Drug Interaction Report

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR: Probiotic use during immunosuppressant or intense antineoplastic therapy may theoretically increase the risk of infections from the live microorganisms contained in probiotic products. Patients may be immunosuppressed if they have recently received or are receiving alkylating agents, antimetabolites, radiation, some antirheumatic agents, high dosages of corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic agents, or long-term topical or inhaled corticosteroids. Although probiotics are generally considered safe, with minimal to low pathogenicity, infections such as bacteremia and endocarditis with various strains commonly found in probiotics (e.g., lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, Bacillus subtilis) have been rarely reported, primarily in critically ill patients or patients with significant underlying medical conditions such as malignancy, organ transplantation, AIDS, valvular heart disease, diabetes mellitus, recent surgery, or compromised immune system. Lactobacillus bacteremia has also been reported following endoscopy. In addition, cases of lactobacillus pneumonia and liver abscess, as well as Saccharomyces fungemia, pneumonia, liver abscess, peritonitis and vaginitis, have been described in the medical literature.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when probiotics are used during immunosuppressant or intense antineoplastic therapy. It may be advisable to avoid using probiotics, particularly products containing saccharomyces boulardii, in patients who are significantly immunosuppressed unless benefits are anticipated to outweigh the potential risk of infection.

Ask your doctor before using levamisole together with ethanol (alcohol). You should avoid drinking alcohol, it can increase some of the side effects of levamisole. This can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and upset stomach. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.