Saccharomyces Boulardii: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Saccharomyces Boulardii is a probiotic yeast. It is used for diarrhoea, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and travellers' diarrhoea. In Pakistan it is available as sachets, made by 5 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Saccharomyces Boulardii works

Saccharomyces boulardii is a live, beneficial yeast that passes through the gut. It helps restore a healthy balance of gut microbes, blocks some harmful bacteria and their toxins, and supports the gut lining. Because it is a yeast rather than a bacterium, antibiotics do not kill it.

What is Saccharomyces Boulardii used for?

• Diarrhoea
• Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
• Travellers' diarrhoea

Saccharomyces Boulardii is a probiotic used to help prevent and manage diarrhoea. It is commonly taken alongside antibiotics to lower the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, and it may shorten bouts of acute infectious diarrhoea in children and adults. It is also used to help prevent travellers' diarrhoea. It works best combined with oral rehydration solution, which remains the most important treatment for dehydration.

Side effects of Saccharomyces Boulardii

Most people take Saccharomyces Boulardii without any problems. Occasionally it causes:

• Bloating
• Wind
• Mild stomach discomfort
• Constipation

Seek medical help if diarrhoea is bloody, comes with high fever or signs of dehydration such as very little urine, or if a person with a weak immune system develops a fever while taking it.

Precautions and warnings

• Do not use Saccharomyces Boulardii if you have a central venous catheter (central line), are critically ill or have a severely weakened immune system, as rare bloodstream fungal infections have been reported.
• Do not mix capsule or sachet contents with very hot food or drinks, or with alcohol, as this kills the live yeast.
• Keep up fluids, using oral rehydration solution (ORS) for diarrhoea, especially in children and older adults.
• Antifungal medicines taken by mouth can reduce its effect.
• See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than a couple of days, or sooner for babies and young children, and ask before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Saccharomyces Boulardii

What is the price of Saccharomyces Boulardii in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Saccharomyces Boulardii products currently in stock range from Rs 845 to Rs 1,230 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Hiflora Sachets at Rs 845. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Saccharomyces Boulardii are available in Pakistan?

Saccharomyces Boulardii is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Ecotec (Searle Company Limited), Hiflora (Health Care Pharmaceuticals), Biflor (Hilton Pharma Ltd), Actiflor (Pharmevo LIMITED.), Enflor (Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals Ltd) and Amybact (Ici Pharmaceuticals).

Do I need a prescription for Saccharomyces Boulardii?

Saccharomyces Boulardii is generally available without a prescription. Read the leaflet before use and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.

Can Saccharomyces Boulardii be used during pregnancy?

See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than a couple of days, or sooner for babies and young children, and ask before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Saccharomyces Boulardii brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 5 products containing Saccharomyces Boulardii from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.