Abatinex 680mg Capsules
It is used to keep the normal balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Drug Class
Probiotic, Dietary Supplement, Gastrointestinal Agent
Pharmacologic Class
Live Biotherapeutic Product, Probiotic
Pregnancy Category
Not available
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Abatinex 680mg Capsules contain beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus, which are probiotics. These 'good' bacteria help maintain a healthy balance in your digestive system, support gut health, and may help with issues like diarrhea or bloating, especially after antibiotic use.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food. If you experience stomach upset, taking it with food may help. You can also sprinkle the capsule contents on soft food or liquid, but do not chew.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication according to the instructions provided. Some brands require refrigeration, while others should be kept at room temperature. If you are unsure about storage, consult your pharmacist. Be aware of the expiration date or the length of time you can store your medication before it needs to be discarded.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food. If you experience stomach upset, taking it with food may help. You can also sprinkle the capsule contents on soft food or liquid, but do not chew.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication according to the instructions provided. Some brands require refrigeration, while others should be kept at room temperature. If you are unsure about storage, consult your pharmacist. Be aware of the expiration date or the length of time you can store your medication before it needs to be discarded.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- If taking antibiotics, separate probiotic dose by at least 2-3 hours.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
1-2 capsules daily
Dose Range:
1 - 2 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
General Use:
1 capsule daily with food.
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea Prevention:
1-2 capsules daily, separated from antibiotic dose by 2-3 hours.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established for this specific product; consult pediatrician for probiotic use.
Infant:
Not established for this specific product; consult pediatrician for probiotic use.
Child:
Not established for this specific product; consult pediatrician for probiotic use.
Adolescent:
Similar to adult dosing, 1-2 capsules daily, or as directed by healthcare professional.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment data available; unlikely to require adjustment as systemic absorption is minimal.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment data available; unlikely to require adjustment as systemic absorption is minimal.
Severe:
No specific adjustment data available; unlikely to require adjustment as systemic absorption is minimal.
Dialysis:
No specific considerations; unlikely to be affected by dialysis.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment data available; unlikely to require adjustment as systemic absorption is minimal.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment data available; unlikely to require adjustment as systemic absorption is minimal.
Severe:
No specific adjustment data available; unlikely to require adjustment as systemic absorption is minimal.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Lactobacillus species are beneficial bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tract. They exert their effects by: 1. Competing with pathogenic bacteria for nutrients and adhesion sites. 2. Producing antimicrobial substances (e.g., lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins). 3. Modulating the host immune system. 4. Improving gut barrier function. 5. Aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Not applicable (primarily local action in GI tract)
Tmax:
Not applicable
FoodEffect:
Often recommended with food or milk to enhance survival through gastric acid.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (colonization, not systemic elimination)
Clearance:
Not applicable
ExcretionRoute:
Fecal
Unchanged:
Not applicable
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Days to weeks for full colonization and beneficial effects.
PeakEffect:
Varies, often after several days to weeks of consistent use.
DurationOfAction:
Effects persist as long as supplementation continues; colonization may decrease after discontinuation.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak
Unusual thirst
Changes in urine output
Muscle pain
Bone pain
Weight loss
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Gas
Upset stomach or vomiting
Decreased appetite
Stomach cramps
Dry mouth
* Headache
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak
Unusual thirst
Changes in urine output
Muscle pain
Bone pain
Weight loss
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Gas
Upset stomach or vomiting
Decreased appetite
Stomach cramps
Dry mouth
* Headache
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent fever
- Signs of infection (rare, but possible in severely immunocompromised individuals)
- Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If the patient is a premature infant or has a weight of less than 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds).
To ensure safe treatment, it is crucial to disclose all of your medications, including:
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Natural products
* Vitamins
Additionally, inform your doctor about any existing health problems. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances or health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If the patient is a premature infant or has a weight of less than 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds).
To ensure safe treatment, it is crucial to disclose all of your medications, including:
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Natural products
* Vitamins
Additionally, inform your doctor about any existing health problems. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances or health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you follow a lactose-free diet, consult with your doctor, as some formulations of this drug may contain lactose. Additionally, if you have diabetes (high blood sugar), carefully review the labels of this medication, as some products may contain sugar. Be aware that different brands of this medication may be suitable for children of varying ages, so it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor before administering it to a child. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, notify your doctor, as you will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Mild gastrointestinal upset (e.g., increased flatulence, bloating)
What to Do:
Discontinue use; symptoms are usually self-limiting. If severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional. Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison control.
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Immunosuppressants (theoretical risk of bacteremia in severely immunocompromised patients, though rare with Lactobacillus)
- Antibiotics (may reduce efficacy of probiotics if taken concurrently; separate dosing by 2-3 hours)
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, constipation, bloating)
- Absence of adverse effects (e.g., flatulence, mild abdominal discomfort)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy, as Lactobacillus is a natural component of the human microbiome. However, always consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements during pregnancy.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk
Second Trimester:
Low risk
Third Trimester:
Low risk
Lactation
Generally considered safe during lactation, as Lactobacillus is a natural component of breast milk and the infant gut microbiome. Consult a healthcare provider.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Probiotic use in children is common, but specific dosing and strains may vary. Consult a pediatrician before administering to children, especially infants.
Geriatric Use
Generally safe for geriatric patients. May be beneficial for age-related changes in gut flora. No specific dose adjustments typically required.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Probiotics are strain-specific; effects observed with one strain may not be generalizable to others.
- Often used to prevent or treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- May help with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in some individuals.
- Store according to manufacturer's instructions (some require refrigeration, others are shelf-stable).
- Not a substitute for medical treatment of serious infections or conditions.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary changes (e.g., increased fiber intake, fermented foods)
- Prebiotics (e.g., FOS, inulin)
- Antidiarrheals (for symptom management)
- Antispasmodics (for IBS symptom management)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Highly variable; typically $15-$50 per 30 capsules
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Not typically covered by insurance as a prescription; may be covered by FSA/HSA.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.