Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Pyloricil Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ortho Molecular Products

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Pyloricil is a dietary supplement by Ortho Molecular Products with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for zinc deficiency, immune support, cold symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 1,207 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Berberine Hydrochloride Hydrate, Bismuth Citrate, Zinc. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Pyloricil by Ortho Molecular Products

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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Pyloricil contains 5 active ingredients. The two zinc forms—plain zinc and zinc carnosine—support immune function and tissue repair.

Berberine hydrochloride is an alkaloid traditionally used to support digestive and metabolic health. Mastic gum extract, a resin from the mastic tree, has been used to soothe the digestive tract.

Bismuth citrate is included to help protect the stomach lining. The capsules also contain inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, and magnesium stearate.

Does it work?

Strong 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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Gastrointestinal health and stomach support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Diarrhea, Helicobacter pylori, Halitosis, Gingivitis, Canker sores — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Bismuth is rated "Likely Effective" for Travelers' diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Mastic is rated "Possibly Effective" for Dyspepsia.
  • Also on file: Zinc is rated "Possibly Effective" for Gingivitis, Halitosis.

The zinc ingredients are effective for zinc deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease; they're possibly effective for acne, age-related macular degeneration, diabetes, and a rare skin condition called acrodermatitis enteropathica. Berberine is possibly effective for high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome, Helicobacter pylori infection, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Mastic gum is possibly effective for indigestion (dyspepsia); the evidence for brittle nails, cancer, and fatty liver disease is currently insufficient. Bismuth is likely effective for traveler's diarrhea and possibly effective for H. pylori infection and peptic ulcers.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Zinc Berberine Mastic Bismuth

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Zinc is generally well tolerated in recommended amounts; at doses below 40 mg daily, adverse effects are uncommon. Above that level, concerns arise about copper deficiency, which can lead to anemia and low white blood cell counts.

Common side effects from oral zinc include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and a metallic taste—these are dose-related. Berberine is generally tolerated short-term but can cause digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain), dizziness, drowsiness, and headache.

Bismuth salts are generally well tolerated for short-term use; common effects include taste changes, discolored stools or tongue, nausea, and diarrhea. At high doses or with long-term use, kidney problems and encephalopathy have been reported rarely.

Mastic gum is generally well tolerated; nausea, diarrhea, and constipation have been rarely reported, and allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Zinc Berberine Mastic Bismuth

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Zinc, Berberine, Bismuth.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,208 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.

Before taking Pyloricil, double-check the following medication types with your pharmacist: cyclosporine (Major severity), then CNS depressants, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, drugs metabolized by CYP3A4/CYP2D6/CYP2C9 liver enzymes, certain antibiotics (quinolones, tetracyclines, cephalexin), penicillamine, HIV medications (ritonavir, integrase inhibitors), aspirin, and omeprazole.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Pyloricil may be considered if you're looking to support stomach lining health and digestion, but it's not right for everyone. If you take cyclosporine, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, sedatives, or certain antibiotics, you need to check with your pharmacist first—the interactions are real.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver problems.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 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 Pyloricil, straight from the product label.

Brand Ortho Molecular Products
Barcode (UPC) 615033018474
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2018
DSLD ID 174564
Product type Other Combinations
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 Pyloricil by Ortho Molecular Products, 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
60
UPC/BARCODE
615033018474
IngredientAmount% DV
Zinc8.5 mg57%
Zinc Carnosine37.5 mg--
Berberine Hydrochloride Hydrate150 mg--
Mastic Gum extract250 mg--
Bismuth Citrate125 mg--

Other ingredients: natural Vegetable Capsules, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, 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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 capsule two times per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Formulation

Formulated To Be Free Of Allergens Derived From: Gluten, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

Precautions

Do not consume this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your physician for further information.

As with all dietary supplements, some individuals may not tolerate or may be allergic to the ingredients used. Please read the ingredient panel carefully prior to ingestion. Cease taking this product and consult your physician if you have negative reactions upon ingestion.

Keep out of reach of children.

