Risaquad-2 Capsules
It is used to keep the normal balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Drug Class
Probiotic, Gut Health Supplement
Pharmacologic Class
Live Biotherapeutic Product, Microbiome Modulator
Pregnancy Category
Not applicable (generally considered safe, but no formal category)
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Risaquad-2 Capsules contain beneficial live bacteria, similar to those naturally found in your gut. These 'good' bacteria help maintain a healthy balance in your digestive system, supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To take this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food may help. Swallow the medication whole - do not chew or crush it. However, some products can be opened and mixed with a spoonful of applesauce. Check with your pharmacist to see if this is an option for your specific medication.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
The storage instructions for this medication may vary depending on the brand. Some brands require refrigeration, while others should be stored at room temperature. If you're unsure about the storage requirements, consult your pharmacist. It's also essential to know how long you can store the medication before it expires. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's 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 the missed one.
To take this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food may help. Swallow the medication whole - do not chew or crush it. However, some products can be opened and mixed with a spoonful of applesauce. Check with your pharmacist to see if this is an option for your specific medication.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
The storage instructions for this medication may vary depending on the brand. Some brands require refrigeration, while others should be stored at room temperature. If you're unsure about the storage requirements, consult your pharmacist. It's also essential to know how long you can store the medication before it expires. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's 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 the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber (prebiotics) to support probiotic growth.
- Stay hydrated.
- Store in a cool, dry place, or refrigerate if directed by the label, to maintain viability.
- Take consistently for best results.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
1-2 capsules daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional
Dose Range:
1 - 2 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
general_gut_health:
1 capsule daily
antibiotic_associated_diarrhea_prevention:
2 capsules daily, separated from antibiotic dose
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (consult pediatrician)
Infant:
Not established (consult pediatrician)
Child:
Not established (consult pediatrician, often lower doses or specific pediatric formulations)
Adolescent:
1 capsule daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Dialysis:
No specific considerations; consult healthcare professional
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Their mechanisms include: competitive exclusion of pathogens, production of antimicrobial substances (e.g., bacteriocins, lactic acid), modulation of the host immune system (e.g., enhancing IgA production, influencing cytokine profiles), strengthening the intestinal barrier function, and producing beneficial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids). Specific strains may have unique mechanisms.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Not applicable (probiotics are live organisms that act locally in the GI tract and are not absorbed systemically)
Tmax:
Not applicable
FoodEffect:
May be taken with or without food; some strains may have improved survival when taken with food or just before a meal.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable
CnssPenetration:
Not applicable
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (colonization and transit time vary)
Clearance:
Not applicable
ExcretionRoute:
Fecal excretion (live and dead organisms)
Unchanged:
Not applicable
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Variable, typically days to weeks for noticeable effects on gut health
PeakEffect:
Variable, sustained with continued use
DurationOfAction:
Effects diminish upon discontinuation as the introduced strains are cleared from the gut
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice 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. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only have mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
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. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice 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. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only have mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
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. 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 bloating or gas that worsens
- Signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills) in immunocompromised individuals (rare but possible)
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 symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting 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 symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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 your doctor, as some formulations of this drug may contain lactose. Additionally, if you have diabetes or high blood sugar, carefully review the labels of your medication, as some products may contain sugar. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss this with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Generally considered safe, even at high doses. Possible mild gastrointestinal upset (bloating, gas, loose stools) at very high doses.
What to Do:
Discontinue use. Symptoms are usually self-limiting. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or are severe. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control) for severe reactions.
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Antibiotics (may reduce probiotic viability; separate administration by at least 2-3 hours)
Minor Interactions
- Antifungals (less common interaction, but theoretical reduction in viability)
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Digestive comfort (bloating, gas, abdominal pain)
- Bowel regularity and stool consistency
- Overall well-being
- Resolution of target symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, constipation)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy, but always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk
Second Trimester:
Low risk
Third Trimester:
Low risk
Lactation
Generally considered safe during lactation. Probiotics are not absorbed systemically and are unlikely to pass into breast milk.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Use in children should be under the guidance of a pediatrician, especially for infants and very young children. Specific pediatric formulations with appropriate dosing are often preferred.
Geriatric Use
Generally safe for older adults. May be beneficial for age-related changes in gut microbiota. No specific dose adjustments typically needed.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Probiotics are living organisms; proper storage (e.g., refrigeration for some strains) is crucial for maintaining their viability and efficacy.
- When co-administering with antibiotics, advise patients to take the probiotic at least 2-3 hours apart from the antibiotic dose to minimize inactivation.
- The benefits of probiotics are often strain-specific; different strains may target different health conditions.
- Patients may experience mild gas or bloating initially as their gut microbiota adjusts; this usually subsides with continued use.
- Consistency is key; benefits are typically seen with regular, long-term use rather than intermittent dosing.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary changes (e.g., increased fiber intake, fermented foods)
- Lifestyle modifications (e.g., stress management, regular exercise)
- Specific medications for underlying digestive conditions (e.g., laxatives for constipation, anti-diarrheals for diarrhea)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely, typically $15-$50 per 30 capsules
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Not typically covered by insurance (OTC supplement)
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 occurred.