill contains about two billion lactobacillus cells. Of these, 95% are Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011, and the remaining 5% are Lactobacillus acidophilus R0052. The following substances are auxiliary components: magnesium stearate, ascorbic acid and maltodextrin. Capsules are packaged in cellular blisters.
Studies of this drug were conducted at Institut Rosell. Here, scientists have been developing and studying probiotics for over 70 years. Each bacterium has its own patent and name. Lacidophil is made under sterile conditions, the bacteria are lyophilized before packing into capsules. The use of this process in vacuum conditions began in the 1940s. Since then, all probiotics, with the exception of liquid form, have been produced in dry form.
Pharmacological properties
As active components of the drug "Latsidofil" instructions for use mention live variations of lactic acid bacteria. They positively affect the digestion process, contribute to the rapid restoration of intestinal microflora. Lactic acid bacteria are designed to activate local immunity to protect against pathogenic microorganisms. Against the background of the use of the drug, the tolerance of milk lactose is significantly increased, the allergization of the body is markedly reduced.
Indications for use
What pathologies do doctors prescribe Lacidophil for? Instructions for use recommend this drug for the treatment of diarrhea resulting from taking certain antibiotics. In addition, its use is justified in the following disorders:
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- diseases of the stomach, pathology of the duodenum;
- gastroenteritis and dyspepsia;
- atopic dermatitis;
- change in diet.
The medication is also prescribed to increase the body's tolerance to milk lactose.
Contraindications and side effects
In what cases is it better to refuse therapy with the Latsidofil drug? Instructions for use informs that this probiotic has no obvious contraindications. The drug is well tolerated by patients and does not cause side effects. In rare cases, especially with intolerance to the components of the drug, allergic reactions are not excluded. They appear in the form of urticaria and skin rashes. Such symptoms usually resolve on their own after a few days. Specific treatment in this case is not required.
Application and dosage
According to the annotation, it is recommended to take a probiotic with meals with water. For children who cannot swallow the pill whole, the drug is given in soluble form. To do this, open the capsule, after the powder is mixed with food or water.
How to take "Latsidofil"? Reviews of patients indicate that the dosage of the drug should be strictly observed. For preventive purposes, to maintain a healthy intestinal microflora, a probiotic is prescribed for a course of 20 days. The dosage is determined by the doctor depending on the age of the patient:
- adults take 1-2 capsules once a day;
- children under three years of age are given one pill every other day;
- patients older than three years take a capsule once a day.
For the treatment of diarrhea provoked by the use of antibiotics, another scheme is used. The capsule instruction recommends taking two hours before taking an antibacterial agent. The dosage regimen is also determined individually:
- infants up to a year are given one capsule;
- children under 3 years of age take one pill twice a day;
- small patients from 3 to 12 years old take a capsule three times a day;
- from 12 years old an adult dose is prescribed - 2 pills three times a day.
The duration of taking a probiotic depends on the time of use of antibacterial agents and the individual patient's response to the therapy.
If stool disorder is caused by changes in the diet, Latsidofil is also prescribed. For children, the dosage of the drug is 2 capsules per day, for adults - 2 pills three times a day. Probiotic administration should not be discontinued until the symptoms disappear completely. With atopic dermatitis, the course of treatment is at least 1.5 months.
Medication cost
What is the price of Lacidofil? The total cost of a probiotic depends on the margin of the pharmacy chain and the number of pills in a pack. On average, the price of one package (20 capsules) is from 200 to 300 rubles.
Analogues of the drug
What synonyms can replace "Latsidofil"? The analogues of this probiotic differ only in the form of release and cost. They have a similar composition and pharmacological properties. Among the most effective analogues, the following medicines can be distinguished: "Lactobacterin", "Spazmolak", "Linex".
Opinions of doctors and patients about the drug "Latsidofil"
Reviews of most consumers characterize the probiotic exclusively on the positive side. After regular use, stool is normalized, digestion is being established. The medication helps in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and pathologies of the duodenum. Positive dynamics in therapy is already observed during the first week of using the drug "Latsidofil." The price of the medicine is also an important advantage.
Opinions of specialists about this probiotic are rather controversial. There is a category of doctors who do not recognize the use of such medicines in principle. They refer to similar results in the treatment of gastrointestinal pathologies both with the use of Lacidophil and without it. Experts who actively in their practice prescribe a probiotic and get positive dynamics in therapy disagree with them.