Herb & supplement monograph

American Ivy Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how American Ivy interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug American Ivy is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what American Ivy 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

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American Ivy Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant American Ivy drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and the best-documented concern is graded unlikely, meaning research suggests it does not actually happen in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The pairing worth knowing about involves thiazide diuretics, which are often prescribed to lower calcium in the urine and prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones. American Ivy berries contain oxalic acid, which in theory could work against that goal by promoting calcium oxalate formation, a process that can stress the kidneys. That said, this opposing effect is graded unlikely, so it remains a theoretical caution rather than a proven problem. Nothing else in the profile stands out with strong human evidence.

What the rest of the list means

Although American Ivy is listed with a fairly long list of interacting medications, all of them carry a moderate rating and none has solid human documentation behind it. A long list like this mostly reflects theoretical concerns, and a predicted effect on paper often does not translate into a meaningful change in how a medicine works in real life.

Check your medications against American Ivy

Based on HelloPharmacist’s American Ivy interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with American Ivy

56 medications have a known interaction with American Ivy, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic› Atenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic› Atenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic› Azilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor› Benazepril, HydrochlorothiazideLotensin HCT› BendroflumethiazideAprinox, Naturetin, Neo-NaClex› Bendroflumethiazide, NadololCorzide› Bendroflumethiazide, PotassiumCentyl K, Neo-NaClex-K› Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia SerpentinaRauzide› BenzthiazideExna› Bisoprolol, HydrochlorothiazideZiac› Candesartan Cilexetil, HydrochlorothiazideAtacand HCT› Captopril, HydrochlorothiazideAcezide, Capozide› ChlorothiazideDiuril› Chlorothiazide, MethyldopaAldochlor, Aldoclor 150, Aldoclor 250› Chlorothiazide, ReserpineDiupres› ChlorthalidoneHygroton, Thalitone› Chlorthalidone, ClonidineClorpres, Combipres› Cryptenamine, MethyclothiazideDiutensen› CyclothiazideAnhydron, Fluidil› Deserpidine, HydrochlorothiazideOreticyl, Oreticyl Forte› Deserpidine, MethyclothiazideEnduronyl, Enduronyl Forte› Enalapril Maleate, HydrochlorothiazideVaseretic› Fosinopril, HydrochlorothiazideMonopril HCT› Guanethidine, HydrochlorothiazideEsimil› Hydralazine, HydrochlorothiazideApresazide, Apresoline-Esidrix› Hydralazine, Hydrochlorothiazide, ReserpineSer-Ap-Es, Unipres, Uniserp› HydrochlorothiazideAquazide, Aquazide H, Esidrix, HCTZ, Hydro, Hydro-D +3 more› Hydrochlorothiazide, IrbesartanAvalide› Hydrochlorothiazide, LabetalolTrandate HCT›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

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 American Ivy combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs American Ivy affects

Every type of medication (drug category) American Ivy is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category American Ivy interacts with
Thiazide Diuretics
Thiazide Diuretics

The berries of American ivy contain up to 2% oxalic acid, which can be toxic because it has the potential to cause kidney failure by precipitating solid calcium oxalate. Thiazide diuretics are often prescribed to decrease urinary calcium levels and prevent the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Consequently, the berries of American ivy and thiazide diuretics may have opposing effects in this context, as the diuretics work to lower urinary calcium levels while the oxalic acid in the berries could potentially increase the risk of kidney stone formation. It is important to note that medicinal supplements utilizing American ivy generally only make use of the bark, not the berries.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence C
Monograph

American Ivy: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

American Ivy (Virginia creeper) is mainly an ornamental climbing vine with a long history of folk use for digestion and sweating, but there is very little human evidence to support any health benefit. Its berries contain oxalic acid and are considered poisonous, and the plant can irritate the skin. Because safety data is limited, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it.

American Ivy
Scientific name
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Family
Vitaceae
Part used
Bark, leaves, and stems (berries are considered poisonous)
Common forms
Dried bark, tinctures, teas; rarely sold as a standardized supplement
People commonly use it for
  • Digestive upset
  • To stimulate sweating
  • Traditional tonic use
  • Skin and swelling complaints (topical folk use)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Little safety data exists, and the berries are toxic, so use it cautiously and avoid eating any part of the plant.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

American Ivy, also called Virginia creeper, is a woody climbing vine that is native to North America and is now grown in many parts of the world. It is best known as a decorative plant that climbs walls and fences, with leaves that usually have five leaflets and turn bright red in the fall.

In traditional and folk medicine, the bark, stems, and leaves have sometimes been used. People have used it for digestive complaints and to bring on sweating. Today it is not a common ingredient in supplements, and most reliable health products that mention "ivy" actually use English ivy (Hedera helix), which is a different plant.

Uses & effectiveness

American Ivy has been used in folk traditions for stomach and digestive problems and to make a person sweat (a so-called diaphoretic). Some traditions also used it on the skin for swelling or wounds.

The scientific evidence for these uses is very weak. There are no good quality human studies showing that American Ivy works for any health condition. Most information comes from traditional use and a small amount of laboratory research on the plant's chemical compounds. Because of this, no one can reliably say it is effective for any medical problem.

It is important not to confuse American Ivy with English ivy. English ivy leaf extract is studied more often, mainly for cough and chest congestion, but that research does not apply to American Ivy.

How it works

The plant contains a mix of natural compounds, including terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, and small amounts of cardiac glycosides. The berries also contain oxalic acid, which is part of why they are considered poisonous.

In theory, saponins and flavonoids could have mild effects in the body, and these kinds of compounds are being studied in many plants. However, for American Ivy these ideas are based mostly on laboratory studies of the plant's chemistry, not on proven effects in people. We do not have solid human research showing how, or whether, it works.

Safety & precautions

Safety information for American Ivy is limited. The berries are considered poisonous and should never be eaten, especially by children, because they contain oxalic acid. Eating large amounts of any part of the plant could be harmful.

Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation in some people. The sap may trigger a rash or allergic reaction, similar to other irritating plants.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information to know if American Ivy is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. To be safe, it is best to avoid it during these times. People with kidney problems should be especially careful because of the oxalic acid content. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before using this plant.

Side effects

Because American Ivy is not widely studied or used as a supplement, the full range of side effects is not well known. Reported or expected problems include:

  • Skin irritation, rash, or allergic reaction from touching the plant or sap
  • Stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting if taken by mouth
  • Poisoning symptoms if the berries or large amounts of the plant are eaten

If you or a child accidentally eats the berries or develops severe symptoms, contact a poison control center or seek medical care right away.

Dosing

There is no established safe or effective dose for American Ivy. It is not a standardized supplement, so the strength of any product can vary a lot.

If you choose to use a product that contains it, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. Never make a home preparation from the raw plant or its berries. Because safety and dosing are unclear, talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using American Ivy.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

American Ivy & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

American Ivy & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 sources that drive our American Ivy monograph — publicly available pages from reputable medical and government organizations. Every link was verified to work before publishing.

  1. Oxalates — MedlinePlus Source
Keep reading

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.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

American Ivy: Common Questions

Does American Ivy interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 56 medications with a known interaction with American Ivy. Use the checker above to see how American Ivy interacts with a specific drug.
How are American Ivy interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take American Ivy with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this American Ivy interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is American Ivy used for?
In folk medicine it has been used for digestive upset and to cause sweating, and sometimes on the skin. There is no strong scientific evidence that it works for any of these uses.
Is American Ivy the same as English ivy?
No. American Ivy (Virginia creeper) is a different plant from English ivy (Hedera helix). English ivy is the one usually found in cough and congestion products, and the two should not be confused.
Are American Ivy berries poisonous?
Yes. The berries contain oxalic acid and are considered poisonous, so they should never be eaten, especially by children or pets.
Is American Ivy safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding and to ask your doctor first.

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

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