Products
is commercially available in many countries in the form of capsules and as powder in sachets (Perenterol) and has been approved since 1990. Perenterol travel has been registered and approved for the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea since 2010. In Europe, the fungus has been used as a probiotic since the 1950s.
Structure and properties
Is a yeast fungus closely related to brewer’s yeast that thrives best at body temperature (37°C) (synonyms: Hansen CBS 5926, var. ). It is available freeze-dried in medicinal products. The name of the fungus is derived from its discoverer Henri Boulard. The French microbiologist discovered it in 1920 in Indochina during a cholera epidemic. The ingredient in the capsules is also known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 desiccatus.
Effects
(ATC A07FA02) is antidiarrheal. It has antitoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, among others. The fungus is viable but does not settle permanently in the intestine; it is excreted within a few days.
Indications
Is approved for the prevention and treatment of diarrheal diseases of various causes. For example, it can be used for traveler’s diarrhea or diarrhea resulting from antibiotic treatment.
Dosage
According to the package insert. The medicine can be administered to infants, children and adults. The powder should not be mixed with food that is too hot (>50°C), ice cold (0°C), or contains alcohol.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Immunodeficiency
- Drugs should not be opened or handled near patients with central venous catheters because of the risk of fungemia.
Refer to the drug label for complete precautions.
Interactions
Antifungals may kill fungi, reducing the effectiveness of the drug. Unlike other probiotics, however, combination with antibiotics is possible.
Adverse effects
Adverse effects are rare. Very rarely, fever, fungemia, hypersensitivity reactions, and flatulence have been reported. Fungemia (fungus in the blood) has been observed primarily in hospitalized patients with a central venous catheter and is likely via external contamination, not ingestion.
