Herb & supplement monograph

Arsenic Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Arsenic 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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Arsenic Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, Arsenic drug interactions carry a serious risk, because every interaction on record is rated major and involves a real danger to heart rhythm. All of the listed interactions are rated major, and none are moderate or minor.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The concern centers on QT interval-prolonging drugs, a large group of medications that can affect the heart's electrical rhythm. Prescription arsenic trioxide has been shown to prolong the QT interval in up to 40% of treated patients, so this is a documented human effect, not just a lab finding. Combining arsenic with any of these medications could add to that effect and raise the chance of a dangerous heart rhythm problem. Because this risk involves the heart, we consider it the kind of interaction that deserves careful attention before combining products.

What the rest of the list means

Although the number of interacting medications looks large, they all share one common concern: the potential to affect heart rhythm. The additive effect with non-prescription arsenic is based on what prescription arsenic trioxide does in the body, so the risk with supplement-level exposure has not been directly measured. Still, the human evidence behind the underlying heart effect is strong enough that we do not treat this as a theoretical worry.

Check your medications against Arsenic

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Arsenic

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

161 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Arsenic.

2,830 drugs
Aclidinium Bromide, Formoterol Fumarate DihydrateDuaklir Pressair› AdagrasibKrazati› AmiodaroneCordarone, Pacerone› AmisulprideBarhemsys› AmitriptylineElavil› Amitriptyline, ChlordiazepoxideLimbitrol DS› Amitriptyline, PerphenazineEtrafon, Etrafon-A, Etrafon-Forte, Triavil› AripiprazoleAbilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Mycite› Aripiprazole LauroxilAristada, Aristada Initio Kit› Arsenic Trioxide (prescription Drug)Trisenox› ArtemetherArtenam, Paluther› AsenapineSaphris, Secuado› AstemizoleHismanal› AzithromycinAzasite, Zithromax, Zmax› BedaquilineSirturo› BepridilVascor› Berotralstat HydrochlorideOrladeyo› Cabotegravir, RilpivirineCabenuva› CeritinibZykadia› ChlorpromazineThorazine, Thorazine Spansules› CisapridePropulsid› ClarithromycinBiaxin, Biaxin XL› CrizotinibXalkori› DasatinibPhyrago, Sprycel› DesipramineDesipramine, Norpramin, Pertofrane› DesvenlafaxineKhedezla, Pristiq› DeutetrabenazineAustedo› DexmedetomidineIgalmi, Precedex› Disopyramide PhosphateNorpace, Norpace CR› DofetilideTikosyn›
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 Arsenic 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 Arsenic affects

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

All 1 drug category Arsenic interacts with
Qt Interval-prolonging Drugs
Qt Interval-Prolonging Drugs

Arsenic trioxide can prolong the QT interval.
Up to 40% of patients treated with prescription arsenic trioxide have a prolonged QT interval on their electrocardiogram (ECG). Theoretically, non-prescription arsenic could have an additive effect when combined with drugs that prolong the QT interval.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Monograph

Arsenic: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is toxic in its inorganic form, and it is not a supplement you should take to improve your health. While arsenic trioxide is a real, doctor-prescribed cancer medicine, and tiny homeopathic doses exist, there is no good reason to take arsenic on your own. Avoid arsenic-containing products and talk to a pharmacist or doctor about any concerns.

Arsenic
Part used
Mineral/trace element (not a plant part)
Common forms
Homeopathic preparations (e.g. Arsenicum album), trace amounts in food and water
People commonly use it for
  • Homeopathic digestive complaints
  • Traditional remedy for inflammatory conditions
  • Prescription use in certain leukemias (medical, not supplement)
  • Anxiety and restlessness (homeopathic tradition)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Inorganic arsenic is a known poison and carcinogen and should not be taken as a supplement.

PregnancyLikely Safe

When organic arsenic is consumed in food amounts. Organic forms of arsenic found in a normal diet have not been linked to toxicity.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Safe

When organic arsenic is consumed in food amounts. Organic forms of arsenic found in a normal diet have not been linked to toxicity.

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

Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical element found in soil, water, air, and many foods. It is not a plant or herb. It comes in two main forms: organic arsenic, which is found in seafood and is generally much less harmful, and inorganic arsenic, which is far more toxic.

