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Dietary supplement

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive health and balance, diarrhea (including antibiotic-related), vaginal yeast and bacterial infections.Based on those ingredients, 182 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Lactobacillus acidophilus. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Swanson

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Swanson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Swanson

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 13, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.

This product contains one active ingredient: Lactobacillus acidophilus at 1 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per capsule. It's a live probiotic — a friendly bacteria strain meant to support gut health.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients (microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin, silica, and magnesium stearate) that serve as fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: maintains healthy GI bacteria balance and bowel regularity.
  • We looked for evidence on: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Clostridioides difficile infection, Constipation, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Lactose intolerance — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Also on file: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Radiation-induced diarrhea, Lactose intolerance, and more.

The evidence we hold rates Lactobacillus acidophilus as possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and bacterial vaginosis. For atopic disease (allergic and eczema-related conditions), the evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective.

For acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the data aren't reliable enough to say either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lactobacillus Acidophilus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally well tolerated in healthy adults and children. Because the evidence is limited, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before starting it — especially if you have any serious health conditions.

The product contains live microorganisms, which in rare cases have been linked to infections in vulnerable patients, though most such cases appear linked to bacteria moving from elsewhere in the body rather than from the supplement itself. Orally taken, a small number of trial participants experienced mild gastrointestinal side effects like bloating, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea when combining probiotics — but these are uncommon.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Lactobacillus Acidophilus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 182 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take antibiotic drugs, check the timing with your pharmacist — taking this product at the same time may reduce its effectiveness. You'll want to space them out by a few hours or more.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Lactobacillus acidophilus may help with a few digestive and vaginal health concerns. If you're on antibiotics, you'll want to time your doses carefully so the antibiotic doesn't kill off the probiotic.

It's generally well tolerated, but it's smart to run this by your own doctor or pharmacist before you start, especially if you have any underlying health issues.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 28, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614012834
Net contents 250 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 28, 2019
DSLD ID 202488
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
125
UPC/BARCODE
087614012834
IngredientAmount% DV
Lactobacillus acidophilus0 NP--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Maintains a healthy balance of friendly bacteria in the GI tract Supports bowel regularity Helps support gastrointestinal and immune health Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Digestive Health 1 billion CFU per capsule

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take two capsules with water before a meal. For children, one capsule with water before a meal.

Precautions

Warning: Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General

SW283 Rev 1 09 25 18

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Swanson label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Swanson

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container125 Amounts shown are per serving.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Interacts with
182 drugs
0 NP per serving

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a 'friendly' bacterium used as a probiotic to support gut and vaginal health. It is generally well tolerated in healthy p...

Lactobacillus acidophilus monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
182Drugs
182 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Lactobacillus acidophilus 182

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU interact with 182 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Lactobacillus acidophilus

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Lactobacillus acidophilus1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L. acidophilus.
L. acidophilus preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and L. acidophilus preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lactobacillus acidophilus full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU has a known interaction with 182 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while I'm on an antibiotic?
Not at the same time. Antibiotics can kill off the live bacteria in this supplement, making it less effective. Ask your pharmacist how far apart to space your antibiotic and this probiotic — usually a few hours is enough, and sometimes they'll recommend waiting longer depending on which antibiotic you're on.
Does this help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
The evidence we have rates it as possibly effective for IBS, meaning there's some support for it but not definitive proof. Whether it'll work for you is individual — talk with your doctor to see if it makes sense to try.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
Most people tolerate it well. A small number of people have reported mild gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea when taking probiotics, but these are uncommon. If you experience any concerns, let your doctor or pharmacist know.
Is it safe to take during pregnancy?
The safety data we hold rates it as possibly safe in pregnancy, but the information is limited. Talk with your doctor before starting it — they know your personal health picture and can give you advice that fits your situation.
What does 'live organisms' mean, and why does it matter?
This probiotic contains active, living bacteria — that's what makes it work. That's also why antibiotics can interfere with it, since antibiotics kill bacteria. And in very rare cases, live probiotics have been linked to infections in people with serious underlying illness, though this is uncommon.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Interacts with 182 drugs

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a 'friendly' bacterium used as a probiotic to support gut and vaginal health. It is generally well tolerated in healthy people, and there is reasonable evidence...

Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 15 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 15 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Begtrup LM, de Muckadell OB, Kjeldsen J, Christensen RD, Jarbøl DE. Long-term treatment with probiotics in primary care patients with irritable bowel syndrome--a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Scand J Gastroenterol 2013;48(10):1127-35 PubMed
  3. Chatterjee S, Kar P, Das T, Ray S, Gangulyt S, Rajendiran C, Mitra M. Randomised placebo-controlled double blind multicentric trial on efficacy and safety of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium BB-12 for prevention of antibiotic-associated
  4. Shavakhi A, Tabesh E, Yaghoutkar A, Hashemi H, Tabesh F, Khodadoostan M,Minakari M, Shavakhi S, Gholamrezaei A. The effects of multistrain probiotic compound on bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection: a randomized placebo-c
  5. Karamali M, Dadkhah F, Sadrkhanlou M, et al. Effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Metab 2016;42(4):234-41. PubMed
  6. Badehnoosh B, Karamali M, Zarrati M, et al. The effects of probiotic supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018 May;31(9):1128-1136.
  7. Kumar S, Kumar R, Rohilla L, Jacob N, Yadav J, Sachdeva N. A high potency multi-strain probiotic improves glycemic control in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled pilot study. Pediatr Diabete
  8. Shahriari A, Karimi E, Shahriari M, Aslani N, Khooshideh M, Arab A. The effect of probiotic supplementation on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus among high-risk pregnant women: A parallel double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial PubMed
  9. Xiao SD, Zhang DZ, Lu H, et al. Multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus LB in patients with chronic diarrhea. Adv Ther. 2003;20(5):253-60.
  10. Rossi F, Amadoro C, Gasperi M, Colavita G. Lactobacilli infection case reports in the last three years and safety implications. Nutrients. 2022;14(6):1178. PubMed
  11. Ozer M, Goksu SY, Shahverdiani A, Mustafa M. Lactobacillus acidophilus-induced endocarditis and associated splenic abscess. Case Rep Infect Dis 2020;2020:1382709.
  12. Sadrin S, Sennoune S, Gout B, et al. A 2-strain mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Dig Liver Dis 2020;52(5):534-540. PubMed
  13. Stoffer JN, Slingsby TJ, Giuliari GP. Lactobacillus acidophilus endophthalmitis after intravitreal bevacizumab injection requiring intraocular lens explantation. Can J Ophthalmol 2022;57(1):e21-e22. PubMed
  14. Cukovic-Cavka S, Likic R, Francetic I, Rustemovic N, Opacic M, Vucelic B. Lactobacillus acidophilus as a cause of liver abscess in a NOD2/CARD15-positive patient with Crohn's disease. Digestion 2006;73(2-3):107-10.
  15. Hui J, Ren Y, Wang Y, Han Q. Lactobacillus acidophilus endophthalmitis postcataract operation: A case report with a literature review. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023.

See these in context on the Lactobacillus Acidophilus monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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