Formula 401 Intestinal Support Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Formula 401 Intestinal Support 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
Formula 401 Intestinal Support is a dietary supplement by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestion and bloating, muscle soreness and exercise recovery, inflammation and swelling.Based on those ingredients, 370 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Horsetail, Lactobacillus acidophilus. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Formula 401 Intestinal Support by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Formula 401 Intestinal Support by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Formula 401 Intestinal Support by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System
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.
What’s inside
Low disclosure
Formula 401 contains 5 active ingredients: protease, lipase, cellulase, a proprietary enzyme blend, and horsetail. The first three are digestive enzymes that help break down food in your stomach and intestines.
Horsetail is a plant extract, and Lactobacillus acidophilus is a live probiotic bacterium. The product also contains plant fiber and water as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Lactobacillus acidophilus is possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea, bacterial vaginosis, and Helicobacter pylori infection. For the other active ingredients—protease, lipase, cellulase, horsetail, and the proprietary blend—the evidence we have on file is insufficient to rate them for their intended uses in intestinal support.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Protease is generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some people. Lipase is generally well tolerated in supplement form but can cause gastrointestinal side effects; it should not be used in premature infants.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally well tolerated in healthy adults and children, though uncommon gastrointestinal side effects (bloating, gas, diarrhea) may occur when combined with other probiotics. Horsetail is generally well tolerated short-term by healthy adults but may cause abdominal distension, increased bowel movements, or nausea.
Prolonged use of crude horsetail (not certified thiaminase-free) can cause thiamine deficiency; Canadian products must be certified free from thiaminase-like activity. In rare cases, airborne occupational exposure to proteolytic enzymes has caused allergic rhinitis or asthma.
During pregnancy, protease and horsetail should be avoided, and lipase should be used only if your doctor advises it. Data on cellulase during pregnancy is not on file.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is possibly safe in pregnancy. During breastfeeding, protease and horsetail should be avoided; lipase and Lactobacillus acidophilus should be used only after checking with your healthcare provider.
Data on cellulase during breastfeeding is not on file.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you take antidiabetes drugs (blood sugar medicine), diuretic drugs (water pills), lithium, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or efavirenz (HIV antiretrovirals), or antibiotic drugs. Horsetail may lower blood sugar, increase lithium levels, reduce water pill effectiveness or increase potassium loss, and reduce HIV drug levels; Lactobacillus acidophilus may be killed by antibiotics, reducing its benefit.
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.
This product may be worth considering if you're looking to support digestion and gut bacteria, especially if you have IBS or antibiotic-associated diarrhea—though the evidence for most of its other uses isn't established. If you take blood sugar medicine, a water pill, lithium, HIV drugs, or antibiotics, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Pregnant or breastfeeding people should discuss it with their healthcare provider first.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.
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
General information
Key facts about Formula 401 Intestinal Support, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 707636033425 |
| Net contents | 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 22, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 221308 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free |
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 Formula 401 Intestinal Support by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Protease | 0 NP | -- |
| Lipase | 0 NP | -- |
| Cellulase | 0 NP | -- |
| Proprietary Enzyme Blend | 70 mg | -- |
| Horsetail | 80 mg | -- |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | 11 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Plant Fiber, Water
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Formulation
Formulated exclusively for healthcare professionals NESS Intstinal Support is uniquely formulated to help support healthy gastrointestinal tissue and flora balance.
Non-GMO
Vegetarian
GMP Compliant
Contains No: Aspartame, sugar, salt, gluten, artificial colors or flavors, dairy products, wheat, soy, yeast or corn proteins.
Precautions
Caution: If you are pregnant, nursing, have a serious medical condition, or take any medications, consult your physician before use.
Use only if tamper evident seal is unbroken.
Keep out of reach of children.
Storage
Store tightly closed 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, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease.
FDA Statement of Identity
Enzyme Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Recommended Use: Take two (2) capsules twice daily with meals, or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Formula 401 Intestinal Support by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in Formula 401 Intestinal Support by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System
These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container45 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.
Horsetail
Interacts with188 drugs
Horsetail is a traditional herb most often used as a mild diuretic and for hair, nail, and bone support, but high-quality human evidence is limited. I...
