Registered Malawi · PMRA

ACTILOSA DS COMBINATION PRODUCT DRY SUSPENSION

PREBIOTIC AND PROBIOTIC

PMPB/PL477/47 DRY SUSPENSION

What it does

Prebiotics are substances that help improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

Commonly used for: digestive health, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Read more in plain English ↓

Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

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Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.

Sourcing - Kenya only

Registration & product details

Registration no.
PMPB/PL477/47
Registration date
07/10/2022
Expiry date
31/03/2024
Status
Registered
Active ingredient
PREBIOTIC AND PROBIOTIC
Dosage form
DRY SUSPENSION
Strength
-
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
Manufacturer / MAH
-
Applicant / LTR
-
Country of origin
-

Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:44 · updated 2026-09-26 04:30:28

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (Malawi). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About prebiotic

Prebiotics are substances that help improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

What it treats

  • digestive health
  • constipation
  • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

How it works

Prebiotics serve as food for good bacteria in the gut, which helps them grow and thrive, leading to better digestion and overall gut function.

Who it's for

Adults and children looking to support their digestive health or improve symptoms related to gut issues.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About probiotic

Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for your health, especially your digestive system.

What it treats

  • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • inflammatory bowel diseases

How it works

Probiotics help balance the good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can improve digestion and overall gut health.

Who it's for

Probiotics can be taken by people looking to support their digestive health or those experiencing digestive issues.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: prebiotic

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. They are typically composed of dietary fibers such as inulin, oligofructose, and galacto-oligosaccharides. Prebiotics serve as food sources for probiotics, thereby enhancing gut health, improving digestion, and potentially influencing immune function.

Indications

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gut dysbiosis
  • Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
  • Enhancement of gut health

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific product guidelines and consult a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing in children.

Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines as dosing may vary based on the type of prebiotic and individual health needs.

Mechanism of action

Prebiotics exert their effects by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial gut bacteria. They are fermented by the gut microbiota, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which can provide various health benefits, including improved colonic health and modulation of the immune system.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of prebiotics involves changes in gut microbiota composition and activity. By enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, prebiotics can lead to increased production of SCFAs, reduction of pathogenic bacteria, and improved intestinal barrier function. This can result in improved digestion, enhanced immune response, and potential benefits in managing gastrointestinal disorders.

Pharmacokinetics

Prebiotics are not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract; instead, they reach the colon intact where they undergo fermentation by gut bacteria. The fermentation process results in the production of SCFAs and gases. The absorption of SCFAs can occur, and they can enter systemic circulation, exerting various metabolic effects. The bioavailability of prebiotics is thus closely linked to their fermentation rate and the composition of the gut microbiota.

Adverse effects

  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

Interactions

  • May enhance the effects of certain medications affecting gastrointestinal motility
  • May alter the absorption of some drugs due to changes in gut flora

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal disorders
  • Monitor for symptoms of intolerance in sensitive individuals

Pregnancy

Generally considered safe during pregnancy, but consult a healthcare provider for individual assessment.

Breast-feeding

Generally safe during breastfeeding, but individual assessment is recommended.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Follow specific product storage instructions.

Formulations

  • Powders
  • Capsules
  • Tablets
  • Functional foods

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: probiotic

BNF-referenced

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. They are commonly used to improve gut health and restore the natural balance of gut flora, particularly after antibiotic use or in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or diarrhea. Probiotics can also support immune function and have been investigated for their role in various other health conditions.

Indications

  • Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Immune system support
  • Prevention of infections in certain populations

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific product guidelines, as dosing may vary based on the probiotic strain, age, and clinical indication.

Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines, as dosing may vary based on the probiotic strain and clinical indication.

Mechanism of action

Probiotics exert their effects through several mechanisms, including the competition with pathogenic microorganisms for adhesion sites in the gut, production of antimicrobial substances such as bacteriocins, modulation of the immune system, and enhancement of the intestinal barrier function. They may also influence gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity, contributing to improved gut health.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of probiotics involve their ability to adhere to the intestinal epithelium, survive gastric acid and bile, and proliferate in the gut. These properties enable them to exert beneficial effects on gut health, including the suppression of pathogenic bacteria, enhancement of mucosal immunity, and modulation of gut inflammatory responses. Additionally, they may produce short-chain fatty acids and other metabolites that promote gut health.

Pharmacokinetics

Probiotics generally exhibit a transient presence in the gastrointestinal tract, with limited absorption into the systemic circulation. The survival of probiotic strains is influenced by factors such as the formulation, the presence of prebiotics, and the individual's gastrointestinal environment. They typically reach peak concentrations in the gut shortly after administration, and their effects are often dose-dependent.

Adverse effects

  • Gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea

Precautions

  • Caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders
  • Consider potential immunocompromised state in patients

Pregnancy

Generally considered safe, but consult healthcare provider.

Breast-feeding

Generally considered safe, but consult healthcare provider.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to moisture.

Formulations

  • Capsules
  • Powders for oral suspension
  • Tablets

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Molecular reference: probiotic

PubChem CID 6713928

Molecular formula: C17H19N3O4S

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

This drug in other countries

The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.