Loading...
Loading...
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Bacterial Immune Stimulator
Brand Name
Bacterial Immune Stimulator
Generic Name
Bacterial Immune Stimulator
Active Ingredient
AloeCategory
Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 [hp_X]/59mL | LIQUID | ORAL | 63083-6006 |
Detailed information about Bacterial Immune Stimulator
References used for this content
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Bacterial Immune Stimulator, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Aloe is a botanical substance used topically for wound healing and historically as an oral laxative. It belongs to the Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC] class and contains bioactive anthraquinones and polysaccharides.
Dosage for Aloe varies significantly based on the intended use and the specific formulation. Because many products are marketed as dietary supplements, standardized dosing is often unavailable.
Oral Aloe should be avoided in patients with renal impairment. The potential for electrolyte shifts (specifically hypokalemia) can exacerbate kidney dysfunction and increase the risk of cardiac complications.
There are no specific dosage adjustments provided for hepatic impairment; however, rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been linked to oral Aloe supplements. Use with extreme caution in patients with underlying liver disease.
Elderly patients are at a higher risk for electrolyte depletion and dehydration. If oral Aloe is used, it should be at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Monitoring of potassium levels is advised.
If you miss a dose of Aloe, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up, especially with oral formulations, as this increases the risk of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
Signs of an oral Aloe overdose include:
In the event of an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on fluid and electrolyte replacement.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose or start oral Aloe without medical guidance, particularly if you have underlying health conditions.
When used topically, Aloe is generally well-tolerated. However, common reactions include:
When taken orally, common side effects include:
> Warning: Stop taking Aloe and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these:
No FDA black box warnings currently exist for Aloe, primarily because it is not an FDA-approved prescription drug. However, the FDA has issued strong safety communications regarding the lack of safety data for its use as an OTC laxative.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. If you suspect a serious reaction, contact the FDA MedWatch program.
Aloe is not a benign substance, particularly when ingested. Patients must distinguish between topical Aloe gel (generally safe) and oral Aloe latex (potentially toxic). Oral Aloe should never be used as a long-term solution for constipation. If you have a known allergy to plants in the Liliaceae family (such as onions, garlic, and tulips), you are at a higher risk of an allergic reaction to Aloe.
No FDA black box warnings for Aloe. However, the regulatory removal of Aloe from the OTC laxative category in 2002 serves as a significant regulatory warning regarding its safety profile for internal use.
If a healthcare provider supervises the use of oral Aloe, the following monitoring may be required:
Topical Aloe does not affect the ability to drive. However, oral Aloe may cause sudden, urgent bowel movements or abdominal cramping that could distract a driver or operator of heavy machinery.
Alcohol can exacerbate the dehydrating effects of oral Aloe. Combining the two may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances and gastrointestinal irritation.
If Aloe has been used orally for an extended period, it should be discontinued under medical supervision. Abrupt cessation may lead to "rebound constipation" where the bowels are unable to function normally without the stimulant. A gradual tapering and an increase in dietary fiber and fluid intake are typically recommended.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially gastrointestinal or renal issues, with your healthcare provider before starting Aloe.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. The risk of interaction is highest with oral Aloe latex.
Aloe must NEVER be used orally in the following conditions:
Patients with known hypersensitivity to other members of the Liliaceae (Lily) family may experience cross-allergic reactions. This includes plants such as:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any history of bowel disease or allergies, before recommending the use of Aloe.
Elderly patients are more susceptible to the adverse effects of stimulant laxatives.
Patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 30 mL/min should avoid oral Aloe entirely. The risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) is increased in these patients due to the potential for severe volume depletion.
While not a primary route of elimination, the liver processes absorbed Aloe metabolites. Patients with Child-Pugh Class B or C cirrhosis should avoid oral Aloe supplements due to rare reports of hepatotoxicity and the risk of exacerbating hepatic encephalopathy if dehydration occurs.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always consult a specialist before using Aloe if you are pregnant, nursing, or have chronic health conditions.
Aloe's pharmacology is divided into its polysaccharide-mediated effects (healing) and its anthraquinone-mediated effects (laxative). The polysaccharide acemannan binds to mannose receptors on macrophages, enhancing their phagocytic activity and the production of growth factors. Topically, the enzyme bradykinase breaks down bradykinin, a chemical mediator of pain and inflammation. Orally, aloin is converted by colonic bacteria into aloe-emodin, which acts directly on the intestinal mucosa to stimulate chloride secretion and inhibit water reabsorption.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Low (Oral glycosides); Variable (Topical) |
| Protein Binding | Unknown in humans |
| Half-life | ~3-6 hours (for active metabolites) |
| Tmax | 8-12 hours (for systemic absorption of metabolites) |
| Metabolism | Gut bacteria (primary); Liver (secondary) |
| Excretion | Fecal (primary); Renal (secondary) |
Aloe belongs to the Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC] class and is functionally a Stimulant Laxative when used orally. It shares characteristics with other anthraquinone-containing plants like Senna and Cascara Sagrada.
