Saccharomyces boulardii: Probiotic Uses, Side Effects (2024)

Uses
- What is Saccharomyces boulardii, and what is it used for?
Warnings
- Warnings
Side Effects
- What are the side effects of Saccharomyces boulardii?
Dosage
- What are the dosages of Saccharomyces boulardii?
Drug Interactions
- What drugs interact with Saccharomyces boulardii?
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
What Else to Know
- What else should I know about Saccharomyces boulardii?
Comments
More

Generic Name: Saccharomyces boulardii

Brand and Other Names: Florastor, Florastor Kids,S. boulardii, Saccharomyces boulardii lyo

Drug Class: Herbals

What is Saccharomyces boulardii, and what is it used for?

Saccharomyces boulardiiis a probiotic yeast closely related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as brewer’s yeast or baker’s yeast. S. boulardii is used to treat and prevent diarrhea associated with gastrointestinal disorders and antibiotic treatments. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that include yeasts, fungi, and bacteria, which inhabit human gut and help in the digestion, breakdown, and absorption of nutrients from the food we eat.

S. boulardii works in many ways to improve gut health, immune function and nutrient absorption, some of which are as follows:

Competes with harmful bacteria such as Clostridium difficile and Helicobacter pylori, preventing their growth and promoting the growth of normal bowel flora.
Produces enzymes that break down the toxins produced by C. difficile and other pathogens.
Enhances innate and acquired immunity and stimulates antibody production against C. difficile toxin A.
Maintains the integrity of the intestinal lining and prevents translocation of pathogens.
Reduces inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory activity and promoting anti-inflammatory immune responses.

The suggested uses of S. boulardii include the following:

Restoration of normal intestinal flora
Prevention and treatment of antibiotic-induced diarrhea
Prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated vulvovagin*l Candida yeast infection (candidiasis)
Controlling inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease and colitis

Warnings

Do not use S. boulardii in patients with yeast allergy.
Do not use in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the S. boulardii formulation.
Do not use for patients in the following conditions:
- With central venous catheter
- In acute care, especially those who require open arterial or venous access
- Critically ill
- Severely immunocompromised
- Before or after organ or bone marrow transplant
Some products may contain lactose, use with caution in patients with lactose intolerance.
Use with caution in immunocompromised patients. Although rare, there have been reports of fungal blood infection (fungemia) in premature infants.
Do not open packets or capsules in the vicinity of patients with central lines, it can get airborne and infect them. Change gloves after handling S. boulardii to avoid accidental transfer into central lines of patients.
S. boulardii may have potentially significant interactions with other drugs, and may require frequency and dose adjustments, or monitoring.

SLIDESHOW Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More See Slideshow

What are the side effects of Saccharomyces boulardii?

Common side effects of Saccharomyces boulardii include:

Gas (flatulence)
Bloating
Constipation
Fungal infection in blood (fungemia), rarely

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

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What are the dosages of Saccharomyces boulardii?

There isn’t an established standard dose for Saccharomyces boulardii.

Suggested dosing

1 capsule/packet orally twice a day

Administration

May swallow capsule whole, or empty contents of capsule or packet onto tongue followed by drinking 4 oz of water or juice
May also open capsule or packet and sprinkle over semisolid food (e.g., applesauce, yogurt)
Additionally, may open capsule or packet and dissolve contents in liquid and drink (e.g., water, juice, milk)

Overdose

Overdose of Saccharomyces boulardiimay cause gas and constipation, which should resolve with discontinuation or dose reduction.

What drugs interact with Saccharomyces boulardii?

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

Saccharomyces boulardiihas no known severe interactions with other drugs.
Serious interactions of saccharomyces boulardiiinclude:
- amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate
- amphotericin B deoxycholate
- amphotericin B liposomal
- amphotericin B phospholipid complex
- anidulafungin
- caspofungin
- fluconazole
- flucytosine
- griseofulvin
- itraconazole
- ketoconazole
- levoketoconazole
- micafungin
- nystatin
- posaconazole
- terbinafine
- voriconazole
Saccharomyces boulardiihas no known moderate or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

There isn’t enough reliable information on whether taking S. boulardiiis safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, avoid use.
Never take any dietary supplement without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What else should I know about Saccharomyces boulardii?

Saccharomyces boulardii is possibly safe for most adults if taken in recommended doses for up to 15 months.
Take S. boulardii exactly as per label instructions.
Check with your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement, including S. boulardii.
Dietary supplements often contain many ingredients. Check labels for the components in the S. boulardii product you choose.
S. boulardii is marketed as a dietary supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents; exercise caution in choosing your product.
Store S. boulardii safely out of reach of children.
In case of overdose and any persistent symptoms, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.

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Summary

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast closely related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as brewer’s yeast or baker’s yeast. Saccharomyces boulardii is used to treat and prevent diarrhea associated with gastrointestinal disorders and antibiotic treatments. Common side effects of Saccharomyces boulardii include gas (flatulence), bloating, constipation, and fungal infection in blood (fungemia). Do not take if pregnant. Consult your doctor if breastfeeding.

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Symptoms & Signs

FAQs & Doctor's Views

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From

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medically Reviewed on 12/14/2022

References

https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_saccharomyces_boulardii_florastor/drugs-condition.htm
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/florastor-saccharomyces-boulardii-999818
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/saccharomyces-boulardii-drug-information
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296087/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-332/saccharomyces-boulardii
https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/learning-lab/about/probiotics/is-it-possible-to-overdose-on-probiotics
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2761627/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344949/