Saccharomyces Boulardii Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Saccharomyces Boulardii Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Likely Safe: Saccharomyces boulardii is generally safe when taken orally and appropriately for up to 15 months. There is a possibility of it being safe for children when used orally and appropriately. However, there is insufficient reliable information available for pregnant and lactating individuals, so it is best to avoid using it during these periods.

How Is Saccharomyces Boulardii Thought to Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Mechanism of Action: Saccharomyces boulardii is a non-pathogenic yeast that acts as a probiotic agent. When taken orally, it helps colonize the gastrointestinal tract and restore the balance of normal intestinal flora. It competes for attachment sites, blocking the adherence of harmful bacteria like Clostridioides difficile. S. boulardii may produce proteases that reduce the toxicity of C. difficile toxins. It also interacts with cholera toxin and increases secretory immune globulin A in the intestine. Additionally, it may increase intestinal chloride resorption and aid in the treatment of Crohn's disease. These mechanisms contribute to its potential effectiveness in various conditions.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Saccharomyces boulardii reaches a maximum steady state in about three days when taken orally. It is not absorbed into the body but remains in the gastrointestinal tract.

Excretion: Less than 1% of the ingested dose is recovered from stools.

Interaction Overview (See Below for Full List)

Antifungals: There is a possibility of decreased effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii when taken with antifungal medications. Be watchful of this combination.

Supplements: No known interactions with supplements.

Conditions: It is advised to exercise caution when using Saccharomyces boulardii in individuals with central venous catheters, the elderly, gastrointestinal tract disease, immunodeficiency, or yeast allergy.

Lab Tests: No known interactions with lab tests.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

General: Saccharomyces boulardii is generally well tolerated when taken orally.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare): There is a concern that Saccharomyces boulardii may cause fungemia (presence of fungi in the bloodstream) in certain patients.

Gastrointestinal: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects, although they are generally mild.

Immunologic: No specific immunologic side effects have been reported.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Saccharomyces boulardii is commercially available as lyophilized (dried) cells in capsule forms in most countries. Powders have also been used in clinical trials. However, there is no mention of standardization for these supplements.

What Is Saccharomyces boulardii Used For?

• Diarrhea: Saccharomyces boulardii is commonly used to reduce the duration of acute diarrhea in children. It can be taken alone or in combination with zinc. It may also be beneficial for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
• Clostridioides difficile infection: Saccharomyces boulardii is used to prevent and treat C. difficile infection. It can be taken orally in combination with antibiotics like vancomycin or metronidazole.
• Helicobacter pylori: Saccharomyces boulardii is used to reduce the adverse effects associated with standard therapy for H. pylori eradication. It may help improve tolerance to treatment.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC): Saccharomyces boulardii is used to reduce the risk of NEC in hospitalized preterm infants. It can be given orally.
• Rotaviral diarrhea: Saccharomyces boulardii is used to shorten the duration of rotaviral diarrhea in children. It can be taken orally.
• Traveler's diarrhea: Saccharomyces boulardii is used to reduce the risk of traveler's diarrhea. It can be taken orally as a preventive measure.

Drugs that interact with Saccharomyces Boulardii