Biogaia Probiotic Drops

BioGaia Probiotic Drops are oil-based liquid drops that contain live Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (formerly known as Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis) as the probiotic strain. The product is supplied in a 5 ml bottle with a dropper-style dispenser, and one daily serving of five drops provides at least 100 million live bacteria. It is classified as a probiotic food supplement rather than a medicine. Always check the label on the pack for the strain name and the number of live bacteria per serving.

The bacteria are suspended in a mixture of sunflower oil and medium-chain triglyceride oil, which keeps them in a stable form. According to the manufacturer, this oil-based formulation does not require refrigeration, and the drops do not change the taste of the food or drink they are given with. The strain was originally isolated from human breast milk and has been studied extensively in infants and children. Because the bacteria are alive, heat, moisture, and contact with saliva can reduce their quality.

The manufacturer states that the drops can be given to infants from birth, but they are not recommended for preterm infants unless a doctor advises it. Probiotic supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet, and the recommended daily amount must not be exceeded. Babies who are very young, who were born early, or who have a weakened immune system should only be given probiotics after speaking to a doctor. The DoctorOnCall pharmacist team can go through the label details with you before you order.

Shake the bottle well for about 10 seconds before each use to mix the bacteria with the oil. Tilt the bottle gently and let five drops fall slowly onto a clean spoon, or onto the nipple before feeding, or into breast milk or formula at room temperature. Give it once a day at about the same time.

Do not add the drops to hot food or hot drinks, and do not feed them directly into the mouth from the bottle, because heat and saliva can reduce the quality of the live bacteria. Close the bottle tightly after each use and avoid letting the dropper tip touch water or saliva.

Five drops once a day, which provides at least 100 million live L. reuteri DSM 17938. Do not exceed the recommended daily amount. This product is meant for infants and young children, and for older children or adults only as directed on the label or by a healthcare professional.

Use it only as a supplement and not as a replacement for a varied diet. See a doctor if a baby develops fever, blood in the stool, repeated vomiting, or severe abdominal pain while using the drops.

Use before the expiry date printed on the pack. Once the bottle has been opened, use the contents within 3 months. Do not use the drops if the oil smells unusual or the bottle has been exposed to heat.

Store in a dry place, at a temperature not above 25°C. Keep the bottle tightly closed, away from water and saliva, and do not freeze it or leave it in the sun or in a hot car. Keep it out of the reach of children.

• Common: mild gas or bloating.
• Common: temporary changes in stool consistency, such as slightly looser stools.
• Common: mild digestive discomfort, which is reported rarely.
• Serious: fever, blood in the stool, repeated vomiting, or severe abdominal pain in a baby. Stop the drops and seek medical care.
• Serious: rash, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction). This needs emergency care.
• Serious: signs of infection such as high fever, lethargy, or poor feeding in a baby with a weakened immune system or a central venous catheter. Seek urgent medical care.

• Known allergy (hypersensitivity) to any ingredient in the drops, including sunflower oil or the oil base.
• Preterm infants, unless a doctor specifically advises the drops.
• Babies or children with a weakened immune system or a central venous catheter, unless a doctor advises it.
• Nausea, fever, bloody diarrhoea, or severe abdominal pain, where medical assessment is needed first.

• Antibiotics and antifungal medicines: these can reduce the number of live bacteria in the gut, so ask a pharmacist about the timing if the baby is taking any of them.
• Immunosuppressive medicines and corticosteroids: live probiotics may not be suitable, so speak to a doctor first.
• Other probiotic products: combining them is not necessary, and a pharmacist can advise if you are using more than one.
• Food: do not give the drops with hot food or hot drinks, because heat can kill the live bacteria. Breast milk, formula, or food at room temperature is suitable.

• Shake the bottle for about 10 seconds before every use.
• Tilt the bottle gently so that the drops form slowly and you can count five.
• Give the drops on a clean spoon or add them to room-temperature milk, and never to hot food.
• Close the bottle tightly after each use and keep it dry and away from saliva.
• Write the opening date on the bottle so that you use it within 3 months.
• Keep the drops at a temperature not above 25°C, and avoid leaving them in a hot car or bag.

Precautions: Speak to a doctor before giving BioGaia Probiotic Drops to preterm infants, babies or children with a weakened immune system, or those with a central venous catheter. Do not exceed the recommended daily amount, and do not use the drops as a replacement for a varied diet. Do not add them to hot food or drinks. If a baby develops fever, blood in the stool, or repeated vomiting, stop the drops and seek medical care.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if a baby develops fever, blood in the stool, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or lips after using the drops. Seek advice if a baby was born early, has a weakened immune system, or is taking regular medicines and you want to check suitability. A pharmacist can also confirm how to give the drops and how to store the bottle.