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Green Coffee Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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Green Coffee Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a serious Green Coffee drug interaction is low for most people, since nearly all of its interactions trace back to the caffeine it can contain. Only a small handful of interactions are rated major, and most are moderate or minor, often based on theory rather than proven harm in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The clearest danger is combining green coffee with ephedrine or other stimulant drugs, where added caffeine has been linked to serious effects on blood pressure and the heart. Caffeine may also raise levels of clozapine and theophylline, medicines where small changes can matter. Human research shows coffee can sharply reduce absorption of the bone drug alendronate, and suddenly stopping caffeine has worsened tremor in a few people taking lithium.

What the rest of the list means

A long interaction list does not mean every combination is harmful. Almost all of these entries reflect caffeine, and many are predictions about how the body clears caffeine or other drugs rather than problems actually seen in patients. For example, a suspected added bleeding risk with blood thinners has not been reported in people.

Check your medications against Green Coffee

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Green Coffee

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

8 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 Green Coffee.

2,830 drugs
Aminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec› Carbetapentane Tannate, Chlorpheniramine Tannate, Ephedrine Tannate, Phenylephrine TannateQuadratuss, Ry Tuss, Rynatuss, Tri Tannate Plus› Dyphylline, Ephedrine, Guaifenesin, PhenobarbitalLufyllin-EPG› Ephedrine, Guaifenesin (otc Drug)Ephedrine Formula 400, Ephedrine Plus Tabs› Ephedrine, Guaifenesin, Phenobarbital, TheophyllineMudrane GG› Ephedrine, Hydroxyzine, TheophyllineAmi Rax, Marax› Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Potassium Iodide, TheophyllineMudrane, Quadrinal› Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, TheophyllineTedral› AbciximabReoPro› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcenocoumarolSintrom› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule›
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 Green Coffee 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 Green Coffee affects

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

All 31 drug categories Green Coffee interacts with
EphedrineAdenosine (adenocard)Alendronate (fosamax)Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsBeta-adrenergic AgonistsCimetidine (tagamet)Clozapine (clozaril)Contraceptive DrugsDipyridamole (persantine)Disulfiram (antabuse)Diuretic DrugsEstrogensFluvoxamine (luvox)LithiumMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois)NicotinePentobarbital (nembutal)PhenylpropanolaminePioglitazone (actos)Riluzole (rilutek)Stimulant DrugsTheophyllineVerapamil (calan, Others)Alcohol (ethanol)Antidiabetes DrugsAntihypertensive DrugsFluconazole (diflucan)Mexiletine (mexitil)PhenothiazinesQuinolone AntibioticsTerbinafine (lamisil)
Ephedrine

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of stimulant adverse effects.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. There is evidence that using ephedrine with caffeine might increase the risk of serious life-threatening or debilitating adverse effects such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, seizures, and death. Tell patients to avoid taking caffeine with ephedrine and other stimulants.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Adenosine (Adenocard)

Theoretically, green coffee might decrease the vasodilatory effects of adenosine and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Caffeine is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine at the cellular level. However, caffeine does not seem to affect supplemental adenosine because high interstitial levels of adenosine overcome the antagonistic effects of caffeine. It is recommended that methylxanthines such as caffeine, as well as methylxanthine-containing products, be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. However, methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole (Persantine) than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Alendronate (Fosamax)

Theoretically, green coffee may decrease the levels and effects of alendronate.
In human research, drinking coffee with alendronate reduces the bioavailability of alendronate by 60%. Whether green coffee reduces the bioavailability of alendronate has not been investigated. Separate green coffee ingestion and alendronate administration by two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, green coffee may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Caffeine is reported to have antiplatelet activity. Theoretically, caffeine in green coffee might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with these agents. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans. There is some evidence that caffeinated coffee might increase the fibrinolytic activity in blood.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of green coffee might increase cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Caffeine can increase cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Theoretically, cimetidine might increase the effects and adverse effects of caffeine in green coffee.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Cimetidine can reduce caffeine clearance by 31% to 42%.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Clozapine (Clozaril)

