Adrenal Extract Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Adrenal Extract interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Adrenal Extract is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Adrenal Extract is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Adrenal Extract against your medication
Add one medicationDrugs that interact with Adrenal Extract
0 medications have a known interaction with Adrenal Extract, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Adrenal Extract. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.
What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Adrenal Extract combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Adrenal Extract: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Adrenal extract is a glandular supplement made from the adrenal glands of animals, and it is marketed mainly for fatigue and so-called "adrenal fatigue." There is no good scientific evidence that it works, and "adrenal fatigue" is not a recognized medical diagnosis. Because of possible safety and contamination concerns, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before trying it.
- Part used
- Adrenal glands (cortex and/or whole gland) of cattle, pigs, or sheep
- Common forms
- Capsules, tablets, and glandular powder extracts
- Fatigue and low energy
- "Adrenal fatigue" support
- Stress and burnout
- Low energy after illness
- General "adrenal support"
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
Evidence of benefit is lacking and animal-tissue products carry contamination and hormonal concerns.
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Adrenal extract is a type of glandular supplement. It is made from the adrenal glands of animals such as cows, pigs, or sheep. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and normally make hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that help the body handle stress.
The idea behind taking adrenal extract is that giving your body animal adrenal tissue might "support" or "boost" your own adrenal glands. It is sold as capsules, tablets, or powders, sometimes alone and sometimes mixed with vitamins, herbs, or other glandular products.
It is most often marketed for tiredness and a popular concept called "adrenal fatigue." It is important to know that "adrenal fatigue" is not a condition recognized by mainstream medicine.
How it works
Marketers claim that animal adrenal tissue contains hormones and nutrients that can refresh or support your own adrenal glands. This idea is often based on the older theory that "like supports like" — that eating an organ helps the matching organ in your body.
This proposed mechanism is not well supported by modern research. There is little reliable evidence on what active compounds survive digestion or what they actually do in the body.
One real concern is that some adrenal products may contain actual adrenal hormones (such as cortisol-like steroids). If present, these could affect the body in unintended ways. Because supplements are not tightly regulated, the true contents and strength can vary a lot from product to product.
Does Adrenal Extract work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
For Adrenal Extract, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.
Also studied for 15 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Addison disease
Although there has been interest in using oral adrenal extract for Addison disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Although there has been interest in using oral or sublingual adrenal extract for allergic rhinitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Asthma
Although there has been interest in using oral adrenal extract for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Although there has been interest in using oral adrenal extract for eczema, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Depression
Although there has been interest in using sublingual adrenal extract for depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Fatigue
Although there has been interest in using oral or sublingual adrenal extract for fatigue, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hyperkalemia
Although there has been interest in using intravenous adrenal extract for hyperkalemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypoglycemia
Although there has been interest in using sublingual adrenal extract for hypoglycemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypotension
Although there has been interest in using sublingual adrenal extract for hypotension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Miscarriage
Although there has been interest in using intravenous adrenal extract for miscarriage, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Opioid withdrawal
Although there has been interest in using sublingual adrenal extract for opioid withdrawal, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psoriasis
Although there has been interest in using oral adrenal extract for psoriasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Although there has been interest in using oral adrenal extract for RA, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stress
Although there has been interest in using oral or sublingual adrenal extract for stress, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Ulcerative colitis
Although there has been interest in using intravenous adrenal extract for ulcerative colitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of adrenal extract for this purpose.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
Adrenal extract is not well studied for safety. Because it is made from animal glands, there are concerns about contamination and, in theory, the spread of animal-borne diseases. Product quality and contents are not closely controlled.
People who should be especially cautious or avoid it include those with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, or hormone-sensitive problems. Anyone with real adrenal or thyroid disease should not self-treat with glandular supplements and should work with a doctor instead.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough information to call this safe. To be cautious, avoid adrenal extract if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting adrenal extract, especially if you take other medicines or have a chronic health condition.
Side effects
Because adrenal extract has not been carefully studied, its full side-effect profile is not known. Reported or possible effects include nervousness, a racing heartbeat, trouble sleeping, headache, and increases in blood pressure, especially if the product contains steroid-like hormones.
Some people may have stomach upset or allergic reactions to the animal-based ingredients. Rarely, glandular products could carry contaminants. Stop the product and seek medical care if you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, chest pain, or other concerning symptoms.
Adrenal Extract: Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Adrenal Extract from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
Reports by conditionEncephalitis Other
Adrenal extracts are derived from raw cow, pig, or sheep adrenal glands gathered from slaughterhouses and possibly from sick or diseased animals. Products made from contaminated or diseased organs might present a human health hazard. There is also some concern that adrenal extracts produced from cows in countries where bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) has been reported might be contaminated with diseased tissue. Countries where BSE has been reported include Great Britain, France, The Netherlands, Portugal, Luxembourg, Ireland, Switzerland, Oman, Belgium, and others; however, there have been no reports of BSE transfer to humans from contaminated adrenal extract products. Until more is known, tell patients to avoid these products unless country of origin can be determined. Patients should avoid products that are produced in countries where BSE has been found.
- Nationwide alert on hallmark labs injectable adrenal cortex extract. FDA. Available at: www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/NEW00539.html
- Lewis CJ. Letter to reiterate certain public health and safety concerns to firms manufacturing or importing dietary supplements that contain specific bovine tissues. FDA. Available at: www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr05.html.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no established or standardized dose for adrenal extract. Products vary widely in their source, strength, and ingredients, so there is no reliable "correct" amount.
If you choose to use it despite the limited evidence, follow the directions on the product label and do not take more than recommended. It is best to check with your pharmacist or doctor first so they can review your health history and other medicines. Choosing brands that use independent third-party testing may help with quality, but it does not guarantee that the product works.
Adrenal Extract & Pregnancy
Adrenal Extract & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 2 references that drive our Adrenal Extract monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Lewis CJ. Letter to reiterate certain public health and safety concerns to firms manufacturing or importing dietary supplements that contain specific bovine tissues. FDA. Available at: www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr05.html.
- Nationwide alert on hallmark labs injectable adrenal cortex extract. FDA. Available at: www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/NEW00539.html
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
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
Brands that make products with Adrenal Extract
1 brand in our database make a supplement containing Adrenal Extract.
Supplement products with Adrenal Extract
8 products in our database contain Adrenal Extract. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.
Adrenal Extract: Common Questions
What is Adrenal Extract used for, and does it work?
Does Adrenal Extract interact with prescription medications?
How are Adrenal Extract interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Adrenal Extract with my medications?
Where does this Adrenal Extract interaction information come from?
What is Adrenal Extract used for?
Is "adrenal fatigue" a real diagnosis?
Is Adrenal Extract safe to take?
Can I take Adrenal Extract if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Products that contain Adrenal Extract
A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Adrenal Extract — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.
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