lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Generic Name: lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LAK toe ba SIL us ram NOE sus)

Brand names: Culturelle DS, Culturelle HS, Culturelle Natural Health and Wellness, Culturelle Digestive Health, Culturelle for Kids

What is lactobacillus rhamnosus GG?

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a bacteria that exists naturally in the body, primarily in the intestines. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG helps maintain a balance of "good bacteria" needed to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and intestines.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been used to treat or prevent diarrhea caused by rotavirus and other viral illnesses in babies and children. This product has also been used to treat diarrhea that can occur while taking antibiotics or while traveling to foreign countries ("traveler's diarrhea").

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may also be used for other purposes not listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about lactobacillus rhamnosus GG?

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may not be known.

Talk to your doctor before taking lactobacillus rhamnosus GG if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Under certain conditions, it may be dangerous for you to take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

Do not take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment. Do not take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lactobacillus rhamnosus GG?

Talk to your doctor before taking lactobacillus rhamnosus GG if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Under certain conditions, it may be dangerous for you to take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

Do not take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment. Do not take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may be taken with or without food.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of a baby food or applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow right away. Do not save the mixture for later use. Discard the empty capsule.

The recommended dose of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is 1 capsule taken once or twice per day. Follow the directions on the product label.

If you take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to prevent traveler's diarrhea, start taking it 2 or 3 days before you travel. Keep taking it daily throughout the trip.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 48 hours of taking this product.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is available in capsule form. Other forms may also be available. Some dairy products, especially yogurt, also contain lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

Do not use many different forms of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG at the same time, unless your healthcare professional has told you to. You may get too much of this product if you use different forms together. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep each capsule in its foil blister pack until you are ready to take the product. You may also store this product in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use this product if the blister foil covering the capsules is torn.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Consult your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or healthcare provider for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking lactobacillus rhamnosus GG?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Dietary Supplement:

For general use as a dietary supplement
Dose: 1 capsule per day

Concurrently with antibiotics
Dose: 1 capsule twice a day throughout antibiotic therapy and for one week after antibiotic therapy

Traveling
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily throughout the trip
It is best to start 2 to 3 days prior to travel.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dietary Supplement:

Dose: One-half to one capsule per day.
Open the capsule and stir the contents into a cool drink or mix into baby food or applesauce.

What other drugs will affect lactobacillus rhamnosus GG?

There may be other drugs that can interact with lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More lactobacillus rhamnosus GG resources

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Side Effects (in more detail)
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG - Add your own review/rating

Compare lactobacillus rhamnosus GG with other medications

• Dietary Supplementation

Where can I get more information?

• Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

See also: lactobacillus rhamnosus GG side effects (in more detail)