Theoretically, green coffee might increase the levels and adverse effects of clozapine and acutely exacerbate psychotic symptoms.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Caffeine can increase the effects and toxicity of clozapine. Caffeine doses of 400-1000 mg daily inhibit clozapine metabolism. Clozapine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). Researchers speculate that caffeine might inhibit CYP1A2. However, there is no reliable evidence that caffeine affects CYP1A2. There is also speculation that genetic factors might make some patients more sensitive to an interaction between clozapine and caffeine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of caffeine found in green coffee.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Oral contraceptives decrease the rate of caffeine clearance by 40% to 65%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Dipyridamole (Persantine)

Theoretically, green coffee might decrease the vasodilatory effects of dipyridamole and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Caffeine is a methylxanthine that may inhibit dipyridamole-induced vasodilation. It is recommended that methylxanthines such as caffeine, as well as methylxanthine-containing products such as green coffee, be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. Methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole (Persantine) than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Theoretically, disulfiram might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. In human research, disulfiram decreases the clearance and increases the half-life of caffeine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Caffeine, especially in excessive amounts, can reduce potassium levels due to stimulation of the sodium-potassium pump. Diuretics can also cause lower potassium levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, estrogens might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Estrogen inhibits caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Theoretically, fluvoxamine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Fluvoxamine reduces caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, abrupt green coffee withdrawal might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Abrupt caffeine withdrawal can increase serum lithium levels. Two cases of lithium tremor that worsened with abrupt coffee withdrawal have been reported.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Caffeine has been shown to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B in laboratory studies. Concomitant intake of large amounts of caffeine with MAOIs might precipitate a hypertensive crisis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nicotine

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of hypertension.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Concomitant use of caffeine and nicotine has been shown to have additive cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Blood pressure was increased by 10.8/12.4 mmHg when the agents were used concomitantly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, green coffee might reduce the effects of pentobarbital.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Theoretically, caffeine might negate the hypnotic effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenylpropanolamine

Theoretically, phenylpropanolamine might increase the risk of hypertension, as well as the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Concomitant use of phenylpropanolamine and caffeine might cause an additive increase in blood pressure. Phenylpropanolamine also seems to increase caffeine serum levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Pioglitazone (Actos)

Theoretically, caffeine might increase the levels and clinical effects of pioglitazone.
Green coffee contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can modestly increase the maximum concentration, area under the curve, and half-life of pioglitazone, and also reduce its clearance. This increased the antidiabetic effects of pioglitazone. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Riluzole (Rilutek)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of both caffeine and riluzole.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Caffeine and riluzole are both metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), and concomitant use might reduce metabolism of one or both agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Due to the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects of caffeine, concomitant use with stimulant drugs can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Theophylline

Theoretically, green coffee might increase the levels and adverse effects of theophylline.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine might inhibit theophylline metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Verapamil increases plasma caffeine concentrations by 25%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Alcohol (Ethanol)

Theoretically, alcohol might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Concomitant use of alcohol can increase caffeine serum concentrations and the risk of caffeine adverse effects. Alcohol reduces caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking green coffee and antidiabetes drugs might interfere with blood glucose control.
In clinical research, green coffee extract results in modest reductions in blood glucose levels in various populations. However, other reports claim that caffeine might increase or decrease blood sugar levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking green coffee with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical studies have shown that green coffee extract decreases blood pressure. When used with antihypertensive drugs, green coffee might have additive blood pressure-lowering effects. However, this has not been shown in clinical research.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Fluconazole (Diflucan)

Theoretically, fluconazole might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Fluconazole decreases caffeine clearance by approximately 25%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Mexiletine (Mexitil)

Theoretically, mexiletine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Mexiletine can decrease caffeine elimination by 50%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenothiazines

Theoretically, phenothiazines might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Phenothiazines can reduce the metabolism of caffeine by inhibiting cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, quinolone antibiotics might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Concomitant use of quinolones can decrease caffeine clearance and increase effects and risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Terbinafine (Lamisil)

Theoretically, terbinafine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Green coffee can contain caffeine. Terbinafine decreases the clearance of intravenous caffeine by 19%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Monograph

Green Coffee: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

The bottom line

Green coffee is the unroasted bean of the coffee plant, prized for its high chlorogenic acid content. Some early studies suggest modest benefits for weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar, but the evidence is limited and far from conclusive. It contains caffeine, so people sensitive to stimulants should use caution and check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Green Coffee
Scientific name
Coffea arabica
Family
Rubiaceae
Part used
Raw (unroasted) coffee beans (seeds)
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, powders, extracts, and brewed beverages
People commonly use it for
  • Weight loss
  • High blood pressure
  • Blood sugar control
  • Antioxidant support
  • General energy

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated in food amounts, but supplements contain caffeine and may cause stimulant-related effects.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

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

Jump to a section

Overview

Green coffee is simply coffee beans that have not been roasted. Regular coffee beans are roasted at high heat, which turns them brown and creates their familiar flavor. Green beans stay a pale green color and have a milder, slightly bitter taste.

The beans come from the coffee plant (Coffea species), an evergreen shrub grown in warm, tropical parts of the world such as Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. The two most common species used are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora.

People take green coffee mostly as a dietary supplement in capsules, tablets, powders, or extracts. It is often marketed for weight loss and heart health. The main reason for the interest is a plant compound called chlorogenic acid, which is found in higher amounts in unroasted beans than in roasted coffee.

How it works

Green coffee contains two key active ingredients: chlorogenic acid and caffeine.

Chlorogenic acid is a natural plant compound thought to affect how the body absorbs and uses sugars and fats. Laboratory and animal research suggests it may slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut and influence blood vessel function, which could help explain the proposed effects on weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Much of this is still based on lab and animal studies, so it may not fully apply to people.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase alertness and may slightly raise the rate at which the body burns calories. Roasting destroys much of the chlorogenic acid, which is why green (unroasted) coffee has more of it than regular brewed coffee.

Effectiveness

Does Green Coffee work?

Evidence overview · 8 uses evaluated
8 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.

For Green Coffee, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 8 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alzheimer disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral green coffee for Alzheimer disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of green coffee for this condition.

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

Although there has been interest in using oral green coffee for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of green coffee for this condition.

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

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

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

It is unclear if oral green coffee is beneficial for hypercholesterolemia.

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

It is unclear if oral green coffee extract is beneficial for lowering blood pressure.

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

Oral green coffee extract seems to improve some, but not all, measures of metabolic syndrome.

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

Oral green coffee extract may have a small effect on weight loss.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral green coffee extract is beneficial for PCOS.

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

Green coffee is likely safe for most adults when consumed in normal food or beverage amounts. Concentrated supplements have been used in studies for short periods without major problems, but long-term safety is not well known.

Because green coffee contains caffeine, people who are sensitive to stimulants, or who have heart conditions, anxiety, bleeding disorders, glaucoma, or trouble sleeping should be cautious. It may not be suitable for those who already get a lot of caffeine from coffee, tea, or energy drinks.

For pregnancy, it is best to limit caffeine, and the concentrated amounts in supplements have not been well studied, so avoid them. For breastfeeding, caffeine passes into breast milk and can affect the baby, so avoid concentrated green coffee supplements and keep overall caffeine low. Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement.

Side effects

Most side effects are related to the caffeine content and are similar to drinking too much coffee. These can include jitteriness, nervousness, a fast heartbeat, upset stomach, headache, and trouble sleeping.

Some people may experience increased urination or mild digestive upset. Very high caffeine intake can cause more serious effects such as a racing or irregular heartbeat. If you notice chest pain, severe palpitations, or feel very unwell, stop taking it and seek medical care.

