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

HLC Intensive Capsules Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pharmax

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

HLC Intensive Capsules is a dietary supplement by Pharmax with 4 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 Intensive Capsules 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 4 active ingredients.
  • “HLC Consortium” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

HLC Intensive Capsules contains 4 active probiotic ingredients: two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL 60 and CUL-21), Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL 20), and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL 34). These are live-culture beneficial bacteria meant to support digestive and immune health.

The capsules also contain cellulose and hypromellose as inactive ingredients (the capsule material 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: Digestive health and gastrointestinal balance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Clostridioides difficile infection, Constipation, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Lactose intolerance, Dysbiosis — and 3 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: Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Constipation, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The evidence for these probiotics varies by condition. Bifidobacterium bifidum and both Lactobacillus acidophilus strains are possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and respiratory tract infections; L. acidophilus is also possibly effective for Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and bacterial vaginosis.

Bifidobacterium lactis is possibly effective for IBS, respiratory tract infections, and constipation. For other uses in the data—such as hay fever, anxiety, or ARDS—the evidence isn't established, or the probiotics have been rated possibly ineffective (as with atopic disease for L. acidophilus).

The strength of the evidence for the main conditions is "possibly effective," meaning there's some support but more research would help confirm benefit.

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 in healthy people and healthy children. The most commonly reported side effects are mild—bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea—and uncommon with the Lactobacillus strains or not reported at all with B. bifidum specifically.

Rarely, gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain, constipation, or stomach burn have been noted. There is a theoretical concern that live probiotics might cause infection in people with severely weakened immune systems; if you have a compromised immune system, check with your doctor before starting.

Bifidobacterium bifidum is rated possibly safe in pregnancy, and both Lactobacillus acidophilus strains are rated possibly safe in pregnancy, but lactation data isn't on file for any of these strains. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, confirm with your doctor or pharmacist whether this product is right for you.

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.

The main medication type to double-check is antibiotics. Taking this product at the same time as an antibiotic can reduce how well the probiotic works, because the antibiotic will kill the live organisms.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about timing—they may suggest you take them several hours apart or at different times of day.

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.

HLC Intensive Capsules is a multi-strain probiotic aimed at IBS, digestive health, and respiratory support—three of the four strains have some evidence for these uses. It's generally well tolerated, though mild bloating or diarrhea can occur.

The key thing to watch: don't take it at the same time as antibiotics, since antibiotics will kill the live bacteria. If you take any medications, especially antibiotics, check with your own doctor or pharmacist before you start.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about HLC Intensive Capsules, straight from the product label.

Brand Pharmax
Barcode (UPC) 883196206216
Net contents 30 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2020
DSLD ID 238910
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), 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 HLC Intensive Capsules 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
30
UPC/BARCODE
883196206216
IngredientAmount% DV
Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL 20)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: Cellulose, Hypromellose

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.
Formulation

Human Lactic Commensals (HLC) probiotics have been extensively researched, including randomized, placebo-controlled human clinical trials. These proprietary strains are compatible with the human gastrointestinal tract and are selected based on their high quality and viability.

Supports GI health, abdominal comfort and a healthy microflora

Gluten free, dairy free, and FOS free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended intake: Adults and children (6 years and older): One capsule taken daily with a meal or as professionally directed.

Precautions

Warning: If you have an immune-compromised condition, do not use.

If you are pregnant or lactating, have any health condition or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.

If symptoms of digestive upset occur, stop use and consult your health professional. Use only if safety seal is intact.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store under refrigeration (below 46 degrees F).

General Statements

Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has 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

Probiotic Supplement

Formula

Research driven probiotics

See for yourself

HLC Intensive Capsules by Pharmax label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in HLC Intensive Capsules by Pharmax

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 container30 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: Cellulose, Hypromellose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

HLC Intensive Capsules by Pharmax Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against HLC Intensive Capsules?

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 Intensive Capsules 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 Intensive Capsules, from the product label.

Pharmax

See all Pharmax products
Name
Seroyal USA
City
Pittsburg
State
PA
ZipCode
15275
Phone Number
1-888-737-6925
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

HLC Intensive Capsules by Pharmax: Common Questions

Does HLC Intensive Capsules by Pharmax interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, HLC Intensive Capsules 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 Intensive Capsules 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 an antibiotic?
You can take them both, but not together. Antibiotics kill the live bacteria in this product, so they'll work against each other. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to space them out—often they recommend waiting a few hours between doses, or taking the probiotic at a different time of day.
What does each of these probiotic strains do?
All four strains—the two Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium lactis—are possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome and respiratory tract infections. Additionally, the Lactobacillus strains may help with Helicobacter pylori, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and bacterial vaginosis; B. lactis is possibly effective for constipation as well.
Are there any side effects?
Most people tolerate this product well. The most common side effects are mild—bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea. These are uncommon and usually temporary. If you have a severely weakened immune system, check with your doctor first, since there's a theoretical concern that probiotics might cause infection in that situation.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The Lactobacillus acidophilus strains and Bifidobacterium bifidum are rated possibly safe in pregnancy. But we don't have safety data on file for breastfeeding with any of these strains. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How many live organisms does each capsule contain?
The product facts don't include a CFU (colony-forming unit) count, so I can't tell you the strength per capsule. Check the label or ask your pharmacist for that detail.
Will this help my hay fever or anxiety?
The evidence for hay fever and anxiety isn't established—our data rates it as insufficient. These strains do have stronger evidence for IBS, respiratory tract infections, and digestive issues, so those are the conditions they're better studied for.

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

Not sure if HLC Intensive Capsules 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.

HLC Intensive Capsules label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

HLC Intensive Capsules'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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