Culturelle Digestive Health

Generic name: lactobacillus rhamnosus GG [ LAK-toe-ba-SIL-us-ram-NOE-sus ]
Brand names: Culturelle Digestive Health, Culturelle Health and Wellness
Drug classes: Antidiarrheals, Probiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 5, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Culturelle Digestive Health?

Culturelle Digestive Health is a bacteria that exists naturally in the body, primarily in the intestines. This medicine has been used as a probiotic, or "friendly bacteria," to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and intestines.

Culturelle Digestive Health has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in treating or preventing diarrhea caused by rotavirus in babies and children.

This product has also been used as a possibly effective aid in treating colic in babies, and in preventing diarrhea in children that can occur while taking antibiotics.

In adults, Culturelle Digestive Health is possibly effective in preventing diarrhea during a hospital stay, while you are receiving chemotherapy, or during travel to foreign countries ("traveler's diarrhea").

Other conditions for which Culturelle Digestive Health is possibly effective include treating irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or vaginal infections caused by bacteria. This product may also lower the risk of lung infections in children who attend daycare centers.

Culturelle Digestive Health has also been used to treat Crohn's disease, lactose intolerance, or vaginal yeast infections. However, research has shown that this medicine may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating cold sores, urinary tract infections, high cholesterol, indigestion, cold symptoms, and boosting the immune system.

It is not certain whether Culturelle Digestive Health is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. This medicine should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Culturelle Digestive Health is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed 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.

Culturelle Digestive Health may also be used for other purposes not listed in this product guide.

Culturelle Digestive Health side effects

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

Although not all side effects are known, Culturelle Digestive Health is thought to be likely safe for most people when used as directed.

Common side effects of Culturelle Digestive Health may include:

• stomach bloating or gas.

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.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Before using Culturelle Digestive Health, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this medicine if you have certain medical conditions, especially:

• short bowel syndrome; or

• weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take Culturelle Digestive Health?

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 Culturelle Digestive Health, 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.

Culturelle Digestive Health 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.

If you take Culturelle Digestive Health 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 the condition you are treating with Culturelle Digestive Health does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Culturelle Digestive Health is available in capsule form. Other forms may also be available. Some dairy products, especially yogurt, also contain this medicine.

Do not use many different forms of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG at the same time, unless your healthcare provider 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?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra Culturelle Digestive Health to make up the missed 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 Culturelle Digestive Health?

Avoid taking Culturelle Digestive Health within 2 hours before or after you take any medicine, especially an antibiotic. Some antibiotics can make this medicine less effective.

What other drugs will affect Culturelle Digestive Health?

Do not take Culturelle Digestive Health without medical advice if you are using any drugs that weaken the immune system such as:

• cancer medicine;

• steroid medicine (prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others); or

• medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Further 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.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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