Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

VSL#3 Capsules Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Alfasigma USA

VSL#3 Capsules label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking VSL#3 Capsules against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

VSL#3 Capsules is a dietary supplement by Alfasigma USA with 8 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, Bifidobacterium longum infantis, Bifidobacterium breve. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against VSL#3 Capsules by Alfasigma USA

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with VSL#3 Capsules by Alfasigma USA — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of VSL#3 Capsules by Alfasigma USA

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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 8 active ingredients.

VSL#3 contains eight active probiotic ingredients — live beneficial bacteria strains. The checked ones are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus.

We don't hold interaction data yet for Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus paracasei. The capsule itself contains inactive ingredients including a cellulose shell, corn starch, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and microcrystalline cellulose — standard fillers and binders that help deliver the live organisms.

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: Dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.
  • We looked for evidence on: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Diarrhea, Constipation, Abdominal pain — 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 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Also on file: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Radiation-induced diarrhea, Lactose intolerance, and more.

The evidence for these probiotics varies by condition. Lactobacillus acidophilus is possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and bacterial vaginosis, but possibly ineffective for atopic disease.

The other checked ingredients have insufficient evidence to rate for most conditions they've been studied in, including age-related cognitive decline, allergies, asthma, and anxiety. Without clear evidence of effectiveness for a specific health goal, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether VSL#3 fits what you're trying to address.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lactobacillus Acidophilus Bifidobacterium Longum Bifidobacterium Breve Lactobacillus Delbrueckii Streptococcus Thermophilus

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

These live probiotics are generally well tolerated in healthy adults and children. Mild gastrointestinal side effects — like bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and loose stools — have been reported by a small number of people, though they're uncommon.

Rarely, in very sick or severely immunocompromised patients (including preterm infants), the bacteria themselves have caused serious bloodstream infections (bacteremia) or sepsis, typically when other serious conditions were present. If you're seriously ill, have a weakened immune system, or have had recent surgery with central lines, check with your doctor before starting probiotics.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, Bifidobacterium longum is rated possibly safe, but we don't have safety data on file for the other ingredients — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lactobacillus Acidophilus Bifidobacterium Longum Bifidobacterium Breve Lactobacillus Delbrueckii Streptococcus Thermophilus

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?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Breve, Bifidobacterium Longum, Lactobacillus Delbrueckii.
  • 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.

Before you start VSL#3, check with your pharmacist about any antibiotics you're taking. Antibiotics may decrease how well this product works by killing the live organisms — that's the main documented interaction at Moderate severity.

No other medication types are documented as interacting with the ingredients we could check.

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.

VSL#3 may help with IBS and a few other conditions if you take Lactobacillus acidophilus, though evidence is limited for most uses. The key thing: separate it from antibiotics by several hours so the drugs don't kill the live bacteria and waste your dose.

If you're very ill, immunocompromised, or pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your pharmacist first.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2024.

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 VSL#3 Capsules, straight from the product label.

Brand Alfasigma USA
Barcode (UPC) 745749017819
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2024
DSLD ID 315337
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Halal
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 VSL#3 Capsules by Alfasigma USA, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
745749017819
IngredientAmount% DV
Lactobacillus acidophilus0 NP--
Bifidobacterium longum infantis0 NP--
Lactobacillus plantarum0 NP--
Bifidobacterium longum0 NP--
Lactobacillus paracasei0 NP--
Bifidobacterium breve0 NP--
Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus0 NP--
Streptococcus thermophilus0 NP--

Other ingredients: Lactic Acid Bacteria, Bifidobacteria Blend, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Corn Starch, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

VSL#3 The Living Shield

VSL#3 and The Living Shield are Trademarks of VSL Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Copyright 2019. Alfasigma USA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. VSL Pharmaceuticals Inc.

FDA Statement of Identity

Probiotic Medical Food

Formulation

For the dietary management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis.

Product of Italy

Precautions

VSL#3 is a medical food and must be used under medical supervision.

Do not use if blue ring is separated from the cap.

Formula

112.5 billion bacteria per capsule

Star-K (Kosher) VSL #3 is Kosher & Halal certified

VSL #3 is Kosher & Halal certified

Description: VSL#3 is a probiotic medical food specially formulated to provide a mixture of live, freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. Each capsule contains at least 112.5 billion lyophilized probiotic bacteria.

Strains of bacteria: Streptococcus thermophilus Bifidobacterium breve Bifidobacterium longum Bifidobacterium infantis Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus plantarum Lactobacillus paracasei Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus Reclassified as B. lactis Reclassified as L. helveticus

Seals/Symbols

Star-K (Kosher)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Consume as directed by your physician. (Usual adult dosage: 1-2 capsules, as needed, up to four times a day).

