Antibiophilus

Quick links to important sections

Antibiophilus

Selected form

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Antibiophilus

Property Description
Brand Name Antibiophilus
Active Ingredient Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus (LCR 35)
Form Powder in Sachets; Capsules
Pharmacological Class Probiotic, Gastrointestinal Agent
General Purpose Restores intestinal microbiota balance
Origin Natural/Biological Preparation

Antibiophilus is a recognized non-prescription probiotic preparation classified as a gastrointestinal agent, whose primary role is to support and maintain a balanced intestinal environment. It is typically supplied as a powder in sachets or as capsules intended for oral administration.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. This means the product is a biological preparation of microbial origin, distinct from synthetic chemical drugs.

What Is Antibiophilus Made Of?

Antibiophilus’s core active ingredient is the specific bacterial strain Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus (LCR 35). This well-characterized strain of lactic acid bacteria is historically significant, being one of the first live biotherapeutic microorganisms to be qualified to pharmaceutical standards.

The benefit of a probiotic depends on the use of specific, well-characterized strains to achieve a targeted action. Its composition focuses on supplementing the gut flora with a reliable, stable source of beneficial bacteria.

What Is Its General Purpose?

The general therapeutic purpose of Antibiophilus is the restoration and maintenance of a balanced intestinal microbiota (gut flora). It is commonly used as a supportive measure in circumstances where the gut's bacterial balance is under threat or temporarily disturbed.

Its most typical application is in situations relating to antibiotic therapy. The product is used during or after taking antibiotics to help counter the imbalance (dysbiosis) that these treatments can cause in the native gut flora.

What side effects are possible with Antibiophilus?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety characteristics of Antibiophilus, containing the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus (LCR 35), are aligned with its classification as a live gastrointestinal agent. The most frequently observed adverse reactions are generally classified under Gastrointestinal Disorders.


Classification of Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical use are stomach bloating and gas (flatulence). These are transient effects that reflect the introduction of the new microbial culture into the intestinal environment. While specific regulatory frequency classifications may vary by region, these mild effects are widely acknowledged as common for Lactobacillus probiotics.

Serious adverse events are considered rare or of frequency not known, but the regulatory literature documents the potential for systemic exposure to Lactobacillus species. These events fall under the Infections and Infestations system organ class and can include Lactobacillus bacteremia (infection of the bloodstream) and sepsis.


Safety Considerations for Specific Populations

Safety data indicates that the risk of systemic infection is notably higher in certain patient populations. Official documentation highlights that individuals who are immunocompromised (weakened immune systems), patients with serious gastrointestinal disorders (such as short bowel syndrome), and those with damaged heart valves are at a documented, elevated risk for these rare, serious systemic adverse reactions. Safety information concerning the use in very small premature infants is often noted as insufficient in regulatory-aligned summaries, representing a specific constraint.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Antibiophilus (Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus LCR 35), a biological preparation, indicates a low risk of acute toxicity following over-ingestion. Regulatory documents generally state that, due to the non-pathogenic nature of the active ingredient, an acute overdose is highly unlikely to cause a specific or severe toxic syndrome.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Element Regulatory Statement
Acute Toxic Effects No specific toxic effects are known or documented in regulatory labeling.
Severe Outcomes No life-threatening outcomes are documented as a direct result of acute overdosage.

Management and When to Seek Help

In the event of an overdose or over-ingestion, the official guidance directs management toward supportive care rather than specific toxicological interventions.

  • Antidote Status: No specific antidote is known or required, as stated in regulatory prescribing information.
  • Required Action: The primary management measure is the discontinuation of the product.
  • Supportive Measures: Symptomatic and supportive treatment should be applied if mild, non-specific gastrointestinal distress occurs.
  • Urgent Medical Attention: Contact emergency services or seek immediate medical attention only if severe, general symptoms occur, such as difficulty breathing or fainting, which aligns with standard procedures for any unexpected medical event. Specialized hospital monitoring is typically not mandated solely for over-ingestion of this specific agent.

Therapeutic Uses of Antibiophilus

Main Therapeutic Uses

Antibiophilus is a probiotic medicinal product containing the Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus (Lcr35) strain. It is primarily used to manage imbalances in the intestinal flora and to support digestive health across various age groups.

Restoration of Intestinal Microflora

The digestive system relies on a delicate balance of bacteria to function correctly. Factors such as illness, dietary changes, or environmental stress can disrupt this equilibrium. Antibiophilus helps restore the natural microbial population of the gut, contributing to improved intestinal transit and comfort.

