Herb & supplement monograph

Coconut Oil Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Coconut Oil 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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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Coconut Oil

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

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Coconut Oil. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

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 Coconut Oil combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Coconut Oil: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Coconut oil is a popular fat used in cooking, skin care, and hair care, and many people believe it has special health benefits. The evidence for most health claims is limited or mixed, and because coconut oil is very high in saturated fat, eating large amounts may raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Use it in moderation and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it for a specific health condition.

Scientific name
Cocos nucifera
Family
Arecaceae
Part used
Oil extracted from the dried or fresh meat (kernel) of the coconut
Common forms
Cooking oil (virgin and refined), capsules, skin and hair products, MCT oil derived from coconut
People commonly use it for
  • Cooking and food preparation
  • Skin moisturizer
  • Hair conditioning
  • Oral health (oil pulling)
  • Weight management
  • Heart health (popularly claimed)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally safe as a food, but it is high in saturated fat, so heavy dietary use may affect cholesterol.

PregnancyUse caution

Normal food amounts are likely fine, but avoid large medicinal doses without medical advice.

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using coconut oil in medicinal amounts during pregnancy or lactation. Coconut...

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

Coconut oil is a fat that comes from the meat (kernel) of the coconut, the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). The tree grows in warm, tropical areas around the world, including parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Central and South America.

There are two main types. Virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconut meat with little processing and keeps more of its natural flavor and aroma. Refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut (copra) and is processed more, giving it a milder taste.

People use coconut oil in many ways: as a cooking oil, as a moisturizer for skin, as a hair treatment, for swishing in the mouth ("oil pulling"), and as a supplement. It has become very popular online, where it is sometimes promoted for benefits that are not well proven.

How it works

Coconut oil is made up mostly of saturated fats. A large portion is a type called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), especially lauric acid. MCTs are absorbed and used by the body somewhat differently from the longer-chain fats found in many other foods.

Some lab studies suggest that lauric acid and related compounds may have antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria and fungi. This is often used to explain claims about oral health and skin use. However, results seen in a lab dish do not always translate into real health benefits in people.

For skin, coconut oil works mainly as an emollient, meaning it helps trap moisture and soften the skin. Much of the research on its broader health effects is preliminary, based on small studies, lab work, or animal research.

Effectiveness

Does Coconut Oil work?

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

Evidence overview · 28 uses evaluated
2 Possibly effective 26 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.
Possibly Effective Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Topical coconut oil has been evaluated for the management of atopic dermatitis in children, with promising results.

Possibly Effective Prematurity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Topical coconut oil may reduce the risk for hypothermia and apnea and improve body weight, length, and skin integrity in premature infants.

Also studied for 26 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alzheimer disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral coconut oil is beneficial for Alzheimer disease.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral coconut oil is beneficial for improving athletic performance.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Breast cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral coconut oil is beneficial in patients with breast cancer.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Coronary heart disease (CHD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that oral coconut oil does not alter the risk of CHD or prevent cardiovascular events in patients with CHD.

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

It is unclear if oral coconut oil is beneficial for COVID-19.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Crohn disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral coconut oil for Crohn disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of coconut oil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dental plaque
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that pulling coconut oil through the teeth may modestly reduce dental plaque.

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

It is unclear if oral coconut oil is beneficial for diabetes.

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

It is unclear if oral coconut oil is beneficial for improving diarrhea in children.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dry mouth
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if topical coconut oil is beneficial for improving dry mouth in patients receiving radiation therapy.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dry skin
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if topical coconut oil is beneficial for improving dry skin.

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

Although small clinical studies suggest that oral coconut oil improves some lipid parameters, evidence is mixed.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Fetal and premature infant mortality
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if topical coconut oil is beneficial for reducing mortality in premature infants.

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

It is unclear if topical coconut oil is beneficial in patients with gingivitis.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate HIV/AIDS
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral coconut oil for HIV/AIDS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of coconut oil for this purpose.

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

It is unclear if oral coconut oil is beneficial in patients with hypertension.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral coconut oil for IBS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of coconut oil for this purpose.

