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

Probiotics Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pharmax

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

Probiotics is a dietary supplement by Pharmax 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 (CUL-60), Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL-20), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL-34). Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Probiotics by Pharmax

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • “HLC Consortium” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

Pharmax Probiotics contains 4 active ingredients: two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-60 and CUL-21), Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL-20), and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL-34). These are all beneficial bacteria — probiotics — that live naturally in the gut and are meant to support digestive and immune health.

The product also includes inactive ingredients (cellulose and hypromellose) that serve as fillers and the capsule material.

Does it work?

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

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Live friendly bacteria to help balance intestinal tract.
  • We looked for evidence on: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Constipation, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Lactose intolerance, Clostridioides difficile infection, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Bacterial vaginosis, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Also on file: Bifidobacterium Animalis Subsp. Lactis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Constipation, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The data shows Lactobacillus acidophilus is possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and bacterial vaginosis. Bifidobacterium bifidum is possibly effective for IBS and respiratory tract infections.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis is possibly effective for respiratory tract infections, IBS, and constipation. For other conditions listed — such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Alzheimer disease, and generalized anxiety disorder — the evidence is too limited to rate whether these probiotics help or not.

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. The most common side effects from probiotics in general include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea — but these are uncommon.

A small number of trial participants taking a combination that included L. acidophilus reported rash or itching, though it's unclear whether the probiotics themselves were responsible. Rare cases of serious infection (bacteremia, sepsis, abscess, and meningitis) have been linked to L. acidophilus, though most occur in people with underlying illness or weakened immunity.

Pregnancy data show L. acidophilus and B. bifidum are possibly safe, though lactation data for these ingredients aren't on file — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about use 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.

If you're taking antibiotic drugs, do not take this product at the same time — antibiotics may kill the live organisms in this probiotic and reduce its effectiveness. Space the two out by several hours and confirm the exact timing with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Pharmax Probiotics may help with IBS, certain respiratory infections, antibiotic-related diarrhea, and a few other digestive issues, though the evidence varies by strain and condition. The main thing to watch is timing: if you're on an antibiotic, space it several hours away from this product so the antibiotic doesn't kill off the beneficial bacteria.

Generally well tolerated, but people with weak immune systems should check with their doctor first, and anyone on antibiotics should confirm the timing with their own pharmacist or doctor.

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 Feb 24, 2017.

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 Probiotics, straight from the product label.

Brand Pharmax
Barcode (UPC) 88319621690
Net contents 30 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 24, 2017
DSLD ID 71008
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 Probiotics by Pharmax, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
88319621690
IngredientAmount% DV
Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-60)0 NP--
Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-21)0 NP--
Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL-20)0 NP--
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL-34)0 NP--
HLC Consortium0 NP--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Hypromellose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Complete daily nutritional supplement

Pharmax Four Pillars is the most convenient way to create a solid nutritional foundation by providing the required daily levels of essential nutrients in four easy-to-take capsules or tablets.

Probiotics Live “friendly” bacteria to help balance the intestinal tract.

30 Day supply

Probiotics

Formula

To enjoy optimum health, nutritional science recognizes that alongside a well-balanced diet, it is beneficial to supplement with the following essential nutrients: 4 Probiotics

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended adult intake: Contents of one serrated blister pack strip: 1 tablet, 1 softgel, 1 capsule (light brown) and 1 capsule (off-white), all taken once daily with a meal, at least two to three hours before or after taking medications or as professionally directed.

Precautions

Risk information: Do not use if you have an immune-compromised condition.

Consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any medication including cardiac glycosides (such as digitalis/digoxin), blood pressure medication, blood thinners or protease inhibitors, or have any health condition.

If symptoms of digestive upset occur, discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner. If hypersensitivity occurs, discontinue use.

Safety-sealed for your protection and for product freshness. Do not use if the blister pack has been tampered with.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General

V1.0 Code FP03-30

See for yourself

Probiotics by Pharmax label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Probiotics by Pharmax

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

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

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

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

Interaction report

Probiotics by Pharmax Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Probiotics?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
182Drugs
182 Moderate

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Probiotics 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 (CUL-60)1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L. acidophilus.
L. acidophilus preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and L. acidophilus preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL-20)1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium. bifidum with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. bifidum.
Since B. bifidum preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. bifidum preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL-34)1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium lactis with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. lactis.
Since B. lactis preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. lactis preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

Pharmax

See all Pharmax products
Name
Seroyal USA
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15275
Phone Number
1-888-737-6925
Web Address
seroyal.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Probiotics by Pharmax: Common Questions

Does Probiotics by Pharmax interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Probiotics 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?
Probiotics contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while I'm on antibiotics?
Not at the same time. Antibiotics can kill the live beneficial bacteria in this probiotic. You'll need to separate when you take them — usually a few hours apart — so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the right timing for your specific antibiotic.
Does this actually help with IBS or digestive issues?
All four strains in this product are possibly effective for IBS based on the data we have. L. acidophilus is also possibly effective for antibiotic-related diarrhea and bacterial vaginosis. That said, 'possibly effective' means the evidence supports its use but isn't definitive — your own results may vary.
What are the most common side effects?
Gastrointestinal discomfort — such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea — can occur, but these are uncommon. A small number of people in trials reported rash or itching, though it's unclear if the probiotics were the cause.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum are rated possibly safe in pregnancy. Lactation safety data for these strains isn't on file, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product while breastfeeding.
Should I be concerned about getting an infection from this?
Serious infections linked to these probiotics are rare and have mostly occurred in people with weakened immune systems or serious underlying illness. If you have a weak immune system or are critically ill, check with your doctor before starting this product.
What's the HLC Consortium on the label?
That's just a name for the blend of the four probiotic strains listed individually — Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis.

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

Not sure if Probiotics 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.

Probiotics label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Probiotics'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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