Primadophilus® sometimes called Primdophilus® Bifidus, refers to an over-the-counter probiotic formulation that includes a variety of bacterial species. Consumers often use probiotics in hopes of recolonizing the gastric tract with the organisms necessary for colon health and food digestion. Individuals also use the preparation for the treatment of allergic responses, the prevention of oral or respiratory infections, and the treatment of urinary tract and vaginal infections. Studies suggest that probiotics prove helpful in some digestive diseases, but it benefits only relate to certain species of healthy bacteria.
Popular Primadophilus® preparations usually contain Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum. Probiotics enhance the barrier activity of the intestinal lining by protecting mucus producing cells. These bacteria also protect the gastric system by creating an acidic environment as they process foods. Probiotics displace gas forming and some forms of invading bacteria by inhibiting the microorganism's ability to adhere to colon walls. Inflammation-inhibiting cytokines develop in the presence of the bacteria, decreasing intestinal hypersensitivity.
Natural bacteria, or natural flora, form in the intestine shortly after birth. The bacteria grow, form colonies, and reside in the gastric system for a person's entire life.The intestines of the average person contain trillions of healthy bacteria of various species, though prescription antibiotics decrease the numbers of these beneficial bacteria. As antibiotics eliminate healthy bacteria along with the pathogenic bacterial species, patients can experience gastric distress caused by underpopulation of normal bacteria.
Physicians may recommend taking Primadophilus® during antibiotic administration and up to a week after completing treatment. Patients generally take the probiotic formula two hours before or after taking an antibiotic to ensure the benefit of both substances and to prevent interactions. Consumers sometimes use Primadophilus® prior to traveling to destinations associated with a condition known as traveler's diarrhea. Vacationers typically continue the regimen that is recommended on the label until returning home.
Some studies suggest that Primadophilus® benefits include shortening the duration of infectious diarrhea in children. Companies manufacture Primadophilus® for children in a chewable form. Research indicates that Bifidobacterium provides some symptomatic relief in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis and that it encourages the remission of the disease. Primadophilus® does not provide relief for patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and studies indicate that the probiotic may worsen the condition.
Common Primadophilus® side effects include abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea. Physicians caution that using probiotic formulations habitually may lead to overgrowth of bacterial populations, especially in patients who have compromised immune systems. Some patients develop secondary opportunistic infections from bacteria traveling to other areas of the body through the bloodstream, causing sepsis. Health care providers may also advise against the use of probiotic preparations in patients with indwelling medical devices.