This product was sealed for your protection. Do not use if outer logoed neck seal or inner-seal is missing or damaged.

Do not accept if label shows signs of tampering

Storage

Keep container tightly closed. Store at room temperature.

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.

General

Product #847060 Label ID L-OMP100-847060-E V2

Seals/Symbols

Vcaps

General Statements

Learn more

Gastrointestinal health

Professional Strength: Not for sale through Amazon.com

Brand IP Statement(s)

VitaSecure

Because efficacy matters

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Pyloricil by Ortho Molecular Products label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Pyloricil by Ortho Molecular Products

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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.

Zinc

Interacts with
67 drugs
8.5 mg per serving Form: Zinc Carnosine

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc monograph & interactions

Zinc Carnosine

Interacts with
67 drugs
37.5 mg per serving

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc Carnosine monograph & interactions

Berberine Hydrochloride Hydrate

Interacts with
1,160 drugs
150 mg per serving

Berberine is a yellow plant compound that has shown promise for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in some studies, but the quality of research vari...

Berberine Hydrochloride Hydrate monograph & interactions

Mastic Gum extract

No known
interactions
250 mg per serving

Mastic is a resin from the mastic tree that has a long history of use for digestive complaints and oral health. Some small studies suggest it may help...

Mastic Gum extract monograph & interactions

Bismuth Citrate

Interacts with
125 drugs
125 mg per serving

Bismuth is a metallic element used in medicine mostly as bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient in some well-known stomach remedies) to ease ups...

Bismuth Citrate monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Natural Vegetable Capsules, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Pyloricil by Ortho Molecular Products Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Pyloricil?

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
1,207Drugs
1 Major 1,206 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Zinc 67

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Pyloricil 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.

Berberine Hydrochloride Hydrate15 drug types · 1,160 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Berberine can increase serum levels of cyclosporine.
Berberine can reduce metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. Berberine might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, berberine may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, use of berberine along with CNS depressants might produce additive therapeutic and adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan. This may increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Losartan (Cozaar)

Berberine might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, berberine might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Berberine can reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Berberine might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.
Evidence from animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, combining berberine and pentobarbital might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Berberine has been associated with increased blood levels of tacrolimus.
In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetazolamide

Laboratory studies and initial clinical findings suggest that berberine has the potential to increase acetazolamide concentrations in the body. More research is needed to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C

Bismuth Citrate4 drug types · 125 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, use of bismuth subgallate or other bismuth salts might reduce the effects of anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
In humans, bismuth subgallate activates factor XII and accelerates the coagulation cascade.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aspirin

Theoretically, bismuth subsalicylate might have an additive effect with other salicylate-containing drugs.
Dietary supplements often contain bismuth in the form of bismuth subsalicylate. In humans, oral bismuth subsalicylate is hydrolyzed in the stomach to form salicylate and bismuth oxychloride.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Theoretically, concomitant use of bismuth and omeprazole may increase the effects and side effects of bismuth.
In humans, omeprazole increases the absorption of bismuth from tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and urinary excretion (Ae) of bismuth have been shown to be higher when tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate is administered with omeprazole (172 ± 158 mcg/L/hour and 1.9 ± 2.0 mg per eight hours, respectively) compared with administration alone (46 ± 33 mcg/L/hour and 0.27 ± 0.28 mg per eight hours, respectively).

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is some concern that bismuth subsalicylate might increase the effects of warfarin.
In one case, a patient treated with warfarin had an increase in international normalized ratio (INR), from 2.56 to 3.54, following intake of bismuth subsalicylate 30 mL every 4 hours for 3 days. However, this interaction resulted from the displacement of warfarin from plasma protein binding sites by salicylate, which increased the free active form of warfarin. Therefore, this interaction is not likely to occur with other bismuth salts.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Zinc10 drug types · 67 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cephalexin (Keflex)

Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Amiloride (Midamor)

Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Pyloricil, from the product label.

