Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Bifido Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Kirkman

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bifido Complex is a dietary supplement by Kirkman with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive health and regularity, irritable bowel syndrome (ibs), diarrhea (including antibiotic-related).Based on those ingredients, 182 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bifido Complex by Kirkman

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

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 4 active ingredients.
  • “Kirkman Proprietary Probiotic Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (75 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Bifido Complex contains four live probiotic bacteria species: Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium animalis lactis. These are "friendly" bacteria meant to support your gut health.

The capsule itself is made from hypromellose (a plant-based coating), microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and water—all inactive ingredients that help hold the product together.

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: Digestive health and gut microbiome support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Abdominal pain, Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Colic, Clostridioides difficile infection, Constipation, Diarrhea — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Bifidobacterium Bifidum is rated "Possibly Effective" for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bifidobacterium Breve is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Constipation, Rotaviral diarrhea, Helicobacter pylori, and more.

The evidence for what these probiotics actually do is mixed. Bifidobacterium bifidum shows possibly effective evidence for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and respiratory tract infections.

Bifidobacterium breve, on the other hand, is rated possibly ineffective for age-related cognitive decline and sepsis. For the other conditions listed—hay fever, anxiety, asthma, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Alzheimer's disease—we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether these bacteria help or not.

Data for the other two ingredients isn't established in our records.

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

These bacteria are generally well tolerated in healthy people, but caution is warranted if you're seriously ill or have a weakened immune system—talk to your doctor first. Rare side effects from the checked ingredients include abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, constipation, and a dry cough.

Very rarely, in critically ill or premature infants, Bifidobacterium species have caused serious bloodstream infections (bacteremia); this is extremely uncommon in otherwise healthy adults. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, Bifidobacterium longum is rated possibly safe for both, and Bifidobacterium bifidum is rated possibly safe during pregnancy—but data on breastfeeding for bifidum isn't on file.

Because safety data are limited overall, check with your doctor before use, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or seriously ill.

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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bifidobacterium Breve, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Bifidobacterium Longum.
  • 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.

Antibiotic drugs are the main one to watch. Because these are live bacteria, antibiotics will kill them and make this probiotic less effective.

Space your antibiotic doses at least a few hours away from this product—ask your pharmacist for a dosing schedule that works.

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.

If you have IBS or recurring respiratory infections and you're in good health, this probiotic blend is worth discussing with your pharmacist. Skip it if you're taking antibiotics right now—space them several hours apart instead.

If you're seriously ill, immune-compromised, pregnant, or breastfeeding, get your doctor's okay first.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2023.

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 Bifido Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Kirkman
Barcode (UPC) 812325021925
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2023
DSLD ID 296951
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
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 Bifido Complex by Kirkman, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
812325021925
IngredientAmount% DV
Bifidobacterium longum0 NP--
Bifidobacterium bifidum0 NP--
Bifidobacterium animalis lactis0 NP--
Bifidobacterium breve0 NP--
Kirkman Proprietary Probiotic Blend75 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Water, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide

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.
Storage

Important: Keep bottle refrigerated and tightly capped.

Do not remove the desiccant bag or oxygen absorber if present.

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children.

Formulation

Free of: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat or soy

Gluten-free

Seals/Symbols

Ultra tested

cGMP Good Manufacturing Products Consistent Quality

Formula

15 billion CFUs

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: One to two capsules daily or as directed by a physician.

See for yourself

Bifido Complex by Kirkman label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bifido Complex by Kirkman

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Kirkman Proprietary Probiotic Blend

75 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Water, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bifido Complex by Kirkman Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bifido Complex?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bifido Complex with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Bifidobacterium longum1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium longum with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. longum.
Since B. longum preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. longum preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Bifidobacterium bifidum1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium. bifidum with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. bifidum.
Since B. bifidum preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. bifidum preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Bifidobacterium breve1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium breve with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. breve.
Since B. breve preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. breve preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bifido Complex, from the product label.

