Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

HLC Antibiotic Care Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pharmax

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

HLC Antibiotic Care is a dietary supplement by Pharmax with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive health and regularity, diarrhea (including antibiotic-related), irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) symptoms.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 bifidum (CUL 20), Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-60), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL-34). Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of HLC Antibiotic Care by Pharmax

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 5 active ingredients.
  • “HLC Consortium” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

HLC Antibiotic Care contains five active ingredients: three Bifidobacterium strains (B. bifidum, B. animalis subsp. lactis) and two Lactobacillus acidophilus strains, plus Lactobacillus salivarius — all live probiotic bacteria meant to support your gut. These are added to fructooligosaccharides, a prebiotic (food for the beneficial bacteria), along with inactive ingredients including hypromellose, silica, and vegetable magnesium stearate as capsule components.

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: intestinal microbiota support following antibiotic therapy.
  • We looked for evidence on: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Dysbiosis, Microbiota restoration, Gut flora recovery.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
  • Also on file: Bifidobacterium Bifidum is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Bifidobacterium bifidum is possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and respiratory tract infections; evidence for hay fever and other conditions is too limited to rate. Lactobacillus acidophilus is possibly effective for IBS, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Helicobacter pylori infection, and bacterial vaginosis, though it appears possibly ineffective for atopic disease.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis is possibly effective for IBS, respiratory tract infections, and constipation. Overall, the strongest evidence here is for IBS across multiple strains.

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 probiotics are generally well tolerated by healthy adults and children. Gastrointestinal side effects — bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and rarely vomiting — have been reported with probiotic use, though individual strains in this product haven't all been linked to these effects in trials.

People with weakened immune systems should check with their doctor first. For pregnancy, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus are rated possibly safe, though data for one ingredient (B. animalis subsp. lactis) in pregnancy and lactation isn't on file — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether to use this product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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 — Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis, Bifidobacterium Bifidum.
  • 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 (Moderate severity): taking this product at the same time as antibiotics might reduce the probiotic's effectiveness because antibiotics can kill the live organisms. Space out your doses — ask your doctor or pharmacist how far apart to take them.

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.

This product is a multi-strain probiotic aimed at supporting gut health and may help with IBS, antibiotic-related diarrhea, or respiratory health. If you're taking an antibiotic, timing matters: separate doses of this supplement and your antibiotic to keep the live bacteria alive.

Check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, especially if you have a weakened immune system.

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 Jun 24, 2016.

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 HLC Antibiotic Care, straight from the product label.

Brand Pharmax
Barcode (UPC) 88319621530
Net contents 14 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2016
DSLD ID 60567
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 HLC Antibiotic Care by Pharmax, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
14
UPC/BARCODE
88319621530
IngredientAmount% DV
Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL 20)0 NP--
Lactobacillus salivarius (CUL 61)0 NP--
Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-60)0 NP--
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL-34)0 NP--
Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-21)0 NP--
HLC Consortium0 NP--

Other ingredients: Fructooligosaccharides, Hypromellose, Silica, Vegetable 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.
Precautions

Vacuum-sealed for your protection and for product freshness. Do not use if outer seal is missing or broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety-sealed for your protection and for product freshness.

Risk information: If you have an immune-compromised condition, do not use. If you are experiencing nausea, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. If symptoms of digestive upset occur, worsen or persist beyond three days, discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner.

Storage

Store under refrigeration (below 46(0)F).

FDA Statement of Identity

Probiotic Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Clinically Proven For Antibiotic Support

Formulation

Gluten Free and Dairy Free

General Statements

Clinically proven to supplement the normal intestinal microbiota following antibiotic therapy. The Cambridge Probiotic/ Antibiotic Trial* concluded that this research-driven, proprietary blend of Human Lactic Commensals (HLC) strains was proven effective in human trials to modulate the response of the intestinal microflora to the effects of antibiotic therapy and return to normal levels within 7 days. Human Lactic Commensals (HLC) probiotic strains are proprietary non-pathogenic human-sourced microflora bacterial strains that have strong epithelial adherence and a naturally high tolerance to stomach acid.

Madden J.A.J et al. Effect of probiotics on preventing disruption of the intestinal microflora following antibiotic therapy: A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Int Immunophar 2005: 5: 1091-1097 Susan F. Plummer et al. Effects of probiotics on the composition of the intestinal microbiota following antibiotic therapy. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents 2005: 26: 69-74

Pack size:

General

V2.0 Code PB32-14

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended intake: Adults and children (6 years and older): One capsule taken daily with a meal, at least 2-3 hours before or after taking antibiotics, or as professionally directed.

See for yourself

HLC Antibiotic Care by Pharmax label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in HLC Antibiotic Care by Pharmax

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container14 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.

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

Interaction report

HLC Antibiotic Care by Pharmax Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against HLC Antibiotic Care?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in HLC Antibiotic Care 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 bifidum (CUL 20)1 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

Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-60)1 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

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL-34)1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium lactis with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. lactis.
Since B. lactis 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. lactis preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for HLC Antibiotic Care, from the product label.

Pharmax

See all Pharmax products
Name
Seroyal USA
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15275
Phone Number
1-888-737-6925
Web Address
seroyal.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

HLC Antibiotic Care by Pharmax: Common Questions

Does HLC Antibiotic Care by Pharmax interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, HLC Antibiotic Care 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?
HLC Antibiotic Care contains 5 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 an antibiotic?
Yes, but not at the same time. Antibiotics can kill the live bacteria in this supplement, making it less effective. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long to wait between your antibiotic dose and this product — often a few hours is recommended, but timing depends on your specific antibiotic and dose.
Will this help my IBS?
The Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains in this product are possibly effective for IBS based on available evidence. Results vary, and you may need to take it consistently for a few weeks to notice a difference. Talk with your doctor about whether it's right for your situation.
What's the prebiotic ingredient for?
Fructooligosaccharides is a prebiotic — food for the beneficial bacteria in this supplement. It helps the live cultures thrive once they reach your gut.
Is it safe to take if I have a weak immune system?
The safety data advises caution for people with weakened immune systems. Check with your doctor before starting this product to make sure it's appropriate for you.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
The pregnancy and lactation data for most ingredients in this product is limited or incomplete. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it while breastfeeding so they can give you personalized advice.
What side effects are common?
Bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea have been reported with probiotic use, though they're generally uncommon. Some people may also experience mild abdominal discomfort. These often settle as your gut adjusts.

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

Not sure if HLC Antibiotic Care 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.

HLC Antibiotic Care label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

HLC Antibiotic Care'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 30 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 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 →

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 →

Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis 8 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Phuapradit P, Varavithya W, Vathanophas K, et al. Reduction of rotavirus infection in children receiving bifidobacteria-supplemented formula. J Med Assoc Thai 1999;82:S43-8.
  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. 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
  5. Taipale TJ, Pienihäkkinen K, Isolauri E, Jokela JT, Söderling EM. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in early childhood. Pediatr Res. 2016;79(1-1):65-9. PubMed
  6. Amat-Bou M, Garcia-Ribera S, Climent E, et al. Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis Subsp. lactis (BPL1) supplementation in children and adolescents with prader-willi syndrome: A randomized crossover trial. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3123. PubMed
  7. Mäkelä SM, Forssten SD, Kailajärvi M, et al. Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 on gastrointestinal inflammation induced by a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Br J Clin Ph
  8. Wildt S, Munck LK, Vinter-Jensen L, et al. Probiotic treatment of collagenous colitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2006;12(5):395-401. PubMed

See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis 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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