Ortho Molecular Products

See all Ortho Molecular Products products
Name
Ortho Molecular Products, Inc.
Street Address
1991 Duncan Place
City
Woodstock
State
IL
ZipCode
60098
Web Address
OrthoMolecularProducts.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pyloricil by Ortho Molecular Products: Common Questions

Does Pyloricil by Ortho Molecular Products interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Pyloricil has a known interaction with 1,207 medications, including 1 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Pyloricil contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is it safe to take Pyloricil if I'm pregnant?
The data on file doesn't provide specific pregnancy safety information for the zinc or mastic ingredients. However, berberine should be avoided during pregnancy—it may cross the placenta and has been linked to harm in newborns. Talk with your doctor before using this product while pregnant.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Berberine passes into breast milk and should be avoided while nursing. Safety data for the other ingredients while breastfeeding is limited. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using Pyloricil if you're breastfeeding.
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
The most likely side effects are digestive: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, and a metallic taste from the zinc. Berberine may also cause dizziness, drowsiness, or headache. These are usually mild and dose-related—they tend to improve as your body adjusts.
Does Pyloricil actually work for stomach problems?
The bismuth and mastic gum are possibly effective for indigestion, and bismuth is likely effective for traveler's diarrhea. However, evidence for mastic gum's effectiveness is stronger for traditional food amounts than for supplement doses like those in this product. Individual results vary.
Is there a safe upper limit on how much zinc this product gives me?
Zinc is considered safe below 40 mg daily for adults. Above that, it raises concerns about copper deficiency with long-term use. Check the label for the exact zinc dose in each capsule and make sure your total daily intake—from all sources—stays within safe limits.
What's the difference between the two zinc forms in this product?
This product contains both regular zinc and zinc carnosine (zinc bound to the amino acid carnosine). Both work similarly in your body and carry the same interaction risks with antibiotics and other drugs. Zinc carnosine may be absorbed or used differently, but both support the same functions.

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

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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.

Pyloricil label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Pyloricil'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 170 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.

Zinc 88 references
  1. Barceloux DG. Zinc. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:279-92.
  2. Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1984;25:20-4. DOI
  3. Smith DS, Helzner EC, Nuttall CE Jr, et al. Failure of zinc gluconate in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:646-8. PubMed
  4. Blondeau JM. Expanded activity and utility of the new fluoroquinolones: a review. Clin Ther 1999;21:3-40. PubMed
  5. Reyes AJ, Olhaberry JV, Leary WP, et al. Urinary zinc excretion, diuretics, zinc deficiency and some side-effects of diuretics. S Afr Med J 1983;64:936-41.
  6. Kugelmas M. Preliminary observation: oral zinc sulfate replacement is effective in treating muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:13-5. PubMed
  7. Hebel SK, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 52nd ed. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
  8. Chan S, Gerson B, Subramaniam S. The role of copper, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc in nutrition and health. Clin Lab Med 1998;18:673-85. DOI
  9. Brewer GJ, Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan V, Johnson V, et al. Treatment of Wilson's disease with zinc: XI. Interaction with other anticopper agents. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:26-30. PubMed
  10. Fosmire GJ. Zinc toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;51:225-7.
  11. Lomaestro BM, Bailie GR. Absorption interactions with fluoroquinolones. 1995 update. Drug Saf 1995;12:314-33. PubMed
  12. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  13. Seelig MS. Auto-immune complications of D-penicillamine - A possible result of zinc and magnesium depletion and of pyridoxine inactivation. J Am Coll Nutr 1982;1:207-14. PubMed
  14. Neuvonen PJ. Interactions with the absorption of tetracyclines. Drugs 1976;11:45-54.. PubMed
  15. Hirt M, Nobel S, Barron E. Zinc nasal gel for the treatment of common cold symptoms: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ear Nose Throat J 2000;79:778-82.. DOI
  16. Simkin PA. Oral zinc sulphate in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 1976;2:539-42. PubMed
  17. Wray D. A double-blind trial of systemic zinc sulfate in recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1982;53:469-72. PubMed
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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.

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