Common questions about Bacterial Immune Stimulator
Aloe is primarily used topically to treat minor skin irritations, such as sunburns, first-degree burns, and small abrasions, due to its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used in some skin creams to manage symptoms of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Historically, the yellow latex from the plant was used as a potent oral laxative to treat acute constipation. However, due to safety concerns, its use as an over-the-counter laxative is no longer supported by the FDA. Some people also use decolorized Aloe juice as a dietary supplement for digestive health, though clinical evidence for this is limited.
The most common side effects of topical Aloe include mild skin redness, itching, or a transient stinging sensation at the application site. When taken orally, the most frequent side effects are significant abdominal cramping and watery diarrhea. Oral use can also cause a harmless reddish-brown discoloration of the urine. If used for more than a few days, oral Aloe can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium. Long-term oral use is also associated with a dark pigmentation of the colon lining known as melanosis coli.
It is generally not recommended to consume alcohol while taking oral Aloe. Alcohol is a diuretic and can cause dehydration, which compounds the dehydrating effects of Aloe's laxative action. This combination significantly increases the risk of electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium, which can affect heart rhythm. Additionally, both alcohol and Aloe can irritate the gastrointestinal lining, potentially leading to increased stomach upset. Topical Aloe use is not affected by alcohol consumption.
Topical Aloe gel is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy for minor skin issues. However, oral Aloe is strictly contraindicated and should be avoided entirely by pregnant women. The anthraquinones in Aloe latex can cause uterine contractions, which may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Furthermore, there is insufficient data to guarantee the safety of the developing fetus from the systemic absorption of Aloe metabolites. Always consult your obstetrician before using any herbal supplement during pregnancy.
For topical applications, the cooling and soothing effect of Aloe gel is usually felt immediately upon contact with the skin. For its laxative effect, oral Aloe typically takes between 6 and 12 hours to produce a bowel movement. This delay occurs because the active compounds must travel to the large intestine and be activated by natural gut bacteria. Because of this timeframe, oral doses are often taken at bedtime to produce results the following morning. If no effect is seen after 24 hours, you should contact your healthcare provider.
If you have been using Aloe topically, you can stop at any time without any withdrawal symptoms. However, if you have been using oral Aloe as a laxative for an extended period, stopping suddenly may cause 'rebound constipation.' This happens because the bowels have become dependent on the stimulant effect of the Aloe to move. It is best to gradually reduce the dose while increasing your intake of water and dietary fiber. If you have used it for more than two weeks, consult a doctor for a safe discontinuation plan.
If you miss a dose of Aloe, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular routine. You should never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one, as this significantly increases the risk of severe stomach cramps and diarrhea. For topical use, simply apply the gel when you remember. Consistency is less critical for topical Aloe than for medications used to treat chronic systemic conditions.
There is no evidence to suggest that Aloe causes weight gain. In fact, because oral Aloe acts as a potent laxative, it may cause temporary weight loss due to the depletion of water and stool. However, this is not a healthy or permanent form of weight loss and can lead to dangerous dehydration and electrolyte loss. Using laxatives like Aloe for weight management is considered a form of disordered eating and can cause long-term damage to the digestive system. Topical Aloe has no effect on body weight.
Oral Aloe has several significant drug interactions and should be used cautiously with other medications. It can interact dangerously with heart medications like Digoxin and diuretics (water pills) by lowering potassium levels to dangerous lows. It may also increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners like Warfarin. If you are taking medication for diabetes, Aloe might lower your blood sugar further, requiring a dose adjustment. Always provide your healthcare provider with a full list of your current medications before starting oral Aloe.
Aloe is a natural botanical substance and is not 'branded' in the way prescription drugs are, so it is widely available in many generic and store-brand forms. You can find it as pure gel, in lotions, or as dried leaf powder in capsules. However, because it is sold as a dietary supplement rather than an FDA-approved drug, the quality and concentration of the active ingredients can vary significantly between brands. It is important to choose products from reputable manufacturers that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Aloe)