Lime Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Lime interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Lime is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Lime 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
Check Lime against your medication
Add one medicationLime Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line
From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Lime drug interaction appears low for most people. Every listed interaction is rated moderate rather than major, and all of them rest on animal research or theory rather than solid human studies.
The main concern involves medications cleared by the CYP3A4 enzyme, a pathway the body uses to process a very wide range of drugs. Animal research suggests compounds in lime juice may slow this enzyme, which could raise levels of those medications, though this has not been confirmed in people. Separately, photosensitizing drugs may theoretically combine with lime oil to increase the risk of sun-related skin reactions. Neither concern is well documented in humans, but the enzyme effect deserves the most thought for anyone taking a narrow-margin medicine cleared this way.
The long list of interacting medications comes almost entirely from that single enzyme pathway, which many drugs share. A drug appearing on the list does not mean the combination is harmful; it means an effect is possible in theory. So far, these predicted effects have only been seen in animal or lab research, not shown to cause meaningful changes in people.
Based on HelloPharmacist’s Lime interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.
Drugs that interact with Lime
888 medications have a known interaction with Lime, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.
Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Lime using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.
AI summaries are generated from our Lime interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
No drugs match “”.
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 Lime combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The kinds of drugs Lime affects
Every type of medication (drug category) Lime is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Animal research shows that phenolics in lime juice inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4. This has been demonstrated in rats treated with sildenafil, a CYP3A4 substrate, and high doses of lime juice.
Photosensitizing Drugs
Theoretically, concomitant use of lime oil with photosensitizing drugs may increase the risk of phototoxicity.
Lime: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Lime is a common citrus fruit and a good natural source of vitamin C and plant antioxidants. As a food it is generally safe and enjoyed by most people, but evidence that lime treats any specific health condition is limited. Use the essential oil with care, and check with your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated lime products for health reasons.

- Scientific name
- Citrus aurantifolia
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Part used
- Fruit, juice, peel, and essential oil
- Common forms
- Fresh fruit, juice, essential oil, zest/peel, extracts
- Source of vitamin C
- Digestive upset
- Skin care
- Mood and aromatherapy
- Flavoring and food preservation
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
Lime is safe for most people when used as a normal food or drink.
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using in amounts greater than those typically found in foods.
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available; avoid using in amounts greater than those typically found in foods.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is a small, sour, green citrus fruit. It is thought to come from Southeast Asia and is now grown in warm regions around the world, including parts of Asia, the Americas, and the Mediterranean.
People use the fruit, juice, peel, and essential oil in many ways. Lime is most familiar as a food and drink flavoring, but it is also valued for its vitamin C and fragrant aroma. In some traditional medicine systems, lime has been used for digestion, coughs and colds, skin care, and to freshen and flavor food.
How it works
Lime contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid), citric acid, flavonoids, and aromatic oils such as limonene. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and supports many body processes, including making collagen for skin and blood vessels.
Flavonoids and other plant compounds have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies, and lime oils have shown some antimicrobial activity against bacteria in test tubes. It is important to know that effects seen in a lab dish or in animals do not always carry over to people, so these mechanisms are best described as proposed rather than proven.
Does Lime work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
For Lime, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.
Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Iron deficiency anemia
Preliminary clinical research shows that consuming diluted lime juice 500 mL standardized to contain ascorbic acid 25 mg twice daily, 6 days weekly, for 8 months does not improve iron status in iron-deficient women who consume diets high in phytate and non-heme iron.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Malaria
Preliminary clinical research in children aged 5 months to 13 years with malaria shows that taking lime juice 10-15 mL three times daily in addition to artemisinin combination therapy reduces the time to achieve a reduction in parasite load of at least 75% by approximately 8 hours when compared with using artemisinin combination therapy alone. Also, by 72 hours, more than twice as many children taking lime had achieved complete clearance.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Sickle cell disease
Preliminary clinical research in infants, children, and adolescents with sickle cell disease shows that taking lime juice 5-15 mL twice daily depending on weight for 6 months, in addition to folic acid, vitamin B complex, and proguanil, reduces the rate of a painful bone crisis by approximately 55% compared with not taking lime. Rates of painful episodes, febrile illness, and hospital admission were reduced by 46%, 47%, and 10%, respectively. There was no benefit on rates of blood transfusion, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, or jaundice.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Smoking cessation
Preliminary clinical research in people quitting smoking shows that taking fresh lime as needed for 12 weeks is as effective as nicotine gum for reducing cravings. It also seems to improve continuous abstinence over the last 3 weeks of treatment and after an additional 12 weeks. Abstinence was measured using exhaled carbon monoxide.