Green Coffee: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, green coffee appears to be well-tolerated. Although green coffee contains caffeine, it is present in small quantities which are less likely to cause adverse effects. Green coffee contains about 20-50 mg caffeine per cup, compared with about 100 mg caffeine per cup of brewed coffee.

Reports by condition
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Dermatologic

Positive skin tests and symptoms of contact allergy have been reported in workers exposed to green coffee bean dust.

Anxiety Psychiatric

Chronic use of caffeine, especially in large amounts, may produce tolerance, habituation, and psychological dependence. Abrupt discontinuation of caffeine may result in physical withdrawal symptoms, including headache, fatigue, drowsiness, decreased physical energy, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiety, irritability, and reduced alertness. Certain populations such as children and the elderly may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of caffeine.

  1. Boozer CN, Nasser JA, Heymsfield SB, et al. An herbal supplement containing Ma Huang-Guarana for weight loss: a randomized, double-blind trial. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2001;25:316-24.
  2. Juliano LM, Griffiths RR. A critical review of caffeine withdrawal: empirical validation of symptoms and signs, incidence, severity, and associated features. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2004;176:1-29.
  3. Anderson BJ, Gunn TR, Holford NH, Johnson R. Caffeine overdose in a premature infant: clinical course and pharmacokinetics. Anaesth Intensive Care 1999;27:307-11.
Asthma Pulmonary/Respiratory

Occupational exposure to green coffee beans has been documented to cause numerous adverse respiratory reactions, including bronchial reactivity, asthma, and rhinitis. Healthy subjects exposed experimentally to green coffee dust displayed acute decreases in expiratory flow rates. In one study, green coffee workers displayed numerous acute respiratory symptoms when exposed to dust; these included coughing, increased sputum, sneezing, difficulty in breathing, running nose, and wheezing; these symptoms resolved after leaving work.

  1. Glauser, T., Bircher, A., and Wuthrich, B. [Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis caused by the dust of green coffee beans]. Schweiz.Med.Wochenschr. 8-29-1992;122(35):1279-1281.
  2. Thomas, K. E., Trigg, C. J., Baxter, P. J., Topping, M., Lacey, J., Crook, B., Whitehead, P., Bennett, J. B., and Davies, R. J. Factors relating to the development of respiratory symptoms in coffee process workers. Br.J.Ind.Med. 1991;48(5):314-322.
  3. Zuskin, E., Kanceljak, B., Mataija, M., and Tonkovic-Lojovic, M. [Specific bronchial reactivity in unripe coffee processing workers]. Arh.Hig.Rada Toksikol. 1989;40(1):3-8.
  4. Johansen, J. P. and Viskum, S. [Asthma associated with the handling of green coffee beans]. Ugeskr.Laeger 10-12-1987;149(42):2853.
  5. Zuskin, E., Dreshaj, I., Jakupi, M., and Haxhiu, M. A. Effect of exposure to green coffee dust extract on airway reactivity. Arh.Hig.Rada Toksikol. 1986;37(2):205-216.
  6. Mairesse, M., Casel, S., and Ledent, C. [Asthma to green coffee of environmental origin]. Rev.Mal Respir. 1996;13(3):308-309.
  7. Zuskin, E., Kanceljak, B., Skuric, Z., and Butkovic, D. Bronchial reactivity in green coffee exposure. Br.J.Ind.Med. 1985;42(6):415-420.
  8. Uragoda, C. G. Acute symptoms in coffee workers. J.Trop.Med.Hyg. 1988;91(3):169-172.
Bone loss Musculoskeletal

Epidemiological evidence regarding the relationship between caffeine, which is found in green coffee, and the risk of osteoporosis is contradictory. Caffeine can increase urinary excretion of calcium. Females identified with a genetic variant of the vitamin D receptor appear to be at an increased risk of the detrimental effect of caffeine on bone mass. However, moderate caffeine intake, less than 300 mg per day, does not seem to significantly increase osteoporosis risk in most postmenopausal adults with normal calcium intake.