General Statements

For more information or the product information sheet visit us at www.VSL3.com or call 1-866-GETVSL3 (438-8753)

Storage

Keep refrigerated at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C)

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

VSL#3 Capsules by Alfasigma USA label

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

VSL#3 Capsules label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in VSL#3 Capsules by Alfasigma USA

These are the 8 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.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

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...

Lactobacillus acidophilus monograph & interactions

Bifidobacterium longum infantis

Interacts with
182 drugs
0 NP per serving

Bifidobacterium longum is a 'friendly' bacterium found naturally in the human gut and used as a probiotic. It is generally well tolerated and is most...

Bifidobacterium longum infantis monograph & interactions

Lactobacillus plantarum

0 NP per serving

Bifidobacterium longum

Interacts with
182 drugs
0 NP per serving

Bifidobacterium longum is a 'friendly' bacterium found naturally in the human gut and used as a probiotic. It is generally well tolerated and is most...

Bifidobacterium longum monograph & interactions

Lactobacillus paracasei

0 NP per serving

Bifidobacterium breve

Interacts with
182 drugs
0 NP per serving

Bifidobacterium breve is a 'friendly' gut bacterium taken as a probiotic, most often to support digestion and balance the gut microbiome. Some studies...

Bifidobacterium breve monograph & interactions

Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus

Interacts with
182 drugs
0 NP per serving

Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a 'friendly' bacterium used in food fermentation and sold as a probiotic, often as part of multi-strain products. It is g...

Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus monograph & interactions

Streptococcus thermophilus

No known
interactions
0 NP per serving

Streptococcus thermophilus is a friendly bacterium used as a probiotic, often combined with other strains in yogurt and supplements. It is generally w...

Streptococcus thermophilus monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Lactic Acid Bacteria, Bifidobacteria Blend, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Corn Starch, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

VSL#3 Capsules by Alfasigma USA Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against VSL#3 Capsules?

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

Lactobacillus acidophilus 182
Bifidobacterium longum infantis 182
Bifidobacterium breve 182
Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus 182

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in VSL#3 Capsules interact with 182 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 8 ingredients in VSL#3 Capsules interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Lactobacillus acidophilus Bifidobacterium longum infantis Bifidobacterium breve Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in VSL#3 Capsules 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 acidophilus1 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
Lactobacillus acidophilus full monograph & interactions

Bifidobacterium longum infantis1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium longum with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. longum.
Since B. longum 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. longum preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bifidobacterium longum infantis full monograph & interactions

Bifidobacterium breve1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Bifidobacterium breve with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of B. breve.
Since B. breve 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. breve preparations by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bifidobacterium breve full monograph & interactions

Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus delbrueckii with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L. delbrueckii.
Lactobacillus delbrueckii 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. delbrueckii preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for VSL#3 Capsules, from the product label.

Alfasigma USA

See all Alfasigma USA products
Name
Alfasigma USA, Inc.
City
Covington
State
LA
ZipCode
70433
Phone Number
1-866-438-8753
Web Address
www.vsl3.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

VSL#3 Capsules by Alfasigma USA: Common Questions

Does VSL#3 Capsules by Alfasigma USA interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, VSL#3 Capsules 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?
VSL#3 Capsules contains 8 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 VSL#3 while I'm on antibiotics?
Yes, but timing matters. Since antibiotics can kill the live bacteria in VSL#3 and make it less effective, separate your doses by several hours — take your antibiotic at one time of day and VSL#3 at a different time. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for the best schedule based on your specific antibiotic.
Is VSL#3 safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Bifidobacterium longum, one of the ingredients, is rated possibly safe in pregnancy and lactation. We don't have safety data on file for the other ingredients, so it's best to talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before using it while pregnant or nursing.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. A small number report mild gastrointestinal side effects like bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or burping — these are uncommon. Very rarely, in critically ill or severely immunocompromised patients, the bacteria themselves have caused serious bloodstream infections; this risk is primarily in people already very ill or with weakened immune systems.
Does VSL#3 actually work for IBS?
Lactobacillus acidophilus in VSL#3 is possibly effective for IBS based on the evidence we have, though the data isn't conclusive. For the other bacterial strains and most other conditions, the evidence is insufficient to know if they work. Talk with your doctor about whether it makes sense to try it for your situation.
Will VSL#3 help prevent colds or boost my immune system?
We don't have enough evidence to know whether these probiotics help prevent colds or strengthen immunity. Most of the ingredients have insufficient evidence for those uses, so it's not clear whether this product would help.
Should I be concerned if I'm seriously ill or have a weak immune system?
Yes — talk with your doctor before starting VSL#3. In rare cases, the live bacteria have caused serious infections (bacteremia or sepsis) in critically ill patients or those with severely weakened immune systems. If you're in that situation, your doctor needs to weigh the risks and benefits.

