This active ingredient is in Mutaflor
The Mutaflor effect is based on the effects of the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli. This bacterium is one of the natural colonizers of the intestinal flora of humans and has a variety of health-promoting influences on an ailing intestine. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and a positive influence on the immune system.
Thus, the preparation forms antimicrobial substances that protect the organism from disease-causing microorganisms and activates the body’s own antibiotics.
The drug optimizes the nutrient supply of the intestinal mucosa and supports its function. Metabolites formed by the bacteria are involved in the regulation of intestinal motility. Thus, the drug supports the onward transport of the food to be digested in the intestine.
When is Mutaflor used?
Mutaflor is used in:
- chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease) in the relapse-free period (remission phase)
- permanent constipation (chronic constipation)
- diarrheal diseases
What are the side effects of Mutaflor?
At the beginning of treatment, flatulence is common. Very rarely, gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting) as well as skin redness, and rash and headache are possible.
You should be aware of the following when using Mutaflor
If the patient has an allergic reaction to the active ingredient of Mutaflor or other components of the drug, it must not be used.
The drug should be used with particular caution in cases of diarrhea, as there is a risk of dehydration, especially in young children or the elderly, due to the sometimes considerable loss of fluid.
If other medications are taken at the same time, the doctor should be informed in order to exclude possible interactions with other drugs. Agents against infections (certain antibiotics and sulfonamides) may limit the effect of Mutaflor.
Children and adolescents
Only the suspension is suitable for the treatment of infants and children up to the age of twelve. Other Mutaflor preparations should not be used for children under twelve years of age, as they have not been adequately tested for tolerability.
Mutaflor dosage depends on the type of treatment. For infants and children up to twelve years of age, the following dosages are prescribed:
- for acute diarrhea: 1 ml of the suspension one to three times a day for up to five days (in case of prolonged diarrhea, the administration may be extended to 15 days)
- to strengthen the not yet fully developed defense system: in the first week of life once a day 1 ml and in the second and third week of life three days a week 1 ml.
The suspension is instilled into the mouth before drinking in infants, and after a meal in toddlers.
Adolescents and adults take the drug in capsule form. Within the first four days of treatment, one capsule daily is recommended. Thereafter, two capsules per day are used permanently, depending on the therapeutic goal. In the case of persistent constipation symptoms, four tablets daily may also be necessary. During the symptom-free period between episodes of inflammatory bowel disease, the capsules should be taken continuously and regularly.
Early discontinuation of therapy can promote the development of acute inflammatory bowel disease. In case of constipation, the duration of use should not exceed six weeks. Mutaflor works best if the capsule is swallowed whole with a meal (preferably at breakfast) with sufficient liquid.
How to obtain Mutaflor
Mutaflor products can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. A doctor or pharmacist can advise on the right preparation in individual cases.
Complete information about this drug
Here you can find the complete information about the drug as a download (PDF)