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

Topical coconut oil has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Low birth weight
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral coconut oil is beneficial for improving growth in infants with very low birth weight.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Metabolic syndrome
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral coconut oil is beneficial in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral coconut oil has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Nipple fissures
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if topical coconut oil is beneficial for the prevention or treatment of nipple fissures.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Nocturnal enuresis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if topical coconut oil is beneficial in children with primary nocturnal enuresis.

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

Although some clinical studies suggest that oral coconut oil may modestly reduce body weight or body mass index (BMI), most research is mixed.

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

It is unclear if oil pulling with virgin coconut oil is beneficial for periodontitis.

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

It is unclear if topical coconut oil is beneficial in patients with psoriasis.

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

As a food, coconut oil is widely used and generally considered safe in normal cooking amounts. The main concern is that it is very high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL cholesterol. People with high cholesterol, heart disease, or risk factors for heart disease should be careful and talk to their doctor before using a lot of it.

When used on the skin or hair, coconut oil is usually well tolerated, but some people may have allergic reactions or skin irritation. Test a small area first if you have sensitive skin.

Pregnancy: Eating coconut oil as part of a normal diet is likely fine. There is not enough reliable information about taking large medicinal doses, so avoid those unless your doctor approves.

Breastfeeding: Normal food amounts are likely fine. There is not enough information on large supplement doses, so use caution and check with your doctor first.

Coconut allergy is uncommon but possible. If you have a known coconut allergy, avoid coconut oil.

Side effects

For most people, coconut oil is well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

  • Stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea, especially when eating large amounts or taking concentrated MCT products
  • Increased LDL ("bad") cholesterol with heavy, regular dietary use
  • Skin irritation or clogged pores in some people when applied to the skin
  • Allergic reactions in people allergic to coconut (rare)

Serious side effects are uncommon at normal food amounts. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing, stop using it and seek medical care.

Coconut Oil: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Reports by condition
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Immunologic

Several cases of allergic reactions have been reported for patients who consumed coconut fruit. In some of the cases, the patients were previously diagnosed with sensitivity to other tree nuts, including peanuts, so cross-sensitivity is suspected. In a separate case report, a 17-year-old male was found to be sensitized to both coconut and buckwheat, indicating a possible cross-sensitivity between the two allergens. In other cases, the patients did not show sensitivity to any other allergens, so the patients were considered to have a single allergy to coconut fruit.

Because coconut oil is derived from coconut fruit, ingestion of coconut oil may theoretically cause allergic reactions in patients with confirmed allergy to coconut fruit. In one case report, a 6-year-old child who had previously experienced urticaria and hives from applying coconut oil to the skin experienced throat swelling and anaphylaxis after eating food containing coconut, indicating a sensitivity to both the fruit and the oil via both topical application and ingestion. However, allergic reactions to coconut appear to occur significantly less often than allergies to other food items such as wheat, milk, soy, or peanut.

  1. Michavila Gomez A, Amat Bou M, Gonzalez Cortés MV, Segura Navas L, Moreno Palanques MA, Bartolomé B. Coconut anaphylaxis: Case report and review. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2015;43(2):219-20.
  2. Teuber SS, Peterson WR. Systemic allergic reaction to coconut (Cocos nucifera) in 2 subjects with hypersensitivity to tree nut and demonstration of cross-reactivity to legumin-like seed storage proteins: new coconut and walnut food allergens. J Allergy Cl
  3. Tella R, Gaig P, Lombardero M, et al. A case of coconut allergy. Allergy 2003;58:825-6.
  4. Anagnostou K. Coconut Allergy Revisited. Children (Basel). 2017;4(10). pii: E85.
  5. Fries JH, Fries MW. Coconut: a review of its uses as they relate to the allergic individual. Ann Allergy 1983;51:472-81.
Angina Cardiovascular

Due to its high saturated fat content, there has been some speculation that consuming coconut oil might increase cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Several population and clinical studies have found that consuming coconut oil increases total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in some patients. In patients with normal to high cholesterol levels, consuming a daily diet providing 30% to 36% of calories from fat, of which 46% to 66% is from coconut oil, for 4-12 weeks increases total cholesterol by about 12-15 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by about 9-12 mg/dL, and HDL cholesterol by 3-6 mg/dL when compared to a diet containing vegetable oils, especially those rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. In some cases, these cholesterol effects are similar to those seen in patients consuming a similar diet containing butter or beef fat. Despite the potential effects of coconut oil on cholesterol levels, population research has not found an association with coconut oil consumption and risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or angina. Advise patients not to rely on coconut oil as a "healthy" alternative to other saturated fats.