  1. Rapuri PB, Gallagher JC, Kinyamu HK, Ryschon KL. Caffeine intake increases the rate of bone loss in elderly women and interacts with vitamin D receptor genotypes. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;74:694-700.
  2. Massey LK. Is caffeine a risk factor for bone loss in the elderly? Am J Clin Nutr 2001;74:569-70.
  3. Massey LK, Whiting SJ. Caffeine, urinary calcium, calcium metabolism and bone. J Nutr 1993;123:1611-4.
  4. Lloyd T, Johnson-Rollings N, Eggli DF, et al. Bone status among postmenopausal women with different habitual caffeine intakes: a longitudinal investigation. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:256-61.
Breast cancer Endocrine

Some evidence shows that caffeine, a constituent of green coffee, is associated with fibrocystic breast disease, breast cancer, and endometriosis in females; however, this is controversial since findings are conflicting. Restricting caffeine in females with fibrocystic breast conditions doesn't seem to affect breast nodularity, swelling, or pain. A population analysis of the Women's Health Initiative observational study has found no association between consumption of caffeine-containing beverages and the incidence of invasive breast cancer in models adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and reproductive factors. Also, a dose-response analysis of 2 low-quality observational studies has found that high consumption of caffeine is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Clinical research in healthy adults shows that increased consumption of caffeine results in increased insulin resistance.

  1. Ferrini RL, Barrett-Connor E. Caffeine intake and endogenous sex steroid levels in postmenopausal women. The Rancho Bernardo Study. Am J Epidemiol 1996:144:642-4.
  2. Horner NK, Lampe JW. Potential mechanisms of diet therapy for fibrocystic breast conditions show inadequate evidence of effectiveness. J Am Diet Assoc 2000;100:1368-80.
  3. Zheng KH, Zhu K, Wactawski-Wende J, et al. Caffeine intake from coffee and tea and invasive breast cancer incidence among postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative. Int J Cancer 2021;149(12):2032-2044.
  4. Wang S, Li X, Yang Y, et al. Does coffee, tea and caffeine consumption reduce the risk of incident breast cancer? A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Public Health Nutr 2021;24(18):6377-6389.
  5. Beaudoin MS, Allen B, Mazzetti G, Sullivan PJ, Graham TE. Caffeine ingestion impairs insulin sensitivity in a dose-dependent manner in both men and women. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2013;38(2):140-7. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2012-0201. Epub 2012 9.
Conjunctivitis Ocular/Otic
Hypertension Cardiovascular

Although acute administration of caffeine, a constituent of green coffee, can cause increased blood pressure, regular consumption does not seem to increase either blood pressure or pulse, even in mildly hypertensive patients. Drinking one or more cups daily of caffeinated coffee, such as green coffee, also doesn't seem to increase the risk of developing hypertension in habitual coffee drinkers.

Chlorogenic acids found in green coffee extracts may adversely affect plasma homocysteine levels. In one randomized controlled trial, 2 grams of chlorogenic acids (the amount found in about 1.5 L of strong coffee) daily for one week resulted in a 12% increase in plasma homocysteine levels. However, in another trial of green coffee extract in a dose equivalent to 140 mg of chlorogenic acids daily for 4 months, there was a slight decrease in plasma homocysteine levels from baseline, but this did not differ significantly from placebo treatment.

The diterpenes cafestol and kahweol found in green coffee beans have been implicated in the hypercholesterolemic effects of unfiltered coffee. However, these compounds are removed from some green coffee extracts. For instance, Svetol (Naturex, South Hackensack, NJ) is reported to contain less than 4 ppm of cafestol and kahweol.

  1. Wakabayashi K, Kono S, Shinchi K, et al. Habitual coffee consumption and blood pressure: A study of self-defense officials in Japan. Eur J Epidemiol 1998;14:669-73.
  2. Hodgson JM, Puddey IB, Burke V, et al. Effects on blood pressure of drinking green and black tea. J Hypertens 1999;17:457-63.
  3. Nurminen ML, Niittynen L, Korpela R, Vapaatalo H. Coffee, caffeine and blood pressure: a critical review. Eur J Clin Nutr 1999;53:831-9.
  4. Winkelmayer WC, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Curhan GC. Habitual caffeine intake and the risk of hypertension in women. JAMA 2005;294:2330-5.
  5. Klag MJ, Wang NY, Meoni LA, et al. Coffee intake and risk of hypertension: The John Hopkins precursors study. Arch Intern Med 2002;162:657-62.
  6. Olthof MR, Hollman PC, Zock PL, Katan MB. Consumption of high doses of chlorogenic acid, present in coffee, or of black tea increases plasma total homocysteine concentrations in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:532-8.
  7. Ochiai R, Jokura H, Suzuki A, et al. Green coffee bean extract improves human vasoreactivity. Hypertens Res 2004;27:731-7.
  8. van Rooij J, van der Stegen GH, Schoemaker RC, et al. A placebo-controlled parallel study of the effect of two types of coffee oil on serum lipids and transaminases: identification of chemical substances involved in the cholesterol-raising effect of coffe
  9. Higdon, J. V. and Frei, B. Coffee and health: a review of recent human research. Crit Rev.Food Sci.Nutr. 2006;46(2):101-123.
  10. Svetol Product Information Pack. Naturex, Avignon, France. March 2013. Available at: http://greencoffee.gr/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/GA501071_PRODUCT-INFO-PACK_04-06-2013.pdf (accessed July 6, 2015).
Vertigo Neurologic/CNS
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, standardized dose for green coffee. Products vary widely in how much chlorogenic acid and caffeine they contain, which makes comparing them difficult.

The best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. Because green coffee contains caffeine, count it toward your total daily caffeine intake from all sources. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Green Coffee & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Green Coffee & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 103 references that drive our Green Coffee 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. Harder S, Fuhr U, Staib AH, Wolff T. Ciprofloxacin-caffeine: a drug interaction established using in vivo and in vitro investigations. Am J Med 1989;87:89S-91S. PubMed
  3. Carbo M, Segura J, De la Torre R, et al. Effect of quinolones on caffeine disposition. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1989;45:234-40. PubMed
  4. Healy DP, Polk RE, Kanawati L, et al. Interaction between oral ciprofloxacin and caffeine in normal volunteers. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:474-8. PubMed
  5. Mester R, Toren P, Mizrachi I, et al. Caffeine withdrawal increases lithium blood levels. Biol Psychiatry 1995;37:348-50. PubMed
  6. Jefferson JW. Lithium tremor and caffeine intake: two cases of drinking less and shaking more. J Clin Psychiatry 1988;49:72-3.
  7. Joeres R, Klinker H, Heusler H, et al. Influence of mexiletine on caffeine elimination. Pharmacol Ther 1987;33:163-9. PubMed
  8. Vahedi K, Domingo V, Amarenco P, Bousser MG. Ischemic stroke in a sportsman who consumed MaHuang extract and creatine monohydrate for bodybuilding. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatr 2000;68:112-3.
  9. Wakabayashi K, Kono S, Shinchi K, et al. Habitual coffee consumption and blood pressure: A study of self-defense officials in Japan. Eur J Epidemiol 1998;14:669-73. PubMed
  10. Hodgson JM, Puddey IB, Burke V, et al. Effects on blood pressure of drinking green and black tea. J Hypertens 1999;17:457-63. PubMed
  11. Rapuri PB, Gallagher JC, Kinyamu HK, Ryschon KL. Caffeine intake increases the rate of bone loss in elderly women and interacts with vitamin D receptor genotypes. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;74:694-700. PubMed
  12. Pollock BG, Wylie M, Stack JA, et al. Inhibition of caffeine metabolism by estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. J Clin Pharmacol 1999;39:936-40. PubMed
  13. Nurminen ML, Niittynen L, Korpela R, Vapaatalo H. Coffee, caffeine and blood pressure: a critical review. Eur J Clin Nutr 1999;53:831-9. PubMed
  14. Boozer CN, Nasser JA, Heymsfield SB, et al. An herbal supplement containing Ma Huang-Guarana for weight loss: a randomized, double-blind trial. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2001;25:316-24. PubMed
  15. Hagg S, Spigset O, Mjorndal T, Dahlqvist R. Effect of caffeine on clozapine pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2000;49:59-63. 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

