Herb & supplement monograph

Durian Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Durian 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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Durian 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 Durian drug interaction appears low for most people. Only one interaction is documented, it is rated moderate rather than major, and the evidence behind it is limited.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one combination worth knowing about is durian with alcohol. There is a long-standing traditional belief in Southeast Asia that eating durian while drinking alcohol can be dangerous, and a single case report from 1941 described a fatal outcome. That said, no similar reports have been published since, and animal research combining durian with alcohol found no toxicity, so the concern remains unproven. A sensible middle ground is simply to be cautious about pairing durian with heavy drinking.

What the rest of the list means

Unlike many supplements, durian is not linked to concerns with blood thinners, blood pressure medicines, or other closely monitored drugs based on current data. The one flagged interaction rests on a decades-old case report and folklore rather than modern human studies, so it is best viewed as a theoretical caution, not an established danger.

Check your medications against Durian

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Durian

1 medication has a known interaction with Durian, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
EthanolEthanol› "phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbacavirZiagen› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› AbaloparatideTymlos› AbametapirXeglyze› AbarelixPlenaxis› AbciximabReoPro› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcalabrutinibCalquence› AcamprosateCampral› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcenocoumarolSintrom› AcepromazineAtravet› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3›
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 Durian 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 Durian affects

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

All 1 drug category Durian interacts with
Alcohol (ethanol)
Alcohol (Ethanol)

There is a traditional belief that ingestion of alcohol with durian can be fatal. A case report from 1941 describes an adult in India who developed acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis and died after drinking alcohol with durian, but there have been no other published reports since. A study in mice given homogenized durian fruit flesh in 10% ethanol did not demonstrate any toxicity. However, evidence from in vitro research shows that durian extract can inhibit alcohol dehydrogenase. This activity is similar to the effects of disulfiram. In theory, concomitant use might cause effects similar to disulfiram-ethanol reactions. Until more is known, avoid concomitant use of durian and alcohol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Durian: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Durian is a popular tropical fruit valued mainly as a nutritious food rich in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. While it has many traditional medicinal uses, there is little solid human research to support health claims beyond basic nutrition, and it is very high in calories. Enjoy it as a food in moderation, and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have diabetes or other health concerns.

Scientific name
Durio zibethinus
Family
Malvaceae
Part used
Fruit (pulp and seeds); rind, leaves, and roots in traditional medicine
Common forms
Fresh fruit, frozen pulp, dried snacks, powder, capsules, candy, and flavorings
People commonly use it for
  • General nutrition and energy
  • Traditional tonic or aphrodisiac
  • Digestive support
  • Source of antioxidants
  • Fever and traditional folk remedies

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 in moderation, but high in sugar and calories.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.

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

Durian is a large, spiky tropical fruit known as the "king of fruits" in Southeast Asia. It comes from the Durio zibethinus tree, which grows in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The fruit is famous for its strong, distinctive smell and its rich, custard-like flesh.

Most people eat durian as a food. The creamy pulp can be eaten fresh, frozen, or used in desserts, candies, and drinks. The seeds can be cooked and eaten too. In some traditional medicine systems, parts of the plant such as the rind, leaves, and roots have also been used as folk remedies.

Uses & effectiveness

Durian is mainly used and valued as a nutritious food. It provides carbohydrates, dietary fiber, healthy fats, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and plant antioxidants.

In traditional medicine, durian and its plant parts have been used as a tonic, an aphrodisiac, and for digestive complaints or fever. However, these traditional uses are not well supported by strong human studies. Most of the research that exists comes from laboratory tests or animal studies looking at the fruit's antioxidant compounds.

Overall, the evidence is limited and preliminary for any specific health benefit beyond basic nutrition. There is not enough quality research to recommend durian as a treatment for any medical condition.

How it works

Durian contains a mix of natural compounds, including vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and other polyphenols that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.

The fruit is also high in carbohydrates and provides quick energy, along with fiber that supports digestion. Some lab and animal studies suggest its plant extracts may have antioxidant or antimicrobial activity, but these effects have not been confirmed in well-designed human studies. Most proposed mechanisms remain theoretical.

