Florastor contains the harmless (nonpathogenic) yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii. It is used as a probiotic to help re-establish the gastrointestinal flora and modulate immunity.

Saccharomyces boulardii Uses:

• Dietary supplement:

  • As a probiotic, it helps maintain the natural bacterial flora in the digestive system.

Dose in Adults

Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor) Dose as a probiotic: Oral:

• Promote intestinal health:

  • Two times every day for a month, take 500 mg (two capsules or powder packets).

• Maintenance of a healthy gut flora

  • Taking 250 mg (one capsule or sachet of powder) twice daily.

Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor) Dose in Children:

• Infants ≥2 months, Children, and Adolescents:

  • Oral: Refer to adult dosing.

Pregnancy Risk Category: N

• Probiotics are safe for breastfeeding and pregnancy, but Saccharomyces boulardii can cause fungemia in premature infants.
• This is 1 in 5.6 million people who have used the formula.
•  Patients with immunocompromised are at greater risk.
• Avoid them during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless they are essential.

Dose in Kidney Disease:

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling

Dose in Liver disease:

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Side effects of Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor):

• Gastrointestinal:

  • Constipation
  • Flatulence

• Miscellaneous:

  • Thirst

Contraindications to Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor):

OTC labeling

• Those who have central lines
• Patients with sensitivities or allergies to Saccharomyces boulardii or any ingredient in this formulation ought to stay away from it.
• Patients who are allergic to yeast.

Warnings and precautions

• Individuals with immunocompromised conditions:

  • Patients with immunocompromised should not take probiotics as they contain live yeast and bacteria.
  • Premature infants who received dietary supplements containing three types of live bacteria have had their stomachs contaminated by mucormycosis. Some cases can be fatal, and some have even led to death.
  • Saccharomyces boulardii has also been linked to fungemia in premature infants, despite being non-pathogenic.

Saccharomyces boulardii: Drug Interaction

Monitor:

How to administer Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor)?

• It may be administered with or without food. Avoid mixing it with carbonated or alcohol-containing beverages or foods.
• Also, do not mix it with hot food items that have a temperature of 122 F or more.
• The capsules can be swallowed whole or opened and emptied over the tongue or food and swallowed followed by a glass of water or juice.
• It can be sprinkled on an apple sauce, yogurt, or dissolved in a liquid such as water, juice, milk, or formula and immediately administered.

Mechanism of action of Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor):

• Saccharomyces boulardii, a live yeast probiotic, is nonpathogenic and harmless. 
• It restores normal intestinal microflora. It can also regulate the immune system by inhibiting the growth and production of harmful bacteria, as well as inducing cytokines.

International Brand Names of Saccharomyces boulardii:

• Florastor Kids
• Florastor
• Bioflor
• Codex
• Econorm
• Enflor
• Enterol
• Floratil
• Florestor
• Inteflora
• Olybiol
• Pediarol
• Perenterol
• Perenteryl
• Perocur
• Precosa
• UL-250
• Ultra-Levora

Saccharomyces boulardii Brand Names in Pakistan:

No Brands Available in Pakistan.