Product directory

Supplement products with Green Coffee

1,733 products in our database contain Green Coffee. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

C4 Ripped Fruity Rainbow Blast by Cellucor Powder 180 Gram(s) · 6.3 Oz(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped Icy Blue Razz by Cellucor Powder 6 Gram(s) · 0.2 Oz(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped Icy Blue Razz by Cellucor Powder 360 Gram(s) · 12.7 Oz(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped Icy Blue Razz by Cellucor Powder 180 Gram(s) · 6.3 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped On The Go Berry Lemonade by Cellucor Liquid 12 Bottle(s) · 139.9 fl. Oz. · 4.14 Liter(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped On The Go Berry Lemonade by Cellucor Liquid 11.66 fl. Oz. · 345 mL View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped On The Go Fruit Punch by Cellucor Liquid 11.66 fl. Oz. · 345 mL View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped On The Go Fruit Punch by Cellucor Liquid 12 Bottle(s) · 139.9 fl. Oz. · 4.14 Liter(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped On The Go Icy Blue Razz by Cellucor Liquid 12 Bottle(s) · 139.9 fl. Oz. · 4.14 Liter(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped On The Go Icy Blue Razz by Cellucor Liquid 11.66 fl. Oz. · 345 mL View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped Raspberry Lemonade by Cellucor Powder 180 Gram(s) · 6.3 Oz(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped Raspberry Lemonade by Cellucor Powder 180 Gram(s) · 6.3 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped Sport Fruit Punch by Cellucor Powder 213 Gram(s) · 7.5 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped Tropical Punch by Cellucor Powder 180 Gram(s) · 6.3 Oz(s) View ingredients & interactions C4 Ripped Ultra Frost by Cellucor Powder 180 Gram(s) · 6.3 Oz(s) View ingredients & interactions Cannibal Ferox EU Pineapple Hand Grenade by Chaos and Pain Powder 10.58 Ounce(s) · 300 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Carb Blocker by Greens First Lean Capsule 90 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Carb Control by RM Red Mountain Weight Loss Capsule 120 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Carb Cut Complete by INNOSUPPS Capsule 90 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Carb-Ease +Plus by AdvoCare Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions CarbXzyme by Designs for Health Capsule 120 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions CardioCalm by Roex Capsule 90 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions CellGenix by CG CellGenix Capsule 30 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Cellular Antioxidant Formula by GNC Preventive Nutrition Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 60 Caplet(s) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Green Coffee: Common Questions

What is Green Coffee used for, and does it work?
People use Green Coffee for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Green Coffee interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 672 medications with a known interaction with Green Coffee, including 8 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Green Coffee interacts with a specific drug.
How are Green Coffee 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 Green Coffee 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 Green Coffee 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 Green Coffee used for?
It is most commonly used for weight loss, and some people use it for blood pressure, blood sugar support, and as an antioxidant. The evidence for these uses is limited, so it should not replace proven treatments.
Does Green Coffee contain caffeine?
Yes. Green Coffee naturally contains caffeine, so it can cause stimulant effects like jitteriness, a faster heartbeat, or trouble sleeping. Count it toward your total daily caffeine intake.
Is Green Coffee safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It is best to avoid concentrated Green Coffee supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of the caffeine and lack of safety data. Talk to your doctor before using it.
How is Green Coffee different from regular coffee?
Green Coffee beans are not roasted, so they keep more chlorogenic acid, a plant compound largely destroyed during roasting. Roasted coffee has a stronger flavor but less chlorogenic acid.

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

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