Safety & precautions

For most people, durian is safe to eat as a food in moderate amounts. The main concern is that it is very high in calories and natural sugar, so large servings can affect blood sugar and weight. People with diabetes should be especially careful and watch their portion sizes.

People with kidney problems may need to limit durian because it contains potassium. If you have allergies, start with a small amount the first time you try it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Eating durian as an occasional food is likely fine, but it is best to avoid very large amounts and to avoid concentrated supplement or extract products, since there is not enough safety information. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using durian for any health reason.

Side effects

When eaten as a food, durian is usually well tolerated. Because it is rich and high in fiber and sugar, eating a lot at once may cause bloating, gas, or stomach upset.

Some people report feeling overheated or uncomfortable after eating large amounts, which is part of why durian is described as a "heaty" food in some cultures. There are also popular warnings about combining durian with alcohol; while the science is not firmly established, it is reasonable to be cautious. Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon.

Durian: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Reports by condition
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

A case report describes a patient who experienced abdominal discomfort and flatulence after eating durian fruit along with alcohol. There has also been a case report of a patient experiencing diarrhea and vomiting after eating durian.

  1. Ogle, C. W. and Teh, Y. F. Durian and alcohol. A preliminary report. Singapore Med J 1969;10(4):288-290.
  2. Olivieri, J., Quiliquini-Chambard, A. M., and Hauser, C. Allergy to durian. Allergy 2002;57(3):263.
Urticaria Immunologic

A case report describes a patient who experienced an allergic reaction after eating durian fruit. Symptoms included hives, nasal congestion, runny nose, and laryngeal discomfort with hoarseness.

  1. Olivieri, J., Quiliquini-Chambard, A. M., and Hauser, C. Allergy to durian. Allergy 2002;57(3):263.
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 medicinal dose for durian. As a food, a small serving of the pulp is typical, and because it is high in calories and sugar, moderation is wise.

For any durian supplement, powder, or extract product, follow the directions on the label. Because these products are not standardized and have little research behind them, check with your pharmacist or doctor before using them, especially if you have a health condition or take medications.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Durian & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.

Durian & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

There is insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those found in foods.

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 5 references that drive our Durian 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. Singh, P. Journal of the Malaya Branch British Medical Association 1941;5(1):62-63.
  2. Olivieri, J., Quiliquini-Chambard, A. M., and Hauser, C. Allergy to durian. Allergy 2002;57(3):263.
  3. Ogle, C. W. and Teh, Y. F. Durian and alcohol. A preliminary report. Singapore Med J 1969;10(4):288-290.
  4. Maninang JS, Lizada, MCC, Gemma, H. Inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme by Durian (Durio zibethinus Murray) fruit extract. Food Chem 2009;117(2):352-355. DOI
  5. Husin NA, Rahman S, Karunakaran R, Bhore SJ. A review on the nutritional, medicinal, molecular and genome attributes of Durian (Durio zibethinus L.) the king of fruits in Malaysia. Bioinformation 2018;14(6):265-70. 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 Durian

4 brands in our database make a supplement containing Durian.

Product directory

Supplement products with Durian

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Durian: Common Questions

Does Durian interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 1 medication with a known interaction with Durian. Use the checker above to see how Durian interacts with a specific drug.
How are Durian 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 Durian 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 Durian 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 Durian good for you?
Durian is nutritious, providing fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. However, it is high in calories and sugar, so it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can people with diabetes eat Durian?
Durian is high in natural sugar and carbohydrates, so it can raise blood sugar. People with diabetes can have small amounts but should watch portion sizes and monitor their blood sugar; ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Is Durian safe during pregnancy?
Eating Durian occasionally as a food is likely fine, but avoid very large amounts and concentrated supplement forms. Check with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why does Durian smell so strong?
Durian's powerful odor comes from a complex mix of natural sulfur-containing and aromatic compounds. The smell is so strong it is banned in some hotels and on some public transport in Southeast Asia.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Durian

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Durian — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 15 products with Durian →
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