Nowadays, many people suffer from intestinal dysbiosis. This is partly due to the widespread use of antibiotics. Such drugs help to cope with severe infectious diseases, but at the same time adversely affect the intestinal microflora. The probiotic "Bificol" helps to normalize the balance of bacteria. The instruction recommends the use of this tool as a corrector after the end of antibiotic therapy. In addition, the probiotic can be used as part of the complex treatment of gastrointestinal infections.
Composition and action
The drug contains two types of microorganisms: bifidobacteria and Escherichia coli. This is part of the normal microflora of the human gastrointestinal tract. Bifidobacteria have the following beneficial properties:
- inhibit the reproduction of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora;
- contribute to normal digestion;
- enhance the protective function of the intestine;
- stimulate the production of proteins, amino acids and vitamins;
- strengthen immunity.
E. coli also has a number of useful properties:
- helps break down lactose;
- does not allow harmful bacteria to multiply;
- recycles cholesterol;
- involved in the digestion of amino acids and proteins.
According to the instructions of "Bifikol", in one dose of this remedy contains 10 million bifidobacteria and E. coli strains. The drug is released in the form of a lyophilisate. At home, a suspension is prepared from it, which is taken orally. Lyophilisate is packaged in sachets or vials, each containing 5 doses.
Indications
Instructions for use "Bifikol" recommends prescribing a drug for the treatment of the following diseases:
- food poisoning;
- all types of dysbiosis;
- acute infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- microflora disorders after taking antibiotics, hormones and anti-inflammatory drugs;
- ulcerative and inflammatory pathologies of the digestive system;
- diarrhea after antibiotic therapy.
In these cases, a probiotic is usually used as part of a complex treatment. The drug is also prescribed for preventive purposes. It prevents microflora disturbance during chemotherapy.
Contraindications
Instructions for use "Bifikol" prohibits taking the drug with intolerance to its components. If the patient has allergic reactions during treatment, then the medicine should be discontinued. Probiotic should not be taken during antibiotic treatment. This leads to a decrease in the effect. "Bifikol" saturates the body with beneficial bacteria, and antibiotics destroy such microorganisms. Therefore, taking a probiotic is possible only after the end of antibiotic therapy. Probiotics are not taken with ulcerative colitis in a specific or non-specific form. With this disease, a completely different microflora is formed in the intestine, which is not affected by probiotics.
Unwanted effects
The instruction of "Bifikol" does not report on the side effects of the probiotic. This drug is believed to be well tolerated. However, some patients have slight dyspeptic disorders at the beginning of treatment. Typically, these phenomena pass independently and do not require discontinuation of the drug. If intestinal disorders do not disappear, then a probiotic replacement is required.
How to use
The lyophilisate is diluted in boiled chilled water. For 1 dose of the drug you need to take 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of the liquid. Instructions "Bifikola" does not recommend diluting the drug in hot water, as well as storing the solution. Probiotic should be consumed immediately after preparation of the suspension.
The required dosage of the drug is determined by the doctor. Typically, a probiotic is prescribed in the following amounts (depending on age):
- infants 6-12 months - 1 dose;
- children from a year to 3 years - 2-5 doses;
- children from 3 years old and adult patients - 3-5 doses.
Probiotic is consumed twice a day. It is advisable to take it 30 minutes before meals. The duration of the course of treatment can vary from 2 weeks (for acute pathologies) to 2 months (for chronic diseases).
Storage, price and analogues
The instruction of "Bifikol" recommends storing the lyophilisate at a temperature of no more than +10 degrees. At home, the drug is best placed in the refrigerator. Its shelf life is 12 months. This tool can be purchased in pharmacy chains without a prescription. However, the attending physician should prescribe a probiotic, self-medication should not be done. The price of the drug is from 240 to 340 rubles.
Patients are often interested in drugs with similar effects. However, a complete structural analogue of Bificol does not exist. This is the only probiotic that contains a combination of bifidobacteria with E. coli.
However, probiotics of a similar therapeutic effect can be selected:
- Florin Forte;
- "Bifilact BILS";
- Beefiform.
These drugs also contain bifidobacteria, but in combination with lactobacilli or with enterococci. Only a doctor can decide on the replacement of a probiotic with an analogue.
Reviews about the drug
Not all doctors believe in the effectiveness of this tool. Experts consider the probiotic's only advantage is that it contains natural microorganisms that live in a healthy intestine. Gastroenterologists prescribe this remedy for dysbiosis, as recommended by the instructions for the use of "Bifikol". Reviews of doctors indicate that the drug does not always help to improve the patient's condition. Some experts believe that the probiotic acts as a placebo.
However, you can find many positive reviews of patients about the drug. It is possible that this remedy cannot be used as monotherapy for serious diseases. In difficult cases, it should be prescribed along with other medicines, as indicated in the instructions of "Bifikol". Patient reviews report that after taking the probiotic, their diarrhea disappeared, their appetite improved, their abdominal pain and nausea disappeared. This tool has helped many people get rid of dyspeptic symptoms after antibiotic therapy.
In the reviews there is no information about the side effects of the probiotic. This drug is well tolerated and quite safe.