Risaquad Capsules
It is used to keep the normal balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Drug Class
Probiotic
Pharmacologic Class
Gut flora modulator
Pregnancy Category
Not available
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Risaquad Capsules contain beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in your gut. This can support digestion, boost your immune system, and help with issues like diarrhea or bloating.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use 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, take it with food to help minimize this side effect. It's essential to swallow the medication whole - do not chew or crush it. However, some products can be opened and mixed with a spoonful of applesauce, while others must be swallowed whole. Check with your pharmacist to determine if this is an option for your specific medication.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
The storage requirements for this medication vary by brand. Some brands need to be refrigerated, while others should be stored at room temperature. If you're unsure about the storage instructions, consult your pharmacist. It's also crucial to know how long you can store this medication before it expires. Keep all medications in a safe location, 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 a missed one.
To use 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, take it with food to help minimize this side effect. It's essential to swallow the medication whole - do not chew or crush it. However, some products can be opened and mixed with a spoonful of applesauce, while others must be swallowed whole. Check with your pharmacist to determine if this is an option for your specific medication.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
The storage requirements for this medication vary by brand. Some brands need to be refrigerated, while others should be stored at room temperature. If you're unsure about the storage instructions, consult your pharmacist. It's also crucial to know how long you can store this medication before it expires. Keep all medications in a safe location, 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 a missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Store in a cool, dry place, often refrigerated (check product label).
- Take consistently for best results.
- If taking antibiotics, take Risaquad Capsules at least 2-3 hours before or after the antibiotic dose.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber (prebiotics) to support probiotic growth.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
1-2 capsules once daily or as directed by a healthcare professional
Dose Range:
1 - 2 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevention:
1-2 capsules daily during and after antibiotic course
General digestive health:
1 capsule daily
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established
Child:
Dosing typically based on age/weight, consult pediatrician. Often 1 capsule daily (may open and mix contents with food/drink).
Adolescent:
Similar to adult dosing, 1 capsule daily
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Dialysis:
No specific considerations; generally safe
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: 1. Competitive exclusion of pathogens by competing for nutrients and adhesion sites. 2. Production of antimicrobial substances (e.g., bacteriocins, organic acids). 3. Modulation of the host immune system (e.g., enhancing IgA production, influencing cytokine profiles). 4. Strengthening the intestinal barrier function. 5. Production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which provide energy to colonocytes and lower gut pH.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Not applicable (live organisms colonize, not absorbed systemically)
Tmax:
Not applicable
FoodEffect:
May be taken with or without food; some strains may benefit from food for survival through gastric acid.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (colonization and excretion with feces)
Clearance:
Not applicable
ExcretionRoute:
Fecal
Unchanged:
Not applicable
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Variable, typically days to weeks for noticeable effects on gut health
PeakEffect:
Variable, depends on individual gut microbiome and condition being treated
DurationOfAction:
Effects persist as long as supplementation continues; colonization may last for a period 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, or 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 for advice:
- Gas
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach cramps
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible 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.
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, or 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 for advice:
- Gas
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach cramps
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible 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:
- Unusual or severe abdominal pain
- Persistent fever
- Signs of infection (e.g., chills, persistent nausea/vomiting)
- Allergic reaction symptoms (e.g., 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 symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. This medication may interact with other drugs or exacerbate certain health problems.
To ensure safe use, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Natural products and vitamins you are using
* Any health problems you have
Carefully review your medications and health conditions to confirm that it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with them. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage 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.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. This medication may interact with other drugs or exacerbate certain health problems.
To ensure safe use, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Natural products and vitamins you are using
* Any health problems you have
Carefully review your medications and health conditions to confirm that it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with them. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage 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 (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 breast-feeding, 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 with no specific overdose toxicity reported.
- May cause mild gastrointestinal upset (e.g., bloating, gas) at very high doses.
What to Do:
Discontinue use. Symptoms are usually self-limiting. If severe or persistent, seek medical attention. Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison control.
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, corticosteroids, biologics): May increase risk of bacteremia/fungemia in severely immunocompromised patients, though rare.
Minor Interactions
- Antibiotics: May reduce the efficacy of probiotics by killing the beneficial bacteria. Should be taken at least 2-3 hours apart from antibiotics.
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Changes in bowel habits (e.g., diarrhea, constipation)
- Abdominal discomfort or bloating
- Overall digestive well-being
- Symptoms of underlying conditions being managed (e.g., IBS symptoms)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy. Many studies support the use of probiotics in pregnant women for various health benefits.
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 in significant amounts.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Generally safe for children, but specific dosing and strain recommendations may vary by age. Consult a pediatrician before administering to infants or young children, especially those with underlying health conditions.
Geriatric Use
Generally safe for older adults. May be beneficial for age-related changes in gut microbiota. No specific dose adjustments are typically needed.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Probiotics are strain-specific; benefits observed with one strain may not apply to others.
- Always check the CFU count and specific strains on the product label.
- Refrigeration may be required for some probiotic products to maintain viability; always follow storage instructions.
- Advise patients to take probiotics consistently for optimal benefits.
- For antibiotic-associated diarrhea, advise taking probiotics a few hours apart from the antibiotic dose and continuing for at least a week after the antibiotic course finishes.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary changes (e.g., increased fiber intake, fermented foods)
- Prebiotics (e.g., inulin, FOS)
- Specific medications for digestive conditions (e.g., anti-diarrheals, laxatives, IBS medications) depending on the indication.
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$15 - $40 per 30 capsules
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Not typically covered by insurance as a prescription drug; may be covered by FSA/HSA.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is 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 it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.