People are exposed to small amounts of arsenic every day through food such as rice, grains, seafood, poultry, and drinking water. In some parts of the world, well water can contain high and dangerous levels of inorganic arsenic.

Arsenic is sometimes sold in very dilute homeopathic products (often labeled Arsenicum album) and has a long history in traditional medicine. Separately, a purified prescription form called arsenic trioxide is used by doctors to treat a specific type of leukemia. As a dietary supplement, however, arsenic is not something you should take on your own.

How it works

Scientists have suggested that arsenic may play a very small role in the body, possibly affecting the way certain amino acids like methionine and taurine are processed and how some genes are switched on or off. These ideas come mostly from animal and laboratory research and are not well proven in humans. No clear human deficiency or requirement has been established.

At higher doses, arsenic acts as a poison. It interferes with how cells make and use energy and can damage DNA. This is part of why long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic is linked to cancer. Interestingly, this same ability to disrupt and kill cells is what makes the prescription drug arsenic trioxide useful against certain leukemia cells when given carefully by doctors.

Effectiveness

Does Arsenic work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 4 uses evaluated
1 Effective 3 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Effective Leukemia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Intravenous arsenic trioxide is effective for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Also studied for 3 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Arsenic poisoning
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if homeopathic arsenic can reduce arsenic toxicity in individuals who regularly consume water contaminated with arsenic.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if homeopathic arsenic is beneficial for the prevention of COVID-19 in children.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Febrile seizure
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if homeopathic arsenic is beneficial for the prevention of febrile seizures after vaccination.

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

Inorganic arsenic is a recognized poison and a known cause of cancer. Long-term exposure has been linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancers, as well as heart disease, nerve damage, and skin changes. For this reason, you should not take arsenic-containing products to try to improve your health.

People who may be exposed to arsenic through well water should have their water tested. Those with kidney problems, children, and older adults may be especially vulnerable to its effects.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Arsenic should be avoided. It can cross the placenta and harm a developing baby, and it can pass into breast milk. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit known sources of inorganic arsenic where possible and never take arsenic supplements or remedies.

Always talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using any product that may contain arsenic, and keep all arsenic-containing substances away from children.

Side effects

Taking too much arsenic can cause arsenic poisoning. Early signs may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Longer-term or higher exposure can cause skin changes (darkening, thickening, or sores), numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, weakness, anemia, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart. Very large doses can be life-threatening.

Even the purified prescription form, arsenic trioxide, can cause serious side effects and must be given under careful medical monitoring. If you suspect arsenic poisoning, seek emergency medical care right away or contact a poison control center.

Arsenic: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Arsenic from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, organic forms of arsenic found in the diet are well tolerated, with no clear links to adverse effects. However, high doses or chronic intake of inorganic arsenic is associated with potentially serious adverse effects.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: With the acute ingestion of inorganic arsenic, anemia, arrhythmias, bruising, gastrointestinal irritation or damage, hepatotoxicity, and peripheral neuropathy.

With chronic intake of inorganic arsenic, arsenicism can occur, including anorexia, cancer, skin hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis, and toxicity of the cardiovascular and neurological systems.

Reports by condition
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) Ocular/Otic

Orally, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused conjunctivitis in one patient. A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased mortality from traffic accidents. This is suggested to be related to a higher prevalence of visual field narrowing due to macular degeneration, as well as motor or sensory dysfunction, in those exposed to arsenic during infancy.

  1. Dani SU. A curious association of chronic homeopathic arsenic ingestion with nonspecific symptoms in a Swiss teenager. Swiss Med Wkly 2019;149:w20071.
  2. Liu R, Tabuchi T, Kitamura T, Miyashiro I, Sobue T. Long-term observational study on 6223 survivors of arsenic poisoning due to contaminated milk powder during infancy. Cancer Sci 2020;111(10):3873-3880.
Alopecia Dermatologic

Orally, chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, characterized in part by skin hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis, alopecia, and occlusive peripheral vascular disease leading to gangrene. In one case, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused eczema of the hands, arms, and legs.

  1. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  2. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  3. Uthus EO, Seaborn CD. Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations of the other trace elements. J Nutr 1996;126:2452s-2459s.
  4. Nielsen FH. Nutritional requirements for boron, silicon, vanadium, nickel, and arsenic: current knowledge and speculation. FASEB J 1991;5:2661-7.
  5. Ratnaike RN. Acute and chronic arsenic toxicity. Postgrad Med J 2003;79:391-6.
  6. Spilchuk V, Thompson A. Chronic arsenic poisoning from traditional Chinese medicine. CMAJ 2019;191(15):E424.
  7. Dani SU. A curious association of chronic homeopathic arsenic ingestion with nonspecific symptoms in a Swiss teenager. Swiss Med Wkly 2019;149:w20071.
Anemia Hematologic

Orally, chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, characterized in part by anemia, leukopenia, and occlusive peripheral vascular disease.

  1. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  2. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  3. Uthus EO, Seaborn CD. Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations of the other trace elements. J Nutr 1996;126:2452s-2459s.
  4. Nielsen FH. Nutritional requirements for boron, silicon, vanadium, nickel, and arsenic: current knowledge and speculation. FASEB J 1991;5:2661-7.
  5. Ratnaike RN. Acute and chronic arsenic toxicity. Postgrad Med J 2003;79:391-6.
Anemia Cardiovascular

Orally, doses of inorganic arsenic 1 mg/kg daily can cause hematopoietic depression including anemia, arrhythmias, and blood vessel damage leading to bruising. Acute ingestion of inorganic arsenic 10 mg/kg daily or more causes vasodilation and myocardial depression leading to myocardial injury, shock, and circulatory failure. Chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, characterized in part by cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. Prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water at levels greater than or equal to 20 mcg/L has been linked, in a dose-dependent manner, to a 9% to 43% greater risk of cardiovascular disease, 11% to 55% greater risk of coronary heart disease, and 16% to 90% greater risk of cardiovascular-related death. Also, each interquartile increase in urinary inorganic arsenic levels is associated with an increased risk of both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in a specific area of the US. A metabolite of arsenic, monomethylarsonic acid, has also been positively linked to stroke risk. Increased exposure to inorganic arsenic has also been linked to the development of left ventricular hypertrophy. The cardiovascular adverse effects of inorganic arsenic appear to be more profound in males with hypertension.

The association between arsenic exposure and hypertension has also been investigated. A meta-analysis of observational research has found that the odds of having hypertension and risk of hypertension were increased by 14% and 30%, respectively, in those with the highest arsenic exposure when compared with the lowest. Exposure was determined based on intake of rice and rice products, as well as exposure in water, or levels in urine, hair, or toenails. Additionally, increased exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water has been linked to higher blood pressure in children.

  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Uthus EO, Seaborn CD. Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations of the other trace elements. J Nutr 1996;126:2452s-2459s.
  3. US Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Public Health Statement: Arsenic. August 2007. Available at: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp2-c1-b.pdf (Accessed 14 April 2008).
  4. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  5. Eckhert CD. Other trace elements. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, et al (eds). Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006.
  6. Ratnaike RN. Acute and chronic arsenic toxicity. Postgrad Med J 2003;79:391-6.
  7. Lu P, Ma JQ, Li F, et al. A fatal case of acute arsenic poisoning. J Forensic Sci 2019;64(4):1271-3.
  8. Nielsen FH. Nutritional requirements for boron, silicon, vanadium, nickel, and arsenic: current knowledge and speculation. FASEB J 1991;5:2661-7.
  9. Moon KA, Oberoi S, Barchowsky A, et al. A dose-response meta-analysis of chronic arsenic exposure and incident cardiovascular disease. Int J Epidemiol 2017;46(6):1924-39.
  10. Kuo CC, Balakrishnan P, Gribble MO, et al. The association of arsenic exposure and arsenic metabolism with all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality in the Strong Heart Study. Environ Int 2022;159:107029.
  11. Tsinovoi CL, Xun P, McClure LA, et al. Arsenic exposure in relation to ischemic stroke: the reasons for geographic and racial differences in stroke study. Stroke 2018;49(1):19-26.
  12. Pichler G, Grau-Perez M, Tellez-Plaza M, et al. Association of arsenic exposure with cardiac geometry and left ventricular function in young adults. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2019;12(5):e009018.
  13. Nong Q, Zhang Y, Guallar E, Zhong Q. Arsenic exposure and predicted 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk using the pooled cohort equations in U.S. hypertensive adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2016;13(11). pii: E1093.
  14. Zhao J, Li A, Mei Y, et al. The association of arsenic exposure with hypertension and blood pressure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Environ Pollut 2021;289:117914.
  15. Chen Y, Wu F, Liu X, et al. Early life and adolescent arsenic exposure from drinking water and blood pressure in adolescence. Environ Res 2019;178:108681.
Anorexia Gastrointestinal

Orally, acute ingestion of inorganic arsenic 5 mg, or sometimes less, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and flatulence. These effects usually resolve in about 12 hours without treatment. Doses of inorganic arsenic 1 mg/kg daily can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Acute ingestion of inorganic arsenic 10 mg/kg daily or more causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms including bloody rice-water diarrhea. Chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, characterized in part by anorexia and gastrointestinal disturbances.

  1. Ratnaike RN. Acute and chronic arsenic toxicity. Postgrad Med J 2003;79:391-6.
  2. Dani SU. A curious association of chronic homeopathic arsenic ingestion with nonspecific symptoms in a Swiss teenager. Swiss Med Wkly 2019;149:w20071.
  3. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  4. Uthus EO, Seaborn CD. Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations of the other trace elements. J Nutr 1996;126:2452s-2459s.
  5. US Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Public Health Statement: Arsenic. August 2007. Available at: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp2-c1-b.pdf (Accessed 14 April 2008).
  6. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  7. Eckhert CD. Other trace elements. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, et al (eds). Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006.
  8. Lu P, Ma JQ, Li F, et al. A fatal case of acute arsenic poisoning. J Forensic Sci 2019;64(4):1271-3.
  9. Nielsen FH. Nutritional requirements for boron, silicon, vanadium, nickel, and arsenic: current knowledge and speculation. FASEB J 1991;5:2661-7.
Anxiety Psychiatric

Orally, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused insomnia and anxiety in one patient.

  1. Dani SU. A curious association of chronic homeopathic arsenic ingestion with nonspecific symptoms in a Swiss teenager. Swiss Med Wkly 2019;149:w20071.
Cancer Oncologic

Inorganic arsenic is classified as a human carcinogen. Orally, chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, which can result in cancers of the skin, lungs, liver, kidneys, and bladder. Chronic ingestion of lower doses of inorganic arsenic, as a contaminant in well water, has also been linked to cancers of the skin, bladder, kidneys, and lungs. More specifically, levels of inorganic arsenic greater than 200 mcg/L in drinking water have been linked to lung cancer. Levels of inorganic arsenic greater than 10 mcg/L in drinking water are also dose-dependently linked to an increased risk for bladder and kidney cancers. A meta-analysis of observational research has found that arsenic exposure, especially from water and soil, is associated with prostate cancer risk. A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased mortality from liver cancer.

  1. US Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Public Health Statement: Arsenic. August 2007. Available at: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp2-c1-b.pdf (Accessed 14 April 2008).
  2. Ratnaike RN. Acute and chronic arsenic toxicity. Postgrad Med J 2003;79:391-6.
  3. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  4. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  5. Uthus EO, Seaborn CD. Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations of the other trace elements. J Nutr 1996;126:2452s-2459s.
  6. Nielsen FH. Nutritional requirements for boron, silicon, vanadium, nickel, and arsenic: current knowledge and speculation. FASEB J 1991;5:2661-7.
  7. Lamm SH, Ferdosi H, Dissen EK, Li J, Ahn J. A systematic review and meta-regression analysis of lung cancer risk and inorganic arsenic in drinking water. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2015;12(12):15498-515.
  8. Saint-Jacques N, Parker L, Brown P, Dummer TJ. Arsenic in drinking water and urinary tract cancers: a systematic review of 30 years of epidemiological evidence. Environ Health 2014;13:44.
  9. Di Giovanni P, Di Martino G, Scampoli P, et al. Arsenic Exposure and Risk of Urothelial Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020;17(9):3105.
  10. Yang Y, McDonald AC, Wang X, Pan Y, Wang M. Arsenic exposures and prostate cancer risk: A multilevel meta-analysis. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022;72:126992.
  11. Liu R, Tabuchi T, Kitamura T, Miyashiro I, Sobue T. Long-term observational study on 6223 survivors of arsenic poisoning due to contaminated milk powder during infancy. Cancer Sci 2020;111(10):3873-3880.
Cirrhosis Hepatic

Orally, doses of inorganic arsenic 1 mg/kg daily can cause hepatotoxicity.

The homeopathic remedy, arsenicum album, has been associated with three cases of acute liver injury. In one case, a 70-year-old male with pre-existing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis died following the acute liver injury associated with use of this compound for about 12 weeks. High levels of arsenic were found in his hair and nail samples. Symptoms in the two other individuals resolved upon discontinuation of homeopathic arsenic and use of corticosteroids.

  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Uthus EO, Seaborn CD. Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations of the other trace elements. J Nutr 1996;126:2452s-2459s.
  3. US Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Public Health Statement: Arsenic. August 2007. Available at: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp2-c1-b.pdf (Accessed 14 April 2008).
  4. Theruvath AH, Raveendran R, Philips CA. Dangerous placebo during the COVID-19 pandemic: A series of homoeopathic Arsenicum album-induced liver injury. Cureus 2022;14(6):e26062.
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, doses of inorganic arsenic 1 mg/kg daily can cause peripheral neuropathy and encephalopathy. In one case, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused headache, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Acute ingestion of inorganic arsenic 10 mg/kg daily or more can cause cerebral edema, leading to encephalopathy, convulsions, coma, and death. Chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, characterized in part by sensory disturbances, peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, confusion, and memory loss. A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased mortality from nervous system diseases.

In children, prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water has been linked to reduced scores on intelligence tests, developmental delays, impaired verbal comprehension, and decreased memory and attention.

  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Uthus EO, Seaborn CD. Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations of the other trace elements. J Nutr 1996;126:2452s-2459s.
  3. US Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Public Health Statement: Arsenic. August 2007. Available at: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp2-c1-b.pdf (Accessed 14 April 2008).
  4. Dani SU. A curious association of chronic homeopathic arsenic ingestion with nonspecific symptoms in a Swiss teenager. Swiss Med Wkly 2019;149:w20071.
  5. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  6. Eckhert CD. Other trace elements. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, et al (eds). Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006.
  7. Ratnaike RN. Acute and chronic arsenic toxicity. Postgrad Med J 2003;79:391-6.
  8. Nielsen FH. Nutritional requirements for boron, silicon, vanadium, nickel, and arsenic: current knowledge and speculation. FASEB J 1991;5:2661-7.
  9. Liu R, Tabuchi T, Kitamura T, Miyashiro I, Sobue T. Long-term observational study on 6223 survivors of arsenic poisoning due to contaminated milk powder during infancy. Cancer Sci 2020;111(10):3873-3880.
  10. Wasserman GA, Liu X, Parvez F, et al. Water arsenic exposure and children's intellectual function in Araihazar, Bangladesh. Environ Health Perspect 2004;112:1329-33.
  11. Hsueh YM, Chen WJ, Lee CY, et al. Association of arsenic methylation capacity with developmental delays and health status in children: a prospective case-control trial. Sci Rep 2016;6:37287.
  12. Dong J, Su SY. The association between arsenic and children's intelligence: a meta-analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2009;129(1-3):88-93.
  13. Rodríguez-Barranco M, Lacasaña M, Aguilar-Garduño C, et al. Association of arsenic, cadmium and manganese exposure with neurodevelopment and behavioural disorders in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Total Environ 2013;454-455:562-77.
Diabetes Endocrine

Orally, prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water has been associated with a 23% to 75% increase in the risk for diabetes. For every 100 mcg/L increase in inorganic arsenic levels in drinking water, the associated risk for diabetes increases by 13%. A small meta-analysis has found that overall exposure to arsenic, including organic and inorganic arsenic, is associated with an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.

  1. Sung TC, Huang JW, Guo HR. Association between arsenic exposure and diabetes: a meta-analysis. Biomed Res Int 2015;2015:368087.
  2. Wang W, Xie Z, Lin Y, Zhang D. Association of inorganic arsenic exposure with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis. J Epidemiol Community Health 2014;68(2):176-84.
  3. Salmeri N, Villanacci R, Ottolina J, et al. Maternal Arsenic Exposure and Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2020;12(10):3094.
Diarrhea Other

Orally, high doses of inorganic arsenic can cause death. In one case, a 24-year-old female receiving a combination of arsenic trioxide, realgar, and mung bean flour from an illegal medical provider died within days of taking the compounded preparation. Laboratory analysis revealed the amount of arsenic consumed to be around 1.1 grams on day 1 and 0.9 grams on day 4. Researchers concluded that arsenic as the source of poisoning was clear based on the amount of arsenic ingested and the patient's clinical presentation prior to death, which included vomiting, diarrhea, reduced urine output, liver and kidney abnormalities, and myocardial injury.

A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased all-cause mortality.

  1. Lu P, Ma JQ, Li F, et al. A fatal case of acute arsenic poisoning. J Forensic Sci 2019;64(4):1271-3.
  2. Liu R, Tabuchi T, Kitamura T, Miyashiro I, Sobue T. Long-term observational study on 6223 survivors of arsenic poisoning due to contaminated milk powder during infancy. Cancer Sci 2020;111(10):3873-3880.
Mortality Genitourinary

Orally, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused irregular menstruation. A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased mortality from genitourinary diseases.

  1. Dani SU. A curious association of chronic homeopathic arsenic ingestion with nonspecific symptoms in a Swiss teenager. Swiss Med Wkly 2019;149:w20071.
  2. Liu R, Tabuchi T, Kitamura T, Miyashiro I, Sobue T. Long-term observational study on 6223 survivors of arsenic poisoning due to contaminated milk powder during infancy. Cancer Sci 2020;111(10):3873-3880.
Mortality Pulmonary/Respiratory

A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased mortality from respiratory diseases.

  1. Liu R, Tabuchi T, Kitamura T, Miyashiro I, Sobue T. Long-term observational study on 6223 survivors of arsenic poisoning due to contaminated milk powder during infancy. Cancer Sci 2020;111(10):3873-3880.
Nocturnal leg cramps Musculoskeletal

Orally, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused leg cramps in one patient.

  1. Dani SU. A curious association of chronic homeopathic arsenic ingestion with nonspecific symptoms in a Swiss teenager. Swiss Med Wkly 2019;149:w20071.
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.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no safe or recommended supplement dose of arsenic. It is not a nutrient you need to add to your diet, and no health authority recommends taking arsenic supplements.

Homeopathic products that list arsenic are usually extremely dilute, but they still have no proven benefit. The only legitimate dosed use of arsenic is the prescription medicine arsenic trioxide, which is calculated and given by cancer specialists in a hospital setting.

If you are considering any product that contains arsenic, do not guess at a dose. Read the product label carefully and check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Arsenic & Pregnancy

Likely Safe

When organic arsenic is consumed in food amounts. Organic forms of arsenic found in a normal diet have not been linked to toxicity.

  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Uthus EO, Seaborn CD. Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations of the other trace elements. J Nutr 1996;126:2452s-2459s.
Likely Unsafe

When inorganic arsenic is taken orally, especially when used long-term or in high doses. While exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water does not seem to increase the risk of neural tube defects, it has been associated with an increased risk for spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality. Exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water and other sources while pregnant has also been linked to changes in birth weight, length, and head circumference, with one study showing that higher maternal blood arsenic levels are associated with 44% greater odds of delivering a small for gestational age infant and 103% greater odds of delivering a large for gestational age infant. Avoid arsenic supplements and water contaminated with arsenic during pregnancy or lactation.

  1. Wang B, Zhu Y, Yan L, et al. Association of maternal chronic arsenic exposure with the risk of neural tube defects in Northern China. Environ Int 2019;126:222-7.
  2. Quansah R, Armah FA, Essumang DK, et al. Association of arsenic with adverse pregnancy outcomes/infant mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Health Perspect 2015;123(5):412-21.
  3. Zhong Q, Cui Y, Wu H, et al. Association of maternal arsenic exposure with birth size: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2019;69:129-36.
  4. Mullin AM, Amarasiriwardena C, Cantoral-Preciado A, et al. Maternal blood arsenic levels and associations with birth weight-for-gestational age. Environ Res 2019;177:108603.

Arsenic & Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

When organic arsenic is consumed in food amounts. Organic forms of arsenic found in a normal diet have not been linked to toxicity.