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
Lime is generally safe when eaten or drunk as a normal part of the diet. Concentrated forms such as essential oil, strong extracts, or large supplement doses are less well studied and should be used with more caution.
A key concern is the skin. Lime juice and peel contain compounds that can cause a reaction called phytophotodermatitis — when lime gets on the skin and that skin is then exposed to sunlight, it can cause redness, burning, blistering, and dark stains that last weeks. Wash lime off your skin and avoid sun on areas that touched lime.
The acid in lime can also wear down tooth enamel over time and may worsen heartburn or mouth sores in some people. People with citrus allergies should avoid it.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Eating lime as a food is generally considered fine. However, there is not enough reliable information on concentrated lime extracts or essential oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is safest to avoid these unless your doctor approves.
Side effects
For most people, lime in food amounts causes few problems. Possible side effects include:
- Heartburn or stomach upset from the acid
- Irritation of mouth sores or sensitive teeth
- Skin reactions, especially sun-triggered burns or dark patches after skin contact
- Allergic reactions in people sensitive to citrus
Essential oils are very concentrated and should never be swallowed unless directed by a qualified professional, and should be diluted before being applied to skin.
Lime: Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Lime from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
Orally, lime juice may cause diarrhea or tooth sensitivity and wear, but these adverse effects are rare.
Topically, lime oil and lime juice can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Phytophotodermatitis is common when topical exposure to lime is followed by exposure to the sun.
Intravaginally, 20% to 100% lime juice can cause burning, dryness, pain, itching, erythema, edema, or abnormal bleeding.
- Garcia, O. P., Diaz, M., Rosado, J. L., and Allen, L. H. Ascorbic acid from lime juice does not improve the iron status of iron-deficient women in rural Mexico. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2003;78(2):267-273.
- Bamise CT, Dinyain VE, Kolawole KA. Dental erosion due to lime consumption; review of literature and case report. East Afr J Public Health. 2009;6(2):141-3.
- Rungruanghiranya S, Ekpanyaskul C, Sakulisariyaporn C, Watcharanat P, Akkalakulawas K. Efficacy of fresh lime for smoking cessation. J Med Assoc Thai. 2012;95 Suppl 12:S76-82.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Roesyanto-Mahadi ID, Geursen-Reitsma AM, van Joost T, et al. Sensitization to fragrance materials in Indonesian cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis 1990;22:212-7.
- Assarian Z, Nixon RL. Protein contact dermatitis caused by lime in a pastry chef. Contact Dermatitis. 2015;73(1):54-6.
- Swerdlin A, Rainey D, Storrs FJ. Fragrance mix reactions and lime allergic contact dermatitis. Dermatitis. 2010;21(4):214-6.
- Weber, I. C., Davis, C. P., and Greeson, D. M. Phytophotodermatitis: the other "lime" disease. J Emerg.Med 1999;17(2):235-237.
- Wagner, A. M., Wu, J. J., Hansen, R. C., Nigg, H. N., and Beiere, R. C. Bullous phytophotodermatitis associated with high natural concentrations of furanocoumarins in limes. Am.J Contact Dermat. 2002;13(1):10-14.
- Coffman, K., Boyce, W. T., and Hansen, R. C. Phytophotodermatitis simulating child abuse. Am.J Dis.Child 1985;139(3):239-240.
