Herb & supplement monograph

Calotropis Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Calotropis 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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Calotropis 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 Calotropis drug interaction appears low for most people, though anyone taking heart or mood medications with a narrow safety margin should be careful. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and nearly all rest on theoretical concerns rather than effects proven in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combination we would watch most closely is Calotropis with lithium, because Calotropis may act as a mild diuretic that could raise lithium levels, and this concern has some human and animal support. Caution also applies to digoxin, since Calotropis could theoretically add to the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity. That same theoretical risk grows if potassium drops, which is why potassium-depleting diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, and stimulant laxatives, appear on the list too.

What the rest of the list means

The long roster of interacting medications looks worrying at first, but it largely reflects these few shared, theoretical mechanisms, mainly the possibility of potassium loss or added strain on the heart. Most entries come from lab or animal research, not documented problems in people, so a listing does not mean a harmful effect will actually occur.

Check your medications against Calotropis

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Calotropis

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

2,830 drugs
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic› Ammonium ChlorideAmmonium Chloride› ArmodafinilNuvigil› 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› BisacodylDulcolax, Gentlax› Bisacodyl, DocusateDulcolax Laxative Tabs› Bisoprolol, HydrochlorothiazideZiac› BumetanideBurinex› Bumetanide, PotassiumBurinex K› Caffeine, Potassium Salicylate, SalicylamideTrim-Elim› Candesartan Cilexetil, HydrochlorothiazideAtacand HCT› Captopril, HydrochlorothiazideAcezide, Capozide› CasanthranolDoxidan Liquid Gels› Casanthranol, DocusateDoxidan› Casanthranol, Docusate PotassiumDialose Plus› Casanthranol, Docusate SodiumPeri-Colace› Castor Oil (otc Drug)Purge› ChlorothiazideDiuril› Chlorothiazide, MethyldopaAldochlor, Aldoclor 150, Aldoclor 250›
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 Calotropis 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 Calotropis affects

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

All 4 drug categories Calotropis interacts with
Digoxin (lanoxin)Diuretic DrugsLithiumStimulant Laxatives
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, concomitant use with calotropis increases the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of calotropis and potassium depleting diuretics can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity due to potassium depletion. Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Calotropis is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, calotropis might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, concomitant use with calotropis may increase risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity due to potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Calotropis: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Calotropis is a milkweed-family plant long used in traditional medicine, but its milky latex and other parts are potentially toxic and can harm the eyes, skin, and heart. Human evidence for any health benefit is very limited, and the risk of poisoning is real, so it should not be taken internally without expert medical supervision.

Scientific name
Calotropis procera
Family
Apocynaceae
Part used
Latex (milky sap), leaves, roots, and flowers
Common forms
Traditional preparations such as dried plant powder, root or leaf extracts, and topical applications of latex; rarely standardized commercial products
People commonly use it for
  • Skin conditions and wounds (traditional, topical)
  • Joint pain and inflammation
  • Digestive complaints
  • Coughs and respiratory issues
  • Traditional Ayurvedic and folk remedies

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

The plant contains toxic cardiac glycosides and an irritant latex that can cause serious harm if swallowed or rubbed in the eyes.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally; 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

Calotropis is a shrub or small tree in the milkweed family. The most studied species are Calotropis procera and Calotropis gigantea. These plants grow in dry, sunny areas of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, and they are often considered weeds. The plant is easy to spot by its thick leaves, purple-and-white flowers, and the white, milky sap (latex) that leaks out when a stem or leaf is broken.

In traditional systems such as Ayurveda and various folk medicine practices, different parts of the plant have been used for skin problems, pain, swelling, coughs, and digestive complaints. It is important to know that traditional use does not prove the plant is safe or effective. The milky latex in particular is known to be irritating and toxic.

Uses & effectiveness

People have traditionally used Calotropis for a wide range of conditions, including skin wounds and infections, joint and muscle pain, swelling, coughs, asthma, and stomach problems. It has also been used in some cultures as a folk treatment applied to the skin.