Horsetail monograph & interactionsLactobacillus acidophilus
Interacts with182 drugs
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 & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Plant Fiber, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Formula 401 Intestinal Support by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Formula 401 Intestinal Support from NESS contains horsetail and Lactobacillus acidophilus, both of which interact with medications.
The most serious concern is horsetail's potential to lower blood sugar (glucose) when combined with antidiabetes drugs—a Moderate severity interaction that could increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Horsetail also has Moderate interactions with diuretic drugs (water pills), which may raise the risk of potassium loss and abnormally low potassium levels (hypokalemia); with lithium, where horsetail may increase lithium levels and side effects; and with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and efavirenz (antiretroviral drugs for HIV), where horsetail may reduce their effectiveness. Lactobacillus acidophilus has a Moderate interaction with antibiotic drugs—antibiotics may kill the live organisms in the probiotic, reducing its intended benefit.
Protease and lipase are enzymes with no documented interactions in our data. We could not check cellulase.
Altogether, these interactions span 370 individual medications.
Use the search tool on this page to check your specific medications before starting this product, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any blood sugar medicine, a water pill, lithium, HIV drugs, or antibiotics.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Formula 401 Intestinal Support?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Formula 401 Intestinal Support interact with 370 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 5 ingredients in Formula 401 Intestinal Support interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Horsetail Lactobacillus acidophilus
BacitracinBaci-IM, Baciguent, Bacitracin Ointment
How Bacitracin interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Bacitracin interactionBenazepril, HydrochlorothiazideLotensin HCT
How Benazepril, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Benazepril, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionBendroflumethiazideAprinox, Naturetin, Neo-NaClex
How Bendroflumethiazide interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Bendroflumethiazide interactionBendroflumethiazide, NadololCorzide
How Bendroflumethiazide, Nadolol interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Bendroflumethiazide, Nadolol interactionBendroflumethiazide, PotassiumCentyl K, Neo-NaClex-K
How Bendroflumethiazide, Potassium interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Bendroflumethiazide, Potassium interactionBendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia SerpentinaRauzide
How Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia Serpentina interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia Serpentina interactionBenznidazoleBenznidazole
How Benznidazole interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Benznidazole interactionBenzthiazideExna
How Benzthiazide interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Benzthiazide interactionBismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, TetracyclineHelidac
How Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, Tetracycline interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, Tetracycline interactionBisoprolol, HydrochlorothiazideZiac
How Bisoprolol, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Bisoprolol, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionBumetanideBurinex
How Bumetanide interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Bumetanide interactionBumetanide, PotassiumBurinex K
How Bumetanide, Potassium interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Bumetanide, Potassium interactionCaffeine, Potassium Salicylate, SalicylamideTrim-Elim
How Caffeine, Potassium Salicylate, Salicylamide interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Caffeine, Potassium Salicylate, Salicylamide interactionCanagliflozinInvokana
How Canagliflozin interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Canagliflozin interactionCanagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet
How Canagliflozin, Metformin interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Canagliflozin, Metformin interactionCanagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR
How Canagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Canagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionCandesartan Cilexetil, HydrochlorothiazideAtacand HCT
How Candesartan Cilexetil, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Candesartan Cilexetil, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionCapreomycinCapastat
How Capreomycin interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Capreomycin interactionCaptopril, HydrochlorothiazideAcezide, Capozide
How Captopril, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HorsetailDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Horsetail + Captopril, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionCarbenicillin Indanyl SodiumGeocillin
How Carbenicillin Indanyl Sodium interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Carbenicillin Indanyl Sodium interactionCefaclorCeclor, Ceclor CD
How Cefaclor interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Cefaclor interactionCefadroxilCef-Tab, Duricef, Ultracef
How Cefadroxil interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Cefadroxil interactionCefamandoleMandol
How Cefamandole interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Cefamandole interactionCefazolinAncef
How Cefazolin interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Cefazolin interactionCefdinirOmnicef
How Cefdinir interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Cefdinir interactionCefditoren PivoxilSpectracef
How Cefditoren Pivoxil interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Cefditoren Pivoxil interactionCefepimeMaxipime
How Cefepime interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Cefepime interactionCefiderocol Sulfate TosylateFetroja
How Cefiderocol Sulfate Tosylate interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Cefiderocol Sulfate Tosylate interactionCefiximeSuprax
How Cefixime interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Cefixime interactionCefmetazoleZefazone
How Cefmetazole interacts with Formula 401 Intestinal Support — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Lactobacillus AcidophilusAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L.
Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus + Cefmetazole interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Formula 401 Intestinal Support 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.
Horsetail
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, taking horsetail with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Equisetum myriochaetum has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in clinical research. In an animal diabetic model, Equisetum giganteum had hypoglycemic effects. It is unclear whether other horsetail species have hypoglycemic effects.
Diuretic Drugs
Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Laboratory research shows that various species of horsetail have diuretic properties. Due to its diuretic effects, there has been concern that taking horsetail along with potassium-depleting diuretics might increase the risk for hypokalemia. However, pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that taking horsetail 900 mg daily for 4 days does not affect urinary excretion of electrolytes, including potassium and sodium, despite having a diuretic effect similar to taking hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily. It is unclear if taking horsetail for a longer duration would affect electrolyte levels. Until more is known, use with caution.
Efavirenz (Sustiva)
Theoretically, horsetail might decrease the levels and clinical effects of efavirenz.
In two case reports, patients were found to have detectable viral loads when taking horsetail-containing supplements along with an antiretroviral regimen that included efavirenz. In one case, the antiretroviral regimen included zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz; in the other case, the regimen consisted of emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and efavirenz. One month after discontinuing horsetail, the viral loads became undetectable in both cases. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unknown. It is also unclear if this interaction is specific to efavirenz or if it is related to various components of antiretroviral therapy.
Lithium
Theoretically, horsetail might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that horsetail has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, horsetail might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (Nrtis)
Theoretically, horsetail might decrease the levels and clinical effects of NRTIs.
In two case reports, patients were found to have detectable viral loads when taking horsetail-containing supplements along with an antiretroviral therapy. In one case, the antiretroviral regimen included zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz; in the other case, the regimen consisted of emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and efavirenz. One month after discontinuing the supplement, the viral loads became undetectable in both cases. The exact mechanism of these interactions is unknown. It is also unclear if these interactions are specific to NRTIs or if they are related to various components of antiretroviral therapy.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Formula 401 Intestinal Support, from the product label.
NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System
See all NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System products- Name
- Enzymes Inc.
- City
- Kansas City
- State
- MO
- ZipCode
- 64153
- Phone Number
- 1-800-637-7893
- Web Address
- www.nessenzymes.com
Formula 401 Intestinal Support by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System: Common Questions
Does Formula 401 Intestinal Support by NESS Nutritional Enzyme Support System interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Does this product work for digestive problems?
Is it safe to take this while I'm on antibiotics?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
What's in the proprietary enzyme blend, and why isn't it listed separately?
Are there any fillers or other stuff in here I should know about?
What are the most common side effects?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Formula 401 Intestinal Support is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Formula 401 Intestinal Support’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)
Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatin. Peo...
Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph → Herb & supplement monographLipase
Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...
Read the full Lipase monograph → Herb & supplement monographHorsetail
Interacts with 188 drugsHorsetail is a traditional herb most often used as a mild diuretic and for hair, nail, and bone support, but high-quality human evidence is limited. It can cause thiamine (vitamin B1) loss w...
Read the full Horsetail monograph → Herb & supplement monographLactobacillus Acidophilus
Interacts with 182 drugsLactobacillus 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 & How We Checked
Formula 401 Intestinal Support'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 33 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.
Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
- Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
- Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
- Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed
See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →
Lipase 1 reference
- Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed
Horsetail 14 references
- Sudan BJ. Seborrhoeic dermatitis induced by nicotine of horsetails (Equisetum arvense L.). Contact Dermatitis 1985;13:201-2.
- Perez Gutierrez RM, Laguna GY, Walkowski A. Diuretic activity of Mexican equisetum. J Ethnopharmacol 1985;14:269-72. PubMed
- Lemus I, Garcia R, Erazo S, et al. Diuretic activity of an Equisetum bogotense tea (Platero herb): evaluation in healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol 1996;54:55-8. PubMed
- Revilla MC, Andrade-Cetto A, Islas S, Wiedenfeld H. Hypoglycemic effect of Equisetum myriochaetum aerial parts on type 2 diabetic patients. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;81:117-20. PubMed
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See these in context on the Lactobacillus Acidophilus monograph →
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