- Flugman SL. Mexican beer dermatitis: a unique variant of lime phytophotodermatitis attributable to contemporary beer-drinking practices. Arch Dermatol. 2010;146(10):1194-5.
- Galvañ-Pérez Del Pulgar JI, Linares-Barrios M, Galvañ-Pozo JI Jr. Acropigmentation of the dorsum of the hands from preparing mojitos: A lime-induced phytophotodermatosis. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2016;107(3):253-5.
- Mioduszewski M, Beecker J. Phytophotodermatitis from making sangria: a phototoxic reaction to lime and lemon juice. CMAJ. 2015;187(10):756.
- Hemmerling A, Potts M, Walsh J, Young-Holt B, Whaley K, Stefanski DA. Lime juice as a candidate microbicide? An open-label safety trial of 10% and 20% lime juice used vaginally. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2007;16(7):1041-51.
Dermatitis Immunologic
Topically, lime can rarely contribute to allergic contact dermatitis.
- Roesyanto-Mahadi ID, Geursen-Reitsma AM, van Joost T, et al. Sensitization to fragrance materials in Indonesian cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis 1990;22:212-7.
- Assarian Z, Nixon RL. Protein contact dermatitis caused by lime in a pastry chef. Contact Dermatitis. 2015;73(1):54-6.
- Swerdlin A, Rainey D, Storrs FJ. Fragrance mix reactions and lime allergic contact dermatitis. Dermatitis. 2010;21(4):214-6.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal
Orally, diarrhea has been reported as an adverse effects in a clinical trial.
Erythema Genitourinary
Intravaginally, 20% lime juice has resulted in burning, dryness, erythema, and edema. Higher doses of 25%, 50%, or 100% lime juice were dose-dependently related to vaginal, cervical, or vulval symptoms, especially pain, itching, and abnormal bleeding. The abnormal bleeding was most common in women that had applied 100% lime juice with a tampon. Peeling, erythema, discharge, and tenderness also occurred.
- Hemmerling A, Potts M, Walsh J, Young-Holt B, Whaley K, Stefanski DA. Lime juice as a candidate microbicide? An open-label safety trial of 10% and 20% lime juice used vaginally. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2007;16(7):1041-51.
- Mauck CK, Ballagh SA, Creinin MD, et al. Six-day randomized safety trial of intravaginal lime juice. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2008;49(3):243-50.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no standardized medicinal dose of lime. As a food, people use lime juice, zest, or wedges freely to taste. For supplements, extracts, or essential oil products, there is no proven dose for any health condition.
If you use a commercial lime supplement or oil, follow the directions on the product label and check with your pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a health condition.
Lime & Pregnancy
Lime & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 20 references that drive our Lime 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.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Roesyanto-Mahadi ID, Geursen-Reitsma AM, van Joost T, et al. Sensitization to fragrance materials in Indonesian cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis 1990;22:212-7. PubMed
- Naganuma M, Hirose S, Nakayama Y, et al. A study of the phototoxicity of lemon oil. Arch Dermatol Res 1985;278:31-6. . PubMed
- Bailey DG, Dresser GK, Bend JR. Bergamottin, lime juice, and red wine as inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 activity: comparison with grapefruit juice. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2003;73:529-37. PubMed
- Weber, I. C., Davis, C. P., and Greeson, D. M. Phytophotodermatitis: the other "lime" disease. J Emerg.Med 1999;17(2):235-237. PubMed
- Wagner, A. M., Wu, J. J., Hansen, R. C., Nigg, H. N., and Beiere, R. C. Bullous phytophotodermatitis associated with high natural concentrations of furanocoumarins in limes. Am.J Contact Dermat. 2002;13(1):10-14. PubMed
