Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Probiotic Acidophilus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Puritan's Pride

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 Puritan's Pride with 4 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 Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14, Bifidobacterium bifidum SD-5857. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Probiotic Acidophilus by Puritan's Pride

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.
  • “Proprietary Acidophilus Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (15 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This probiotic contains 4 active ingredients: three species of Lactobacillus (bulgaricus, acidophilus, and salivarius) and one Bifidobacterium (bifidum), all strains of beneficial bacteria. Two of them are listed individually; two come as part of a proprietary blend.

The capsule itself uses cellulose, gelatin, calcium silicate, and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients — the standard fillers and binders that hold it together.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

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).

Lactobacillus acidophilus is possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome, Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and bacterial vaginosis, though evidence isn't conclusive. It's rated possibly ineffective for atopic disease and has insufficient evidence for acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Bifidobacterium bifidum is possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome and respiratory tract infections, but evidence is insufficient for hay fever, Alzheimer disease, and generalized anxiety disorder. We don't have effectiveness data on file for the other two Lactobacillus strains in the blend.

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.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum are both generally well tolerated in healthy people. Oral doses can occasionally cause stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, or diarrhea, though these events are uncommon.

Because these are live organisms, there's a theoretical risk of infection in people with very weak immune systems — check with your doctor before starting if that applies to you. Rare cases of serious infection have been reported in medical literature, mostly in critically ill patients.

Both ingredients are rated possibly safe in pregnancy, though lactation data aren't 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.

ANTIBIOTIC DRUGS (Moderate): These can reduce how well the probiotics work. Separate your antibiotic dose from this supplement by at least 2 to 3 hours — ask your doctor or pharmacist for the right schedule for your specific antibiotic.

We couldn't check two of the ingredients in this product, so check the medication tool on this page for your exact prescriptions.

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 certain digestive issues or infections if the evidence applies to your situation — talk that over with your doctor. The big thing to watch is timing if you take antibiotics: they'll interfere with each other.

People with compromised immune systems should check with their doctor first. Run your medications through the tool on this page or ask your pharmacist before you start.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 21, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Probiotic Acidophilus, straight from the product label.

Brand Puritan's Pride
Barcode (UPC) 074312115400
Net contents 100 Rapid Release Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 21, 2023
DSLD ID 284973
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar 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 Probiotic Acidophilus by Puritan's Pride, 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
33
UPC/BARCODE
074312115400
IngredientAmount% DV
Lactobacillus bulgaricus LB-870 NP--
Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-140 NP--
Proprietary Acidophilus Blend15 mg--
Bifidobacterium bifidum SD-58570 NP--
Lactobacillus salivarius LS-330 NP--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Gelatin, Calcium Silicate, 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.
General Statements

Puritan's Pride supplements are produced from the finest raw materials under stringent quality control standards. State-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging facilities ensure you the highest quality nutritional supplements money can buy. When it comes to your health...choose the best.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Contains milk ingredients.

Formulation

Guaranteed quality and CFU through expiration when continuously stored in the original packaging as directed.

No artificial color, flavor or sweetener, no sugar, no starch, no soy, no gluten, no wheat, no fish. Sodium free.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

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.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2020 Puritan’s Pride, Inc.

Seals/Symbols

QA Quality Assured

Formula

Acidophilus Plus

3 billion live cultures per capsule

Friendly bacteria for the digestive and immune systems

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, take one (1) capsule three times daily, with or without a meal.

See for yourself

Probiotic Acidophilus by Puritan's Pride label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Probiotic Acidophilus by Puritan's Pride

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 container33 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.

Proprietary Acidophilus Blend

15 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Gelatin, Calcium Silicate, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Probiotic Acidophilus by Puritan's Pride 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.

Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-141 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 SD-58571 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.

Puritan's Pride

See all Puritan's Pride products
Name
Puritan's Pride, Inc.
City
Ronkonkoma
State
NY
ZipCode
11779
Phone Number
1-800-645-1030
Web Address
www.puritan.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Probiotic Acidophilus by Puritan's Pride: Common Questions

Does Probiotic Acidophilus by Puritan's Pride 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 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 probiotic while I'm on an antibiotic?
Not at the same time. Antibiotics can kill the live bacteria in this product, so you won't get the benefit. Space them out — take your antibiotic and this probiotic at least 2 to 3 hours apart. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for the best schedule for your specific antibiotic.
Will this help with my irritable bowel syndrome?
Both ingredients in here — Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum — are rated possibly effective for IBS based on available research. That means there's some evidence, but it's not ironclad. Results vary person to person, so talk with your doctor about whether it's worth trying for your situation.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. A small number experience stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, or loose stool, but these are uncommon. One trial reported a skin rash in a couple of participants, though it's unclear if the probiotic caused it. If you develop unusual symptoms, stop and let your pharmacist or doctor know.
Is it safe to take while pregnant?
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum are both rated possibly safe in pregnancy, but we don't have enough data to be certain. Talk with your doctor or midwife before starting — they can weigh the potential benefits against any concerns for your situation.
What do these bacteria actually do?
They're live organisms meant to support your gut and digestive health. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum have both been studied for irritable bowel syndrome, digestive infections, and other conditions. They work by establishing beneficial bacteria in your intestines, though exactly how they help still isn't completely understood.
Should I take this if I have a weak immune system?
Be cautious and talk with your doctor first. Because this product contains live microorganisms, there's a theoretical risk in people with very weakened immune systems — though serious infections are rare. Your doctor knows your immune status and can help you decide if it's appropriate for you.

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

Not sure if Probiotic Acidophilus 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.

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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