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

Not sure if VSL#3 Capsules 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.

VSL#3 Capsules label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind VSL#3 Capsules’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Interacts with 182 drugs

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a 'friendly' bacterium used as a probiotic to support gut and vaginal health. It is generally well tolerated in healthy people, and there is reasonable evidence...

Read the full Lactobacillus Acidophilus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bifidobacterium Longum

Interacts with 182 drugs

Bifidobacterium longum is a 'friendly' bacterium found naturally in the human gut and used as a probiotic. It is generally well tolerated and is most studied for digestive issues, though evi...

Read the full Bifidobacterium Longum monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bifidobacterium Breve

Interacts with 182 drugs

Bifidobacterium breve is a 'friendly' gut bacterium taken as a probiotic, most often to support digestion and balance the gut microbiome. Some studies suggest possible benefits for certain d...

Read the full Bifidobacterium Breve monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lactobacillus Delbrueckii

Interacts with 182 drugs

Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a 'friendly' bacterium used in food fermentation and sold as a probiotic, often as part of multi-strain products. It is generally considered safe for healthy peo...

Read the full Lactobacillus Delbrueckii monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Streptococcus Thermophilus

Streptococcus thermophilus is a friendly bacterium used as a probiotic, often combined with other strains in yogurt and supplements. It is generally well tolerated in healthy people and may...

Read the full Streptococcus Thermophilus monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

VSL#3 Capsules'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 75 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 Longum 21 references
  1. Ha GY, Yang CH, Kim H, Chong Y. Case of sepsis caused by Bifidobacterium longum. J Clin Microbiol 1999;37:1227-8.
  2. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  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. Rautava S, Kainonen E, Salminen S, Isolauri E. Maternal probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and breast-feeding reduces the risk of eczema in the infant. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;130(6):1355-60. PubMed
  5. 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.
  6. Pellonperä O, Vahlberg T, Mokkala K, et al. Weight gain and body composition during pregnancy: a randomised pilot trial with probiotics and/or fish oil. Br J Nutr. 2020 Nov 4:1-11. PubMed
  7. Pellonperä O, Mokkala K, Houttu N, et al. Efficacy of fish oil and/or probiotic intervention on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in an at-risk group of overweight and obese women: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial PubMed
  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. 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
  10. Enomoto T, Sowa M, Nishimori K, et al. Effects of bifidobacterial supplementation to pregnant women and infants in the prevention of allergy development in infants and on fecal microbiota. Allergol Int 2014;63(4):575-85. PubMed
  11. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dear Healthcare Provider Letter: Warning Regarding Use of Probiotics in Preterm Infants. September 2023. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/172606/download?attachment. Accessed November 1, 2023.
  12. Pillai A, Tan J, Paquette V, Panczuk J. Does probiotic bacteremia in premature infants impact clinically relevant outcomes? A case report and updated review of literature. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020;39:255-259. PubMed
  13. Sabaté JM, Iglicki F. Effect of Bifidobacterium longum 35624 on disease severity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol 2022;28(7):732-744.
  14. Malaguarnera M, Greco F, Barone G, Gargante MP, Malaguarnera M, Toscano MA. Bifidobacterium longum with fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) treatment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Dig Dis Sci 2007;52(11) PubMed
  15. Zbinden A, Zbinden R, Berger C, Arlettaz R. Case series of Bifidobacterium longum bacteremia in three preterm infants on probiotic therapy. Neonatology 2015;107(1):56-9.
  16. Tamaki H, Nakase H, Inoue S, et al. Efficacy of probiotic treatment with Bifidobacterium longum 536 for induction of remission in active ulcerative colitis: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multicenter trial. Dig Endosc 2016;28(1):67-74.
  17. Bertelli C, Pillonel T, Torregrossa A, et al. Bifidobacterium longum bacteremia in preterm infants receiving probiotics. Clin Infect Dis 2015;60(6):924-7. PubMed
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  19. Tena D, Losa C, Medina MJ, Sáez-Nieto JA. Peritonitis caused by Bifidobacterium longum: case report and literature review. Anaerobe 2014;27:27-30. PubMed
  20. Sangkanjanavanich S, Pradubpongsa P, Mitthamsiri W, Sangasapaviliya A, Boonpiyathad T. Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 efficacy in patients with uncontrolled asthma: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2022;129(6):790-792. PubMed
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See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Longum monograph →

