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Dietary supplement

Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Probiotic Complex

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

Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs is a dietary supplement by GNC Probiotic Complex with 1 active ingredient. 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 Probiotic Complex:. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs by GNC Probiotic Complex

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.
  • “Probiotic Complex:” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This product contains 4 active probiotic strains: two forms of Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL 60 and CUL 21), Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL 20), and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL 34). These are live, beneficial bacteria that work in your gut.

The inactive ingredients are vegetarian capsule shell, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.

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: Respiratory tract infections — rated "Possibly Effective" (Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Constipation — rated "Possibly Effective" (Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Helicobacter pylori — rated "Possibly Effective" (Lactobacillus Acidophilus) (Natural Medicines).

These probiotics are possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), respiratory tract infections, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and bacterial vaginosis. Lactobacillus acidophilus is also possibly effective for Helicobacter pylori infection.

For other conditions like allergic rhinitis, anxiety, or Alzheimer's disease, the evidence isn't established in the data we hold. Talk with your doctor about whether this product fits your specific needs.

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. Some people report mild gastrointestinal side effects like bloating, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea — but these are uncommon.

People with weakened immune systems should check with their doctor first. In rare cases, live probiotics can cause infection in certain patients, though this is very uncommon.

For pregnancy, the data suggests these strains are possibly safe, but lactation data isn't on file — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or while 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 are the main medication type to watch. Since this product contains live organisms, antibiotics taken at the same time may reduce how well the probiotic works.

Space out your doses and confirm the right 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 is a solid probiotic choice if you're dealing with IBS, recovery from antibiotics, or certain infections. The main thing to watch is timing: keep your antibiotics and this product a few hours apart so the drugs don't kill the beneficial bacteria.

If you take any other medications, check them against the interaction tool below, then talk it over with your own doctor or pharmacist.

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 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 Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Probiotic Complex
Net contents 20 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2018
DSLD ID 82435
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
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 Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs by GNC Probiotic Complex, 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
Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL 60)0 NP--
Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL 20)0 NP--
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL 34)0 NP--
Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL 21)0 NP--
Probiotic Complex:0 NP--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule Shell, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, 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 424650 DSG

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily with food.

Storage

To maintain freshness and potency, replace vacuum-tight stopper and bottle cap after every use.

No refrigeration necessary

Store in a cool, dry place.

No refrigeration required.

Formulation

Gluten free, lactose free.

Seals/Symbols

Gf Gluten free

Guaranteed potency

General Statements

Why GNC Probiotic Complex 150 billion? Multiple strains of live, active probiotic cultures Guaranteed potency through expiration date

Actual size

Made in the UK

New

Potency guaranteed Clinically studied multi-strain formula for heightened probiotic support May provide digestive & immune support 150 billion active cultures

Guaranteed potency Probiotic Complex 150 billion has been tested to ensure the full 150 billion cultures in each dose are live and active when used by the expiration date.

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.

Precautions

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs by GNC Probiotic Complex label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs by GNC Probiotic Complex

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Probiotic Complex:

Interacts with
182 drugs
0 NP per serving

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a 'friendly' bacterium used as a probiotic to support gut and vaginal health. It is generally well tolerated in healthy p...

Probiotic Complex: monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs by GNC Probiotic Complex Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs?

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 Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Probiotic Complex: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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs, from the product label.

GNC Probiotic Complex

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

Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs by GNC Probiotic Complex: Common Questions

Does Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs by GNC Probiotic Complex interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs 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 Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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 antibiotics?
Yes, but timing matters. Antibiotics can kill the beneficial bacteria in this probiotic, making it less effective. Separate your antibiotic dose from this product by a few hours — your doctor or pharmacist can tell you the best schedule for your specific antibiotic.
What's IBS, and does this actually help?
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a condition affecting how your gut moves and functions, causing bloating, cramping, and diarrhea or constipation. The data shows these probiotic strains are possibly effective for IBS, meaning there's some evidence they help, but it's not guaranteed for everyone.
Are there any side effects I should know about?
Most people tolerate this product well. A small number report mild bloating, gas, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea — these are uncommon and usually temporary. Very rarely, probiotics can cause infection in people with weakened immune systems, so mention this product to your doctor if that applies to you.
Is it safe to take while breastfeeding?
We don't have safety data on file for breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to decide if it's right for you during nursing.
Why are there two different Lactobacillus acidophilus strains in this?
The product contains two different cultivars (lab strains) of L. acidophilus — CUL 60 and CUL 21 — which may work slightly differently in your gut. Together they make up part of the 150 billion CFUs in this dose.
How long should I take this?
That depends on why you're taking it and your individual situation. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about how long to use this probiotic to get the best result.

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

Not sure if Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs 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 Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Probiotic Complex Extra Strength 150 Billion CFUs'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.

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 →

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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