- Garcia, O. P., Diaz, M., Rosado, J. L., and Allen, L. H. Ascorbic acid from lime juice does not improve the iron status of iron-deficient women in rural Mexico. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2003;78(2):267-273. PubMed
- Coffman, K., Boyce, W. T., and Hansen, R. C. Phytophotodermatitis simulating child abuse. Am.J Dis.Child 1985;139(3):239-240. PubMed
- Adegoke SA, Oyelami OA, Olatunya OS, Adeyemi LA. Effects of lime juice on malaria parasite clearance. Phytother Res. 2011;25(10):1547-50. PubMed
- Adegoke SA, Shehu UA, Mohammed LO, Sanusi Y, Oyelami OA. Influence of lime juice on the severity of sickle cell anemia. J Altern Complement Med. 2013;19(6):588-92. PubMed
- Assarian Z, Nixon RL. Protein contact dermatitis caused by lime in a pastry chef. Contact Dermatitis. 2015;73(1):54-6. PubMed
- Bamise CT, Dinyain VE, Kolawole KA. Dental erosion due to lime consumption; review of literature and case report. East Afr J Public Health. 2009;6(2):141-3. PubMed
- Flugman SL. Mexican beer dermatitis: a unique variant of lime phytophotodermatitis attributable to contemporary beer-drinking practices. Arch Dermatol. 2010;146(10):1194-5. PubMed
- Galvañ-Pérez Del Pulgar JI, Linares-Barrios M, Galvañ-Pozo JI Jr. Acropigmentation of the dorsum of the hands from preparing mojitos: A lime-induced phytophotodermatosis. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2016;107(3):253-5. DOI
- Hemmerling A, Potts M, Walsh J, Young-Holt B, Whaley K, Stefanski DA. Lime juice as a candidate microbicide? An open-label safety trial of 10% and 20% lime juice used vaginally. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2007;16(7):1041-51. PubMed
- Mauck CK, Ballagh SA, Creinin MD, et al. Six-day randomized safety trial of intravaginal lime juice. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2008;49(3):243-50. PubMed
- Mioduszewski M, Beecker J. Phytophotodermatitis from making sangria: a phototoxic reaction to lime and lemon juice. CMAJ. 2015;187(10):756. PubMed
- Rungruanghiranya S, Ekpanyaskul C, Sakulisariyaporn C, Watcharanat P, Akkalakulawas K. Efficacy of fresh lime for smoking cessation. J Med Assoc Thai. 2012;95 Suppl 12:S76-82.
- Swerdlin A, Rainey D, Storrs FJ. Fragrance mix reactions and lime allergic contact dermatitis. Dermatitis. 2010;21(4):214-6. DOI
- Ademosun AO, Mohammed A, Oboh G, Ajeigbe OF. Influence of lemon (Citrus limon) and lime (Citrus aurantifolia) juices on the erectogenic properties of sildenafil in rats with L-NAME-induced erectile dysfunction. J Food Biochem 2022;46(2):e14074.
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
Brands that make products with Lime
151 brands in our database make a supplement containing Lime.
Supplement products with Lime
495 products in our database contain Lime. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.
Lime: Common Questions
What is Lime used for, and does it work?
Does Lime interact with prescription medications?
How are Lime interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Lime with my medications?
Where does this Lime interaction information come from?
What is Lime mainly used for?
Is Lime good for my immune system?
Can Lime juice harm my skin?
Is it safe to eat Lime during pregnancy?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Products that contain Lime
A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Lime — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.
- Cleanse For Life Natural Rich Berry by Isagenix
- G Fuel Orange by Gamma Labs
- Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds by American Health
- PectaSol-C Modified Citrus Pectin Refreshing Natural Lime Flavor by ecoNugenics
- Green Oxygen by Healthy People Co
- Liftoff Lemon-Lime Blast by Herbalife Nutrition
- Organic Sea Moss with Bladderwrack 2000 mg Strawberry Lime Flavor by Pella Nutrition
- Adult Sinus Support by Redd Remedies
- Menopause Support by Adaptogen Research
- Herbal Cider Vinegar Tincture by Ancient Nutrition
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