Effect of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii on prevention of antibioticassociated diarrhea in adult outpatients with amoxicillin treatment Efecto del probiótico Saccharomyces boulardii en la prevención de la diarrea asociada con antibióticos en adultos am

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is one of the most common adverse effects of antimicrobials. Any antimicrobial can potentially produce diarrhea but beta-lactamics have a higher risk. Among these, amoxicillin is widely indicated in ambulatory practice. One of the alternatives suggested to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, is the use of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii. Aim: To evaluate whether the concomitant use of Saccharomyces boulardii and amoxicillin can prevent antibiotic associated diarrhea in ambulatory adults with acute infections diseases, without provoking other adverse effects. Material and Methods: Eighty six adults (aged 15 to 81 years) with acute infectious diseases, excluding those arising in the gastrointestinal tract, that received a prescription of oral amoxicillin for 5 to 10 days, were included. In a controlled randomized, double blind trial, 41 patients were assigned to receive lyophilized Saccharomyces boulardii (500 mg/day) during 12 days, a