  1. Reiser R, Probstfield JL, Silvers A, et al. Plasma lipid and lipoprotein response of humans to beef fat, coconut oil and safflower oil. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;42:190-7.
  2. Kumar PD. The role of coconut and coconut oil in coronary heart disease in Kerala, south India. Trop Doct 1997;27:215-7.
  3. Cox C, Sutherland W, Mann J, et al. Effects of dietary coconut oil, butter and safflower oil on plasma lipids, lipoproteins and lathosterol levels. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:650-4.
  4. Feranil AB, Duazo PL, Kuzawa CW, Adair LS. Coconut oil is associated with a beneficial lipid profile in pre-menopausal women in the Philippines. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2011;20:190-5.
  5. Cox C, Mann J, Sutherland W, et al Effects of coconut oil, butter, and safflower oil on lipids and lipoproteins in persons with moderately elevated cholesterol levels. J Lipid Res 1995;36:1787-95.
  6. Voon PT, Ng TK, Lee VK, Nesaretnam K. Diets high in palmitic acid (16:0), lauric and myristic acids (12:0 + 14:0), or oleic acid (18:1) do not alter postprandial or fasting plasma homocysteine and inflammatory markers in healthy Malaysian adults. Am J Cli
  7. Khaw KT, Sharp SJ, Finikarides L, et al. Randomised trial of coconut oil, olive oil or butter on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men and women. BMJ Open. 2018;8(3):e020167.
  8. Neelakantan N, Seah JYH, van Dam RM. The effect of coconut oil consumption on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Circulation. 2020;141(10):803-814.
  9. Teng M, Zhao YJ, Khoo AL, Yeo TC, Yong QW, Lim BP. Impact of coconut oil consumption on cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2020;78(3):249-259.
  10. Jayawardena R, Swarnamali H, Lanerolle P, Ranasinghe P. Effect of coconut oil on cardio-metabolic risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2020;14(6):2007-20.
  11. Nikooei P, Hosseinzadeh-Attar MJ, Asghari S, Norouzy A, Yaseri M, Vasheghani-Farahani A. Effects of virgin coconut oil consumption on metabolic syndrome components and asymmetric dimethylarginine: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Nutr Metab Cardiov
  12. Vijayakumar M, Vasudevan DM, Sundaram KR, et al. A randomized study of coconut oil versus sunflower oil on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with stable coronary heart disease. Indian Heart J. 2016 Jul-Aug;68(4):498-506.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Hepatic

Orally, taking virgin coconut oil in the diet for 28 days modestly increased levels of liver enzymes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, it is unclear if this was due to the coconut oil or to the illness.

  1. Angeles-Agdeppa I, Nacis JS, Capanzana MV, Dayrit FM, Tanda KV. Virgin coconut oil is effective in lowering C-reactive protein levels among suspect and probable cases of COVID-19. J Funct Foods 2021;83:104557.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis have been reported rarely.

  1. Neelakantan N, Seah JYH, van Dam RM. The effect of coconut oil consumption on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Circulation. 2020;141(10):803-814.
  2. Alejandria MM, Dalmacio LMM, Climacosa FMM, et al. Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunctive Therapy for Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in a Tertiary Referral Hospital: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Acta Med Philipp 2024;58(8):31-41.
Pruritus Dermatologic

In one case report, a 6-year-old child developed urticaria and hives from applying coconut oil to the skin. The child had been exposed to coconut oil consistently since 2 weeks of age, indicating sensitization over the course of regular exposure. In clinical research, one patient reported localized pruritus immediately after applying a combination of coconut oil, anise oil, and ylang ylang. It is unclear if this event was due to coconut oil, other ingredients, or the combination. Also, it is possible that this was an idiosyncratic event.

  1. Anagnostou K. Coconut Allergy Revisited. Children (Basel). 2017;4(10). pii: E85.
  2. Mumcuoglu KY, Miller J, Zamir C, et al. The in vivo pediculicidal efficacy of a natural remedy. Isr Med Assoc J 2002;4:790-3.
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 official or standardized dose of coconut oil for any health condition. It is most often used simply as a cooking oil or food ingredient.

Because it is high in saturated fat and calories, it is best used in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you are using a coconut oil supplement or MCT product, follow the directions on the product label.

For skin or hair use, a small amount applied to the area is typical. As always, check with your pharmacist or doctor before using coconut oil to treat a specific health problem, especially if you have high cholesterol or heart concerns.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Coconut Oil & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using coconut oil in medicinal amounts during pregnancy or lactation. Coconut oil ingestion increases the amount of lauric acid in breast milk within 10 hours. This indicates that fatty acids from coconut oil are rapidly transferred into human breast milk following oral intake. The impact of this increase in lauric acid on nursing infants is not known.

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 20 references that drive our Coconut Oil 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. Teuber SS, Peterson WR. Systemic allergic reaction to coconut (Cocos nucifera) in 2 subjects with hypersensitivity to tree nut and demonstration of cross-reactivity to legumin-like seed storage proteins: new coconut and walnut food allergens. J Allergy Cl PubMed
  2. Tella R, Gaig P, Lombardero M, et al. A case of coconut allergy. Allergy 2003;58:825-6. PubMed
  3. Reiser R, Probstfield JL, Silvers A, et al. Plasma lipid and lipoprotein response of humans to beef fat, coconut oil and safflower oil. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;42:190-7. PubMed
  4. Mumcuoglu KY, Miller J, Zamir C, et al. The in vivo pediculicidal efficacy of a natural remedy. Isr Med Assoc J 2002;4:790-3.
  5. Kumar PD. The role of coconut and coconut oil in coronary heart disease in Kerala, south India. Trop Doct 1997;27:215-7. PubMed
  6. Fries JH, Fries MW. Coconut: a review of its uses as they relate to the allergic individual. Ann Allergy 1983;51:472-81.
  7. Cox C, Sutherland W, Mann J, et al. Effects of dietary coconut oil, butter and safflower oil on plasma lipids, lipoproteins and lathosterol levels. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:650-4. PubMed
  8. Feranil AB, Duazo PL, Kuzawa CW, Adair LS. Coconut oil is associated with a beneficial lipid profile in pre-menopausal women in the Philippines. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2011;20:190-5.
  9. Cox C, Mann J, Sutherland W, et al Effects of coconut oil, butter, and safflower oil on lipids and lipoproteins in persons with moderately elevated cholesterol levels. J Lipid Res 1995;36:1787-95. DOI
  10. Voon PT, Ng TK, Lee VK, Nesaretnam K. Diets high in palmitic acid (16:0), lauric and myristic acids (12:0 + 14:0), or oleic acid (18:1) do not alter postprandial or fasting plasma homocysteine and inflammatory markers in healthy Malaysian adults. Am J Cli PubMed
  11. Anagnostou K. Coconut Allergy Revisited. Children (Basel). 2017;4(10). pii: E85. PubMed
  12. Michavila Gomez A, Amat Bou M, Gonzalez Cortés MV, Segura Navas L, Moreno Palanques MA, Bartolomé B. Coconut anaphylaxis: Case report and review. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2015;43(2):219-20. PubMed
  13. Vijayakumar M, Vasudevan DM, Sundaram KR, et al. A randomized study of coconut oil versus sunflower oil on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with stable coronary heart disease. Indian Heart J. 2016 Jul-Aug;68(4):498-506. PubMed
  14. Khaw KT, Sharp SJ, Finikarides L, et al. Randomised trial of coconut oil, olive oil or butter on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men and women. BMJ Open. 2018;8(3):e020167. PubMed
  15. Neelakantan N, Seah JYH, van Dam RM. The effect of coconut oil consumption on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Circulation. 2020;141(10):803-814. 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 Coconut Oil

499 brands in our database make a supplement containing Coconut Oil.