Kirkman

See all Kirkman products
Name
Kirkman
City
Lake Oswego
State
OR
ZipCode
97035
Phone Number
503.694.1600 1.800.245.8282
Web Address
kirkmangroup.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bifido Complex by Kirkman: Common Questions

Does Bifido Complex by Kirkman interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bifido Complex 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?
Bifido Complex contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 antibiotics?
Technically yes, but not at the same time. Antibiotics will kill off the live bacteria in this probiotic and make it less effective. Take your antibiotic and this probiotic several hours apart—your pharmacist can help you plan the timing. Once you finish the antibiotic, you can resume a normal schedule.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant?
Bifidobacterium longum in this blend is rated possibly safe during pregnancy, and Bifidobacterium bifidum is also possibly safe in pregnancy. That said, safety data are limited, so check with your doctor before starting anything new while you're pregnant.
What does this probiotic actually do?
Bifidobacterium bifidum, one of the ingredients, shows possibly effective evidence for IBS and respiratory tract infections. The others have either mixed or insufficient evidence for their proposed benefits. This isn't a miracle cure—it's one tool some people find helpful for gut health, and the evidence is still being built.
What if I have a weak immune system—is it safe for me?
You should talk to your doctor first. While healthy people generally tolerate these bacteria well, those with weakened immune systems need personalized advice, especially because serious infections from Bifidobacterium are rare but documented in critically ill patients.
What are the side effects?
Most people have no problems, but some folks report mild bloating, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, or constipation. A dry cough has been reported by a single patient. Serious infections are extremely rare and almost only happen in very sick patients. If you notice any new or worsening symptoms, let your pharmacist or doctor know.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Limited safety data exist for breastfeeding—we don't have enough information on file to say either way. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially since you're feeding your baby.

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

Not sure if Bifido Complex is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Bifido Complex label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bifido Complex'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 37 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.

Bifidobacterium Longum 21 references
  1. Ha GY, Yang CH, Kim H, Chong Y. Case of sepsis caused by Bifidobacterium longum. J Clin Microbiol 1999;37:1227-8.
  2. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  3. Xiao JZ, Takahashi S, Odamaki T, et al. Antibiotic susceptibility of bifidobacterial strains distributed in the Japanese market. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(2):336-42. PubMed
  4. Rautava S, Kainonen E, Salminen S, Isolauri E. Maternal probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and breast-feeding reduces the risk of eczema in the infant. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;130(6):1355-60. PubMed
  5. Pruccoli G, Silvestro E, Pace Napoleone C, Aidala E, Garazzino S, Scolfaro C. Are probiotics safe? Bifidobacterium bacteremia in a child with severe heart failure. Infez Med. 2019;27(2):175-178.
  6. Pellonperä O, Vahlberg T, Mokkala K, et al. Weight gain and body composition during pregnancy: a randomised pilot trial with probiotics and/or fish oil. Br J Nutr. 2020 Nov 4:1-11. PubMed
  7. Pellonperä O, Mokkala K, Houttu N, et al. Efficacy of fish oil and/or probiotic intervention on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in an at-risk group of overweight and obese women: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial PubMed
  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. Esaiassen E, Hjerde E, Cavanagh JP, Simonsen GS, Klingenberg C; Norwegian Study Group on Invasive Bifidobacterial Infections. Bifidobacterium bacteremia: Clinical characteristics and a genomic approach to assess pathogenicity. J Clin Microbiol. 2017;55(7) PubMed
  10. Enomoto T, Sowa M, Nishimori K, et al. Effects of bifidobacterial supplementation to pregnant women and infants in the prevention of allergy development in infants and on fecal microbiota. Allergol Int 2014;63(4):575-85. PubMed
  11. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dear Healthcare Provider Letter: Warning Regarding Use of Probiotics in Preterm Infants. September 2023. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/172606/download?attachment. Accessed November 1, 2023.
  12. Pillai A, Tan J, Paquette V, Panczuk J. Does probiotic bacteremia in premature infants impact clinically relevant outcomes? A case report and updated review of literature. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020;39:255-259. PubMed
  13. Sabaté JM, Iglicki F. Effect of Bifidobacterium longum 35624 on disease severity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol 2022;28(7):732-744.
  14. Malaguarnera M, Greco F, Barone G, Gargante MP, Malaguarnera M, Toscano MA. Bifidobacterium longum with fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Dig Dis Sci 2007;52(11) PubMed
  15. Zbinden A, Zbinden R, Berger C, Arlettaz R. Case series of Bifidobacterium longum bacteremia in three preterm infants on probiotic therapy. Neonatology 2015;107(1):56-9.
  16. Tamaki H, Nakase H, Inoue S, et al. Efficacy of probiotic treatment with Bifidobacterium longum 536 for induction of remission in active ulcerative colitis: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multicenter trial. Dig Endosc 2016;28(1):67-74.
  17. Bertelli C, Pillonel T, Torregrossa A, et al. Bifidobacterium longum bacteremia in preterm infants receiving probiotics. Clin Infect Dis 2015;60(6):924-7. PubMed
  18. Esaiassen E, Cavanagh P, Hjerde E, Simonsen GS, Støen R, Klingenberg C. Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis bacteremia in 3 extremely preterm infants receiving probiotics. Emerg Infect Dis 2016;22(9):1664-6.
  19. Tena D, Losa C, Medina MJ, Sáez-Nieto JA. Peritonitis caused by Bifidobacterium longum: case report and literature review. Anaerobe 2014;27:27-30. PubMed
  20. Sangkanjanavanich S, Pradubpongsa P, Mitthamsiri W, Sangasapaviliya A, Boonpiyathad T. Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 efficacy in patients with uncontrolled asthma: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2022;129(6):790-792. PubMed
  21. Wilson HL, Ong CW. Bifidobacterium longum vertebrodiscitis in a patient with cirrhosis and prostate cancer. Anaerobe 2017;47:47-50. PubMed