Management of Diarrhea

This probiotic is commonly used as an adjunctive treatment for diarrhea. It is effective in two main contexts:

  • Acute Diarrhea: It helps reduce the duration and frequency of loose stools in cases of infectious or non-specific diarrhea.
  • Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: Antibiotics can inadvertently destroy beneficial gut bacteria while targeting pathogens. Antibiophilus is used to prevent or treat the digestive disturbances that often occur during or after a course of antibiotic therapy.

Key Benefits

Stabilization of the Digestive Barrier

By colonizing the intestinal tract, the Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus strain strengthens the biological barrier of the gut. This competitive inhibition helps prevent the overgrowth of potentially harmful microorganisms.

Improved Digestive Comfort

Regular use during periods of digestive upset can help alleviate common symptoms associated with flora imbalance, such as abdominal bloating and irregular bowel movements.

Versatility in Use

The formulation is designed to be suitable for a wide range of individuals, including infants, children, and adults, providing a consistent approach to microbial health management.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Antibiophilus?

Antibiophilus eligibility is strictly defined by regulatory guidelines, focusing on populations for whom use is prohibited or restricted.

Contraindications and Prohibited Use

The medicine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the active substance, Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus, or any other excipients.

Age-Group Eligibility

Use is generally permitted across adults, adolescents, and children over 2 years of age. Usage in infants (under two years) is also permissible but is specifically designated for use alongside adequate rehydration therapy.

High-Risk Restrictions

Use is not recommended in newborns and premature babies with severe underlying conditions. These include specific high-risk diagnoses such as necrotising enterocolitis, perinatal asphyxia, and those with extremely low birth weight (less than 1000 grams).

Conditional Use and Consultation

Patients must seek immediate medical advice if diarrhea persists for longer than two days or is accompanied by blood or high fever. Furthermore, due to the lactose content, patients with sugar intolerance must consult a doctor prior to starting the medicine. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is documented as possible.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Antibiophilus, a biological preparation containing the live culture Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus (LCR 35), is defined by its viability rather than traditional drug metabolism. Regulatory documentation confirms the product is not documented to be associated with classical pharmacokinetic interactions, such as CYP-mediated enzyme induction or inhibition, or with pharmacodynamic interactions documented for systemically absorbed small-molecule drugs.

Interactions with Medicinal Products and Substances

Official labeling documents establish two primary restrictions. To protect the viability of the live culture, administration of Antibiophilus must be separated from antibacterials (antibiotics) and antifungals by a mandatory period of at least 2 to 3 hours. This timing rule is a procedural requirement to prevent the antimicrobial agents from diminishing the product's intended effect.

Furthermore, co-ingestion with substances that destroy bacteria is restricted; specifically, alcohol and excessively hot food or drinks must not be taken concurrently.

Population-Specific Consideration

Official data notes a population-specific interaction consideration related to safety. The administration of the live culture carries a potential hazard in patients who are immunosuppressed, including those receiving concomitant therapies such as chemotherapy or high-dose corticosteroids. This interaction is classified in regulatory-aligned data as a moderate potential hazard.

Mechanism of Action

Antibiophilus, based on the Lactobacillus casei strain, functions primarily by modulating the composition of the intestinal microbiome. The administration of the probiotic strain facilitates competitive exclusion, whereby Lactobacillus casei actively engages in competition with intestinal pathogens for mucosal adhesion sites, leading to a subsequent reduction in pathogenic colonization. This activity supports the integrity of the microbial balance and influences the functional integrity of the intestinal epithelium . A secondary mechanism involves the strain's biochemical activity. Lactobacillus casei produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which act as signaling molecules. These SCFAs modulate the expression of molecules associated with the host inflammatory response, consequently influencing signal transduction pathways within the intestinal wall to affect local physiological processes.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of Antibiophilus (Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus [LCR 35]) is governed by instructions detailing the route, dosage, timing, and preparation of the medicine. The documented route of administration for all forms, including capsules and powder in sachets, is oral.

Official Administration Guidelines

Category Guidelines
Standard Adult Dosing Prophylaxis (e.g., antibiotic-related use): 2 units (capsules or sachets) daily. Symptomatic Treatment: 4 to 8 units (capsules or sachets) daily.
Frequency and Duration Dosing is administered once daily or in divided doses. A typical course lasts 10 to 14 days, though use for up to 3 months is documented for chronic symptom support.
Preparation Constraints The powder in sachets must be dissolved in a cool or room-temperature liquid, such as water, milk, fruit juice, or mixed with food like yogurt. Hot drinks are strictly prohibited for dissolution.
Timing Requirements It is recommended that the medicine be taken between meals to minimize the time spent in the stomach. Additionally, a mandatory separation of approximately 2 hours must be maintained between the administration of Antibiophilus and a dose of any concurrent antibiotic.
Pediatric Use The standard dose for children and adolescents (≥ 2 years) is 1 sachet or capsule daily, which may be increased to 2 units in more severe cases. Specific, reduced dosing schedules are detailed for infants, newborns, and premature babies based on birth weight (e.g., ≥ 2000 g vs. 1000–2000 g).