Despite this long history, high-quality human studies are lacking. Most of the research comes from laboratory experiments and animal studies that suggest possible anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antimicrobial effects. These early findings do not prove that Calotropis works in people or that it is safe to use. Because the plant is also toxic, the limited evidence does not support using it as a treatment for any condition.

How it works

Calotropis contains several active compounds, including cardiac glycosides (such as calotropin and uscharin), as well as enzymes and other plant chemicals found in its milky latex. Cardiac glycosides can act on the heart, which is one reason the plant can be dangerous.

Laboratory and animal studies suggest the plant may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity, and the latex can break down tissue and irritate skin and mucous membranes. These mechanisms are mostly based on test-tube and animal research, and it is not clear how they apply to humans or whether any benefit could outweigh the toxic risk.

Safety & precautions

Calotropis should be treated as a potentially poisonous plant. The milky latex is a strong irritant and can cause serious eye injury, including damage to the cornea, if it gets in the eyes. Swallowing the plant or its sap can cause poisoning because of the cardiac glycosides, which can affect heart rhythm.

People with heart conditions, children, older adults, and anyone with sensitive skin should be especially careful and avoid contact. Always wash your hands after handling the plant and never rub your eyes.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid Calotropis. It has traditionally been associated with causing miscarriage, and its toxic compounds make it unsafe. There is no reliable safety information for use while breastfeeding, so it should be avoided then too.

Because of these risks, you should not use Calotropis internally without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using any product that contains it.

Side effects

Contact with the latex can cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, and burning. Getting the sap in the eyes can cause severe pain, swelling, blurred vision, and lasting eye damage.

If swallowed, the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and more serious effects such as irregular heartbeat and dangerous changes in heart rhythm. Severe poisoning can be life-threatening. Seek emergency care right away if someone swallows the plant or develops chest symptoms, fainting, or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Calotropis: Reported Adverse Effects

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

There is limited reliable information available about the safety of calotropis when taken as a medicine. Orally, high doses of calotropis have been reported to cause vomiting, diarrhea, bradycardia, convulsions, and death. Topical exposure to calotropis has been reported to cause contact allergies and corneal endothelial cell injury leading to edema and vision loss.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Handa F, Sadana JK, Sharma PK. Allergic contact dermatitis due to the plant Calotropis procera (Vern: AK). A case report. Indian J Dermatol. 1984 Jul;29(3):27-9.
  3. Al-Mezaine HS, Al-Rajhi AA, Al-Assiri A, Wagoner MD. Calotropis procera (ushaar) keratitis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Jan;139(1):199-202.
  4. Al-Mezaine HS, Al-Amry MA, Al-Assiri A, et al. Corneal endothelial cytotoxicity of the Calotropis procera (ushaar) plant. Cornea. 2008 May;27(4):504-6.
  5. Basak SK, Bhaumik A, Mohanta A, Singhal P. Ocular toxicity by latex of Calotropis procera (Sodom apple). Indian J Ophthalmol. 2009 May-Jun;57(3):232-4.
  6. Biedner B, Rothkoff L, Witztum A. Calotropis procera (Sodom apple) latex keratoconjunctivitis. Isr J Med Sci. 1977 Sep;13(9):914-6.
Reports by condition
Dermatitis Immunologic

Topically, calotropis has been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis. In one case report, a 24-year-old male developed allergic dermatitis of the penis and scrotum after touching a calotropis plant with his hands and then spreading exposure to the penis and scrotum. The patient experienced redness, burning, lesions, and a watery discharge.

  1. Handa F, Sadana JK, Sharma PK. Allergic contact dermatitis due to the plant Calotropis procera (Vern: AK). A case report. Indian J Dermatol. 1984 Jul;29(3):27-9.
Dermatitis Dermatologic

Topically, calotropis has been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis.

  1. Handa F, Sadana JK, Sharma PK. Allergic contact dermatitis due to the plant Calotropis procera (Vern: AK). A case report. Indian J Dermatol. 1984 Jul;29(3):27-9.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, high doses of calotropis can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Glaucoma Ocular/Otic

Topically, calotropis has been reported to cause ocular injury. Intentional or accidental exposure of the eye to calotropis, often through self-treatment or workplace exposure, has been associated with painless vision reduction involving corneal edema and Descemet folds. Epithelial defects, iridocyclitis, and secondary glaucoma have also been reported in up to 31% of cases. Most symptoms resolved with appropriate treatment. The latex of the calotropis plant appears to be particularly toxic to the endothelium of the cornea. In most cases, damage to the endothelial cells is permanent. Damage to the eye from calotropis exposure may or may not involve pain. While most patients do not report pain, a 6-year-old boy described intense pain concurrent with epithelial damage following accidental exposure after picking the calotropis fruit.

  1. Al-Mezaine HS, Al-Rajhi AA, Al-Assiri A, Wagoner MD. Calotropis procera (ushaar) keratitis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Jan;139(1):199-202.
  2. Al-Mezaine HS, Al-Amry MA, Al-Assiri A, et al. Corneal endothelial cytotoxicity of the Calotropis procera (ushaar) plant. Cornea. 2008 May;27(4):504-6.
  3. Basak SK, Bhaumik A, Mohanta A, Singhal P. Ocular toxicity by latex of Calotropis procera (Sodom apple). Indian J Ophthalmol. 2009 May-Jun;57(3):232-4.
  4. Biedner B, Rothkoff L, Witztum A. Calotropis procera (Sodom apple) latex keratoconjunctivitis. Isr J Med Sci. 1977 Sep;13(9):914-6.
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 established safe or standardized dose of Calotropis. Because the plant is toxic and the margin between a traditional amount and a harmful amount is unclear, no specific dose can be recommended.

If you encounter a commercial product that lists Calotropis as an ingredient, follow the product label and, more importantly, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it. In general, internal use is best avoided.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Calotropis & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Calotropis & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
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 7 references that drive our Calotropis 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. Robbers JE, Speedie MK, Tyler VE. Pharmacognosy and Pharmacobiotechnology. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1996.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Al-Mezaine HS, Al-Rajhi AA, Al-Assiri A, Wagoner MD. Calotropis procera (ushaar) keratitis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Jan;139(1):199-202. PubMed
  4. Al-Mezaine HS, Al-Amry MA, Al-Assiri A, et al. Corneal endothelial cytotoxicity of the Calotropis procera (ushaar) plant. Cornea. 2008 May;27(4):504-6. PubMed
  5. Basak SK, Bhaumik A, Mohanta A, Singhal P. Ocular toxicity by latex of Calotropis procera (Sodom apple). Indian J Ophthalmol. 2009 May-Jun;57(3):232-4. PubMed
  6. Biedner B, Rothkoff L, Witztum A. Calotropis procera (Sodom apple) latex keratoconjunctivitis. Isr J Med Sci. 1977 Sep;13(9):914-6.
  7. Handa F, Sadana JK, Sharma PK. Allergic contact dermatitis due to the plant Calotropis procera (Vern: AK). A case report. Indian J Dermatol. 1984 Jul;29(3):27-9.
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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Calotropis: Common Questions

Does Calotropis interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 98 medications with a known interaction with Calotropis. Use the checker above to see how Calotropis interacts with a specific drug.
How are Calotropis 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 Calotropis 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 Calotropis 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 Calotropis used for?
In traditional medicine it has been used for skin problems, pain, swelling, coughs, and digestive complaints. However, solid human evidence is lacking, and the plant is potentially toxic, so these uses are not proven to be safe or effective.
Is Calotropis safe to take?
It is generally considered unsafe to take internally because it contains toxic cardiac glycosides and an irritant latex. It should not be used without the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Can I use Calotropis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. It should be avoided during pregnancy because it has been linked to miscarriage and is potentially toxic, and there is no reliable safety data for use while breastfeeding.
What should I do if the milky sap gets in my eyes or on my skin?
Rinse the area with plenty of water right away. If sap gets in your eyes, flush them and seek medical care promptly, since the latex can cause serious eye injury.

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

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