Bifidobacterium Breve 9 references
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  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
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  8. Takeda Y, Ota K, Kondo A, et al. A case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Bifidobacterium breve. IDCases 2022;31:e01667. PubMed
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See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Breve monograph →

Lactobacillus Delbrueckii 9 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. 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
  3. Ranchal P, Gupta R, Goldberg R, A Lobo S, Pascual A, El Khoury MY. Penicillin-sensitive Lactobacillus jensenii bacteremia. Am J Ther 2021;28(2):e250-e252. PubMed
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  7. Neonakis IK, Skamagkas I, Stafylaki D, Maraki S. Lactobacillus delbrueckii urinary tract infection in a male patient: a case report. Germs 2022;12(2):304-307. PubMed
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  9. Darbro BW, Petroelje BK, Doern GV. Lactobacillus delbrueckii as the cause of urinary tract infection. J Clin Microbiol 2009;47(1):275-7.

See these in context on the Lactobacillus Delbrueckii monograph →

Streptococcus Thermophilus 21 references
  1. Saxelin M, Chuang NH, Chassy B, et al. Lactobacilli and bacteremia in southern Finland 1989-1992. Clin Infect Dis 1996;22:564-6. PubMed
  2. Tynkkynen S, Singh KV, Varmanen P. Vancomycin resistance factor of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in relation to enterococcal vancomycin resistance (van) genes. Int J Food Microbiol 1998;41:195-204. PubMed
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  4. Kalima P, Masterton RG, Roddie PH, et al. Lactobacillus rhamnosus infection in a child following bone marrow transplant. J Infect 1996;32:165-7. PubMed
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  6. Rautio M, Jousimies-Somer H, Kauma H, et al. Liver abscess due to Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain indistinguishable from L. rhamnosus strain GG. Clin Infect Dis 1999;28:1159-60.
  7. MacGregor G, Smith AJ, Thakker B, Kinsella J. Yoghurt biotherapy: contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients? Postgrad Med J 2002;78:366-7. PubMed
  8. Land MH, Rouster-Stevens K, Woods CR, et al. Lactobacillus sepsis associated with probiotic therapy. Pediatrics 2005;115:178-81.
  9. De Groote MA, Frank DN, Dowell E, et al. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG bacteremia associated with probiotic use in a child with short gut syndrome. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2005;24:278-80. PubMed
  10. Vahabnezhad E, Mochon AB, Wozniak LJ, Ziring DA. Lactobacillus bacteremia associated with probiotic use in a pediatric patient with ulcerative colitis. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2013;47(5):437-9. PubMed
  11. Dolatkhah N, Hajifaraji M, Abbasalizadeh F, Aghamohammadzadeh N, Mehrabi Y, Abbasi MM. Is there a value for probiotic supplements in gestational diabetes mellitus? A randomized clinical trial. J Health Popul Nutr. 2015;33:25. PubMed
  12. 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.
  13. Sendil S, Shrimanker I, Mansoora Q, Goldman J, Nookala VK. Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteremia in an immunocompromised renal transplant patient. Cureus. 2020;12(2):e6887. PubMed
  14. Albarillo FS, Shah U, Joyce C, Slade D. Lactobacillus rhamnosus Infection: A single-center 4-year descriptive analysis. J Glob Infect Dis. 2020;12(3):119-123. PubMed
  15. Pasala S, Singer L, Arshad T, Roach K. Lactobacillus endocarditis in a healthy patient with probiotic use. IDCases. 2020;22:e00915. PubMed
  16. Agrawal S, Tuchman ES, Bruce MJ, Theodorou ME. Fatal Lactobacillus endocarditis in a patient with transcatheter aortic valve replacement. BMJ Case Rep. 2020;13(11):e236835.
  17. Antoun M, Hattab Y, Akhrass FA, Hamilton LD. Uncommon pathogen, Lactobacillus, causing infective endocarditis: Case report and review. Case Rep Infect Dis. 2020;2020:8833948. PubMed
  18. 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
  19. Franko B, Vaillant M, Recule C, Vautrin E, et al. Lactobacillus paracasei endocarditis in a consumer of probiotics. Med Mal Infect. 2013;43(4):171-3. PubMed
  20. Campbell RE, Miller A, Afroze A. Native valve endocarditis secondary to Lactobacillus paracasei bacteremia. Consultant. 2020;60(9):27-8. DOI
  21. Kato K, Funabashi N, Takaoka H, et al. Lactobacillus paracasei endocarditis in a consumer of probiotics with advanced and severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis complicated with diffuse left ventricular mid-layer fibrosis. Int J Cardiol. 2016;224:157-161. PubMed

See these in context on the Streptococcus Thermophilus monograph →

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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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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