Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Probiotic - Acidophilus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Preventive Nutrition

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

Probiotic - Acidophilus is a dietary supplement by GNC Preventive Nutrition with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive health and balance, diarrhea (including antibiotic-related), vaginal yeast and bacterial infections.Based on those ingredients, 182 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are L. acidophilus CUL-60, Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL-73. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Probiotic - Acidophilus by GNC Preventive Nutrition

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 3 active ingredients.
  • “Non-Nutrient/Non-Botanical Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This product has 3 active ingredients: two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-60 and CUL-21) and one strain of Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL-73). These are live probiotic bacteria meant to support your gut flora.

The remaining ingredients are inactive — cellulose and a cellulose capsule for structure, and titanium dioxide as a colorant.

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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea — rated "Possibly Effective" (Lactobacillus Acidophilus) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Bacterial vaginosis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Lactobacillus Acidophilus) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Helicobacter pylori — rated "Possibly Effective" (Lactobacillus Acidophilus) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Lactobacillus Acidophilus) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Respiratory tract infections — rated "Possibly Effective" (Bifidobacterium Bifidum) (Natural Medicines).

L. acidophilus is rated possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and bacterial vaginosis. B. bifidum is rated possibly effective for IBS and respiratory tract infections.

However, for several other conditions — atopic disease, hay fever, Alzheimer disease, and generalized anxiety disorder — the evidence is either insufficient or suggests the probiotic may not help. The data on some conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome is too limited to rate.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lactobacillus Acidophilus Bifidobacterium Bifidum

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Both strains of L. acidophilus are generally well tolerated in healthy adults and children. B. bifidum is also generally well tolerated in healthy people, though those with weakened immune systems should be cautious.

Uncommon gastrointestinal side effects — like bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea — have been reported with probiotic combinations, though rare cases of serious infection (sepsis, abscess, or endocarditis) have been documented with L. acidophilus in vulnerable populations. Talk with your doctor before use, especially if your immune system is compromised.

For pregnancy, both L. acidophilus strains and B. bifidum are rated possibly safe; data on lactation are not on file.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lactobacillus Acidophilus Bifidobacterium Bifidum

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lactobacillus Acidophilus, 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.

If you take antibiotic drugs, you'll want to separate when you take them from this probiotic — antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of the live organisms in the product. Check your specific medications with the search tool on this page, and confirm the best timing with your doctor or pharmacist.

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 behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This probiotic may help with IBS, antibiotic-related diarrhea, or certain infections if the evidence holds for your situation. If you're taking antibiotics, space out the doses — don't take them at the same time — or confirm the timing with your doctor or pharmacist.

Check your exact medications using the tool on this page, especially if your immune system is weakened or you have concerns about infection risk.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 2018.

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 Probiotic - Acidophilus, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Preventive Nutrition
Net contents 7 Probiotic Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2018
DSLD ID 82602
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) 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 Probiotic - Acidophilus by GNC Preventive Nutrition, 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)
IngredientAmount% DV
Non-Nutrient/Non-Botanical Blend0 NP--
L. acidophilus CUL-600 NP--
L. acidophilus CUL-210 NP--
Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL-730 NP--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Cellulose Capsule, Titanium 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.
General

CODE 705922 KPG

General Statements

AM packet

GNC Quality Commitment For more than 79 years, GNC has been the leader in the development of superior nutritional supplements. Our products are produced using only fresh, high-quality ingredients and are manufactured under the strictest quality controls. GNC Guarantee If you are not 100% completely satisfied, return the unused portion of the product with your receipt to a GNC store within 30 days. Our trained sales staff will either refund your purchase price or, if you prefer, assist you in finding a replacement product to help you live well.

Easy-to-use daily program designed to support digestive health Gently rids the body of toxins No fasting required Gentle enough for first-time users

7 - AM packets 7 - PM packets 7 - Fiber and prebiotic Packets

Detox

These organisms are important in promoting the health of the digestive tract. They not only help maintain the health of the digestive tract but also have a direct influence on the balance of the body's natural flora. These beneficial flora also support healthy immune function and when taken on a regular basis, support overall digestive health.

Actual size

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take the contents of one AM packet first thing in the morning for seven days.

Formula

Contains: Milk.

Probiotic - Acidophilus Introduces beneficial probiotics, acidophilus and bifidobacterium.

Precautions

Contains: Milk.

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

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Keep out of reach of children.

Formulation

No artificial flavors, sodium free, yeast free.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Preventive Nutrition Complete Body Cleansing Program is a 7-day system designed to support overall wellness and digestive health.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

See for yourself

Probiotic - Acidophilus by GNC Preventive Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Probiotic - Acidophilus by GNC Preventive Nutrition

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Non-Nutrient/Non-Botanical Blend

0 NP per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Cellulose Capsule, Titanium Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Probiotic - Acidophilus by GNC Preventive Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Probiotic - Acidophilus?

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 Probiotic - Acidophilus 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.

L. acidophilus CUL-601 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 bifidum CUL-731 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Probiotic - Acidophilus, from the product label.

GNC Preventive Nutrition

See all GNC Preventive Nutrition products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Probiotic - Acidophilus by GNC Preventive Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Probiotic - Acidophilus by GNC Preventive Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Probiotic - Acidophilus 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?
Probiotic - Acidophilus contains 3 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.
Will this help my irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Both L. acidophilus and B. bifidum are rated possibly effective for IBS based on the evidence we hold. That means some studies show promise, but results aren't guaranteed for everyone. Talk with your doctor about whether it might be worth trying for your particular situation.
Can I take this while I'm on an antibiotic?
Not at the same time. Antibiotics kill the live bacteria in this probiotic, so it won't work as intended. Separate the doses — your doctor or pharmacist can tell you the best timing, like taking the probiotic a few hours before or after your antibiotic.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
Both L. acidophilus strains and B. bifidum are rated possibly safe in pregnancy based on available data. However, the evidence is limited, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it to make sure it's right for your situation.
Can this cause side effects?
Uncommon gastrointestinal effects like bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort have been reported with probiotics, though they're not the norm. Serious infections are rare but have been documented in vulnerable patients. If you have a weakened immune system, check with your doctor before use.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The capsule is made from cellulose, and the product contains cellulose and titanium dioxide. No other fillers or additives are listed.
Is this safe for children?
L. acidophilus is generally well tolerated in healthy children based on our data. For B. bifidum, there's less information in children specifically. Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist to confirm it's appropriate before use.

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

Not sure if Probiotic - Acidophilus 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.

Probiotic - Acidophilus label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Probiotic - Acidophilus'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 22 references behind this product’s interaction data

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

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

See these in context on the Lactobacillus Acidophilus monograph →

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 →

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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