Product directory

Supplement products with Coconut Oil

2,447 products in our database contain Coconut Oil. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

1:1 Fats + Protein Rich Chocolate by PlantFusion Powder 11.11 Oz(s) · 315 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions 100% Organic Virgin Coconut Oil by Source Naturals Liquid 15 Fluid Ounce(s) · 443 Milliliter(s) View ingredients & interactions 100% Pure Coconut Oil by Purely Inspired Softgel Capsule 80 Easy-to-Swallow Softgel(s) View ingredients & interactions 100% Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil+ by Purely Inspired Softgel Capsule 80 Easy-to-Swallow Softgel(s) View ingredients & interactions 100% Whey Isolate Protein Sugar-Free Cocoa Coconut Flavor by Biochem Powder 11.5 Ounce(s) · 328 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions 10x Pure-Gold Gourmet Vanilla Latte by CTFO Changing The Future Outcome Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 0.48 Ounce(s) · 13.5 Gram(s) · 20 Packet(s) View ingredients & interactions 7 Sources by Flora Liquid 17 fl. Oz. · 500 mL View ingredients & interactions 7 Sources by Flora Liquid 8.5 fl. Oz. · 250 mL View ingredients & interactions 8-In-1 Immune Support Gummies by Atlantis Nutrition Gummy Or Jelly 60 Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions Ab Cuts Smart Gummies With CLA Fruit Punch by Corr-Jensen Gummy Or Jelly 60 Gummie(s) View ingredients & interactions Acid & Indigestion Relief Gummies by Maty's All Natural Gummy Or Jelly 60 Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions Acid Comfort by Vitabase Lozenge 90 Lozenge(s) View ingredients & interactions Acid Comfort by NOW Lozenge 90 Lozenge(s) View ingredients & interactions Acid Redux by Vitabase Lozenge 90 Lozenge(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Natures Craft Capsule 90 Veggie Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal 1100 mg by Nutracraft Capsule 60 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal 500 mg by Natural Factors Softgel Capsule 90 Softgel(s) View ingredients & interactions Active B Complex by EuroMedica Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Adaptive Stress CBD Soft Gels 7.5 mg by Bluebird Botanicals Softgel Capsule 30 Softgel(s) View ingredients & interactions Adaptive Stress CBD Soft Gels 7.5 mg by Bluebird Botanicals Softgel Capsule 60 Softgel(s) View ingredients & interactions Adult Bronson Bears by Bronson Laboratories Gummy Or Jelly 120 Gummie(s) View ingredients & interactions Adult Elderberry Gummies Raspberry Flavor by Nature's Craft Gummy Or Jelly 90 Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions Adult Fiber Gummies by Nature's Craft Gummy Or Jelly 60 Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions Adult Fiber Gummies With Vitamin D by Vitamin World Gummy Or Jelly 75 Gummy(ies) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Coconut Oil: Common Questions

What is Coconut Oil used for, and does it work?
People use Coconut Oil for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Coconut Oil for Atopic dermatitis (eczema) and Prematurity. 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 Coconut Oil interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Coconut Oil. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Coconut Oil 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 Coconut Oil 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 Coconut Oil 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 Coconut Oil good for your heart?
Despite popular claims, Coconut Oil is very high in saturated fat and tends to raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Most heart health experts do not recommend it as a heart-healthy oil, so it is best used in moderation.
Does Coconut Oil help with weight loss?
There is no strong evidence that Coconut Oil causes meaningful weight loss. It is high in calories like other oils, so eating a lot of it can actually add calories to your diet.
Can I use Coconut Oil on my skin and hair?
Yes, many people use it as a moisturizer and hair conditioner, and small studies suggest it can help soften dry skin. Test a small area first if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, since it can clog pores in some people.
Is Coconut Oil safe to eat every day?
Using it occasionally in cooking is fine for most people, but because it is high in saturated fat, eating a lot of it daily may raise your cholesterol. If you have heart disease or high cholesterol, talk to your doctor first.

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