See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Longum monograph →

Bifidobacterium Bifidum 7 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Xiao JZ, Takahashi S, Odamaki T, et al. Antibiotic susceptibility of bifidobacterial strains distributed in the Japanese market. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(2):336-42. PubMed
  3. Rerksuppaphol S, Rerksuppaphol L. Randomized controlled trial of probiotics to reduce common cold in schoolchildren. Pediatr Int. 2012;54(5):682-7. PubMed
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. Pruccoli G, Silvestro E, Pace Napoleone C, Aidala E, Garazzino S, Scolfaro C. Are probiotics safe? Bifidobacterium bacteremia in a child with severe heart failure. Infez Med. 2019;27(2):175-178.
  7. Esaiassen E, Hjerde E, Cavanagh JP, Simonsen GS, Klingenberg C; Norwegian Study Group on Invasive Bifidobacterial Infections. Bifidobacterium bacteremia: Clinical characteristics and a genomic approach to assess pathogenicity. J Clin Microbiol. 2017;55(7) PubMed

See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Bifidum monograph →

Bifidobacterium Breve 9 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Xiao JZ, Takahashi S, Odamaki T, et al. Antibiotic susceptibility of bifidobacterial strains distributed in the Japanese market. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(2):336-42. PubMed
  3. Pruccoli G, Silvestro E, Pace Napoleone C, Aidala E, Garazzino S, Scolfaro C. Are probiotics safe? Bifidobacterium bacteremia in a child with severe heart failure. Infez Med. 2019;27(2):175-178.
  4. Ohishi A, Takahashi S, Ito Y, et al. Bifidobacterium septicemia associated with postoperative probiotic therapy in a neonate with omphalocele. J Pediatr. 2010;156(4):679-81. PubMed
  5. Sakurai Y, Watanabe T, Miura Y, et al. Clinical and bacteriologic characteristics of six cases of Bifidobacterium breve bacteremia due to probiotic administration in the neonatal intensive care unit. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022;41(1):62-65. PubMed
  6. Esaiassen E, Hjerde E, Cavanagh JP, Simonsen GS, Klingenberg C; Norwegian Study Group on Invasive Bifidobacterial Infections. Bifidobacterium bacteremia: Clinical characteristics and a genomic approach to assess pathogenicity. J Clin Microbiol. 2017;55(7) PubMed
  7. Wakabayashi Y, Nakayama S, Yamamoto A, et al. First case of necrotizing fasciitis and bacteremia caused by Bifidobacteriumbreve. Anaerobe 2022;76:102613.
  8. Takeda Y, Ota K, Kondo A, et al. A case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Bifidobacterium breve. IDCases 2022;31:e01667. PubMed
  9. Suwantarat N, Romagnoli M, Wakefield T, Carroll KC. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection caused by Bifidobacterium breve. Anaerobe 2014;28:1-3. PubMed

See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Breve 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

Keep exploring