This protocol defines the procedure for preparing and scheduling the medicine. It dictates the necessary time-based separation from other medications and defines the dose adjustments required for specific populations, ensuring consistency in administration.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Antibiophilus

Research for Antibiophilus (Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus LCR 35) has explored its potential role when the intestinal environment is temporarily disturbed, particularly in conditions involving periods of heightened gastrointestinal symptoms. Findings describe group patterns observed in studies, but research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.


Evidence for Use in Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea (AAD)

The research exploring the product’s use during antibiotic treatment primarily consists of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comprehensive Systematic Reviews that combine trial data. These studies examined patterns in patients receiving antibiotics, a clinical scenario monitored for outcomes related to systemic imbalance. Researchers explored the incidence of diarrheal episodes and tracked changes in physical discomfort related to stool characteristics.

Studies monitored the occurrence rate of AAD in groups who received the product compared to control groups. Findings were noted in research involving adults, children, and the elderly. Research so far indicates the strain-specific nature of the measured outcomes; studies report that results may vary when compared to other probiotic strains.


Evidence for Use in Acute Infectious Diarrhoea

Research has explored the product’s application in patients experiencing acute gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly diarrhea associated with infectious causes like gastroenteritis. The evidence largely stems from RCTs and subsequent Meta-analyses, with a significant focus on data gathered from pediatric populations. This research examined short-term symptom changes in conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes.

Studies monitored patients closely during the acute illness phase, often for intervals of three to seven days. The primary outcomes assessed included measurements of diarrhea duration and measurements related to illness severity, such as duration of hospital stay. Research highlights changes measured during the study period, showing that outcomes observed may differ based on the infectious etiology (the cause of the diarrhea, such as viral versus bacterial).


What Remains Unclear or Uncertain About the Evidence

The evidence landscape, while expanding, still contains several research limitations. The evidence quality varies across studies, and results often apply only to the specific populations studied under the conditions of the trial. Comparative evidence is lacking to definitively contrast the product's profile against every alternative supportive treatment. Overall, the available data highlights what is known—and what is still uncertain—about this strain's use in these specific gastrointestinal conditions.

Key Studies & References

  1. Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food (FAO/WHO Working Group Report)
  2. The Efficacy of a Mix of Probiotics... in Preventing Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and Clostridium difficile Infection in Hospitalized Patients: Single-Center, Open-Label, Randomized Trial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Antibiophilus (FAQ)

Q: Is Antibiophilus an antibiotic?

A: Antibiophilus is not an antibiotic. It is a probiotic containing freeze-dried Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain LA-5), which is a type of 'good' bacteria. Its purpose is to help support the balance of the intestinal flora. It is often taken alongside or after an antibiotic.

Q: What is Antibiophilus used for?

A: It is generally used to help rebalance the intestinal flora that may have been disturbed. This disturbance can sometimes occur during or after antibiotic treatment, or in cases of non-specific diarrhea. It is intended to help restore a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.

Q: How quickly does Antibiophilus work?

A: The timeline for noticing effects can vary between individuals. As a probiotic, its action involves gradually helping to re-establish the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Consistent use, as suggested by your healthcare provider or the product label, is typically recommended.

Q: Can I take Antibiophilus if I have a compromised immune system?

A: Individuals with a severely compromised or weakened immune system should consult their doctor before starting any probiotic supplement, including Antibiophilus. Probiotics may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain underlying health conditions.

Q: Can children use Antibiophilus?

A: The suitability of Antibiophilus for children should be confirmed with a pediatrician or other healthcare professional. They can provide specific guidance based on the child's age, health status, and needs, ensuring safe and appropriate use.

How should Antibiophilus be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Instructions

The storage and disposal of Antibiophilus must strictly follow the conditions specified in regulatory labeling.

Storage Conditions

Requirement Specific Condition
Temperature Limit Do not store above 25°C (77°F).
Child Safety Must be kept out of the reach of children.
Stability Opened sachets must be used quickly and not stored.
Expiry Do not use the medicine after the expiration date on the packaging.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Antibiophilus must be discarded in accordance with local regulations for pharmaceutical waste. If no take-back program is available, national health authorities often recommend mixing medicines with an unappealing substance, sealing the mixture in a container, and disposing of it with household trash.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Antibiophilus found in:

A-Z Index: