VSL 3 Capsule
Live Freeze Dried Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria (112.5Billion CFU)
by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
strip of 10 capsules
About this medicine
VSL 3 Capsule has good bacteria which have gastrointestinal (GI) protective properties and maintain a healthy digestive tract (stomach and intestines). It is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation) and ulcerative colitis. VSL 3 Capsule is taken with or without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. The dose you are given will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. You should take this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Consult a doctor while taking any other medicine especially steroids or antibiotics along with this medicine. The most common side effects are bloating and flatulence. Most of these are temporary and usually resolve with time. Contact your doctor straight away if you are at all concerned about any of these side effects. Before taking this medicine, you should let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor.
Uses
- Treatment of Ulcerative colitis
- Treatment of Irritable bowel syndrome
Benefits
In treatment of Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the large intestine (colon) and rectum in which the lining of the bowel becomes red and swollen. This can lead to bleeding, frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain. VSL 3 Capsule contains beneficial bacteria that protect the inner layers of your stomach and intestines. It relieves these symptoms and also helps you to stay well by preventing them from coming back. You need to take this medicine regularly to get the most out of it and you should drink plenty of fluids while taking it to make sure you stay hydrated.
How it works
VSL 3 Capsule is a probiotic. It contains healthy bacteria that stick to the walls of the digestive tract. This forms a barrier that protects the inner layer of the gut against harmful bacteria and other toxic substances that may upset your digestive system.
How to use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. VSL 3 Capsule may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Common side effects
- Bloating
- Flatulence
Safety advice
- AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with VSL 3 Capsule. Please consult your doctor.
- PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- Information regarding the use of VSL 3 Capsule during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
- Breast feedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- Information regarding the use of VSL 3 Capsule during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
- DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- It is not known whether VSL 3 Capsule alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
- KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- There is limited information available on the use of VSL 3 Capsule in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
- LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- There is limited information available on the use of VSL 3 Capsule in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of VSL 3 Capsule, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick facts
- Habit Forming
- No
- Therapeutic Class
- Gastro intestinal
- Action Class
- Probiotics
Frequently asked questions
Is VSL 3 Capsule a probiotic?
Yes, VSL 3 Capsule is a probiotic, the opposite of an antibiotic. Probiotics are ‘good bacteria’ which help to maintain digestive health and boost the immune system. Generally, Probiotics are used in cases where the normal bacteria are killed due to some disease or medicine. For example, taking antibiotics can kill the disease-causing bacteria as well as normal bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract. Hence, to counter such imbalance of good bacteria taking probiotics while you are on antibiotics can help.
Can VSL 3 Capsule cause diarrhea?
Generally, VSL 3 Capsule are considered safe when taken by mouth appropriately. However, in some people, it can cause stomach upset which may result in diarrhoea, bloating and flatulence (accumulation of gas).
How long should VSL 3 Capsule be taken?
Usually, full benefits with VSL 3 Capsule can be observed in one month. This is because a minimum of four weeks are required to allow the colonisation of the gut by good bacteria to become stable. However, you need to keep a record if there is an improvement in your symptoms or not. The dose of the medicine should be taken as recommended by your doctor or the manufacturer.
Can I take antibiotic and probiotic at the same time?
Taking antibiotics along with VSL 3 Capsule might reduce the effectiveness of VSL 3 Capsule. To avoid this interaction keep minimum of 2 hours gap (before or after) between the two.
Product details
- Manufacturer
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
- Salt composition
- Live Freeze Dried Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria (112.5Billion CFU)
- Pack
- strip of 10 capsules
- Dosage form
- Capsule
- Storage
- Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze.
The content above is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a registered medical practitioner before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.