  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Uthus EO, Seaborn CD. Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations of the other trace elements. J Nutr 1996;126:2452s-2459s.
Likely Unsafe

When inorganic arsenic is taken orally, especially when used long-term or in high doses. While exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water does not seem to increase the risk of neural tube defects, it has been associated with an increased risk for spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality. Exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water and other sources while pregnant has also been linked to changes in birth weight, length, and head circumference, with one study showing that higher maternal blood arsenic levels are associated with 44% greater odds of delivering a small for gestational age infant and 103% greater odds of delivering a large for gestational age infant. Avoid arsenic supplements and water contaminated with arsenic during pregnancy or lactation.

  1. Wang B, Zhu Y, Yan L, et al. Association of maternal chronic arsenic exposure with the risk of neural tube defects in Northern China. Environ Int 2019;126:222-7.
  2. Quansah R, Armah FA, Essumang DK, et al. Association of arsenic with adverse pregnancy outcomes/infant mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Health Perspect 2015;123(5):412-21.
  3. Zhong Q, Cui Y, Wu H, et al. Association of maternal arsenic exposure with birth size: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2019;69:129-36.
  4. Mullin AM, Amarasiriwardena C, Cantoral-Preciado A, et al. Maternal blood arsenic levels and associations with birth weight-for-gestational age. Environ Res 2019;177:108603.
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 35 references that drive our Arsenic 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.

  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  4. Uthus EO, Seaborn CD. Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations of the other trace elements. J Nutr 1996;126:2452s-2459s. PubMed
  5. Nielsen FH. Nutritional requirements for boron, silicon, vanadium, nickel, and arsenic: current knowledge and speculation. FASEB J 1991;5:2661-7. DOI
  6. US Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Public Health Statement: Arsenic. August 2007. Available at: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp2-c1-b.pdf (Accessed 14 April 2008).
  7. Eckhert CD. Other trace elements. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, et al (eds). Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006.
  8. Ratnaike RN. Acute and chronic arsenic toxicity. Postgrad Med J 2003;79:391-6. PubMed
  9. Wasserman GA, Liu X, Parvez F, et al. Water arsenic exposure and children's intellectual function in Araihazar, Bangladesh. Environ Health Perspect 2004;112:1329-33. PubMed
  10. Lamm SH, Ferdosi H, Dissen EK, Li J, Ahn J. A systematic review and meta-regression analysis of lung cancer risk and inorganic arsenic in drinking water. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2015;12(12):15498-515. PubMed
  11. Hsueh YM, Chen WJ, Lee CY, et al. Association of arsenic methylation capacity with developmental delays and health status in children: a prospective case-control trial. Sci Rep 2016;6:37287. PubMed
  12. Moon KA, Oberoi S, Barchowsky A, et al. A dose-response meta-analysis of chronic arsenic exposure and incident cardiovascular disease. Int J Epidemiol 2017;46(6):1924-39. PubMed
  13. Dong J, Su SY. The association between arsenic and children's intelligence: a meta-analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2009;129(1-3):88-93. PubMed
  14. Nong Q, Zhang Y, Guallar E, Zhong Q. Arsenic exposure and predicted 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk using the pooled cohort equations in U.S. hypertensive adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2016;13(11). pii: E1093. PubMed
  15. Sung TC, Huang JW, Guo HR. Association between arsenic exposure and diabetes: a meta-analysis. Biomed Res Int 2015;2015:368087. PubMed
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.

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

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Arsenic

3 brands in our database make a supplement containing Arsenic.

Product directory

Supplement products with Arsenic

4 products in our database contain Arsenic. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Arsenic: Common Questions

What is Arsenic used for, and does it work?
People use Arsenic for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Arsenic for Leukemia. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Arsenic interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 161 medications with a known interaction with Arsenic, including 161 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Arsenic interacts with a specific drug.
How are Arsenic 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 Arsenic 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 Arsenic 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.
Is Arsenic safe to take as a supplement?
No. Inorganic Arsenic is a known poison and cancer-causing agent, and there is no proven health benefit to taking it as a supplement. It should be avoided.
Why is Arsenic found in foods like rice?
Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and water, and crops like rice can absorb it as they grow. Eating a varied diet and rinsing or cooking rice in extra water can help reduce how much you take in.
Isn't Arsenic used as a medicine?
Yes, a purified prescription form called Arsenic trioxide is used by specialists to treat a certain type of leukemia. This is very different from taking Arsenic on your own and is only given under close medical supervision.
Can I take Arsenic if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Arsenic can harm a developing baby and can pass into breast milk, so it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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

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