Herb & supplement monograph

Stevia Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Stevia 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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Stevia 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 Stevia drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and nearly all of them are minor with only theoretical or limited evidence behind them.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one interaction we would watch most closely involves lithium, a medicine with a narrow safety margin. Animal research hints that stevia may act as a mild diuretic, which in theory could raise lithium levels, though this has not been confirmed in people. Stevia may also modestly lower blood sugar or blood pressure, so people taking diabetes medications or blood pressure medications should be aware, but human studies are mixed and some found no meaningful effect at all.

What the rest of the list means

A long interaction list can look worrying, but for stevia it mostly reflects caution rather than proven harm. Almost every entry is based on lab or animal findings or on theoretical effects, and in several cases human studies have not shown clinically meaningful changes. Very few of these combinations have caused real problems in people.

Check your medications against Stevia

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Stevia

259 medications have a known interaction with Stevia, 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 Stevia using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Stevia interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

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 Stevia 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 Stevia affects

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

All 3 drug categories Stevia interacts with

LithiumAntidiabetes DrugsAntihypertensive Drugs

Lithium

Theoretically, stevia might decrease clearance and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that stevia extracts might have diuretic activity. Theoretically, increased reabsorption of lithium along with sodium might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, stevia might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when combined with antidiabetes drugs.
Preliminary clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes suggests that taking a single dose of stevia extract 1000 mg reduces postprandial blood glucose levels when taken with a meal. However, other clinical research in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes suggests that taking stevioside 250 mg three times daily does not significantly affect blood glucose levels or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) after three months of treatment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining stevia or stevia constituents with antihypertensive agents might increase the risk of hypotension.
Stevia extract and stevioside might lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. However, other clinical research suggests that stevioside does not significantly lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Stevia: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Stevia is a plant-based, calorie-free sweetener that is widely used as a sugar alternative and is considered safe in normal food amounts by major regulators. Purified stevia extracts have a good safety record, but evidence for medicinal benefits like lowering blood sugar or blood pressure is limited. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using stevia supplements for any health condition.

Scientific name: Stevia rebaudiana
Family: Asteraceae
Part used: Leaves
Common forms: Powder, liquid drops, tablets, granules, tea, and purified extracts (such as rebaudioside A and stevioside)

People commonly use it for

Sugar substitute / sweetener
Blood sugar support in diabetes
Weight management
Blood pressure support
Reducing calorie intake

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

Safety at a glance

OverallLikely safe

Purified stevia sweeteners are generally recognized as safe in typical food amounts.

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

Stevia comes from the leaves of a shrub called Stevia rebaudiana, which is native to South America, especially Paraguay and Brazil. People there have used the leaves for centuries to sweeten drinks and foods.

The leaves contain natural compounds called steviol glycosides that taste much sweeter than sugar but add little or no calories. Today, purified versions of these compounds (such as rebaudioside A and stevioside) are used worldwide as sugar substitutes in drinks, foods, and tabletop sweeteners.

Stevia is sold as powders, liquid drops, tablets, and tea, and as an ingredient in many low-calorie products. Some people also take it as a supplement hoping for health benefits beyond sweetening.

How it works

The sweet taste comes from steviol glycosides, mainly stevioside and rebaudioside A. These molecules activate the sweet taste receptors on your tongue strongly, so only a tiny amount is needed.

Your body does not break these compounds down for energy the same way it does sugar, which is why stevia adds essentially no calories and does not spike blood sugar. Gut bacteria break the glycosides down into steviol, which is then processed by the body and removed.

Researchers have proposed that stevia may affect insulin release, blood vessels, or inflammation, but these ideas come largely from laboratory and animal research and are not firmly proven in people.

Effectiveness

Does Stevia work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 3 uses evaluated

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

Also studied for 3 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral stevia improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes; the available research is conflicting.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral stevia is beneficial in patients with hypertension; the available research is conflicting.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral stevia is beneficial in patients with obesity; the available research is conflicting.

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

Purified stevia sweeteners (steviol glycosides) have a good safety record and are considered safe by major regulators when used within recommended limits. Regulators set an acceptable daily intake that most people stay well below in normal use.

Whole-leaf stevia and crude stevia extracts are less studied and are not approved as food additives in some countries, so their long-term safety is less certain. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar, since changes in your sweetener use can affect your overall diet.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, purified stevia in normal food amounts is generally considered acceptable, but high-dose supplements and whole-leaf products have not been well studied. To be safe, use caution and check with your doctor or pharmacist before using stevia supplements during these times. People with allergies to ragweed, marigolds, or other plants in the daisy (Asteraceae) family may be more likely to react to stevia.

Side effects

Purified stevia is well tolerated by most people. Some users report bloating, gas, nausea, or mild stomach upset, especially with large amounts or with products that also contain sugar alcohols.

A few people notice a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste. Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible, particularly in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family. Stop using it and seek care if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Stevia: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, stevia and steviol glycosides appear to be well tolerated. Most minor adverse effects seem to resolve after the first week of use.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Abdominal bloating, dizziness, headache, myalgia, nausea, and numbness.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Allergic reactions.

Reports by condition

Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, stevia and steviol glycosides may cause headache, dizziness, and numbness.

Myalgia Musculoskeletal

Orally, stevia and steviol glycosides may cause myalgia, but this generally resolves after the first week of use.

Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, stevia and steviol glycosides such as stevioside, can cause gastrointestinal adverse effects such as abdominal fullness and nausea. However, these generally resolve after the first week of use.

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 standard medicinal dose of stevia. As a sweetener, the right amount is simply enough to reach the sweetness you like, and a little goes a long way because it is much sweeter than sugar.

For tabletop and food products, follow the directions on the label and stay within the recommended daily intake. If you are considering stevia supplements for a health reason, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first, since safe and effective doses for treating conditions have not been established.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Stevia & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Stevia & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 10 references that drive our Stevia 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.

Chan P, Xu DY, Liu JC, et al. The effect of stevioside on blood pressure and plasma catecholamines in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Life Sci 1998;63:1679-84. PubMed
Melis MS. A crude extract of Stevia rebaudiana increases the renal plasma flow of normal and hypertensive rats. Braz J Med Biol Res 1996;29:669-75.
Melis MS. Chronic administration of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana in rats: renal effects. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;47:129-34. PubMed
Melis MS, Sainati AR. Effect of calcium and verapamil on renal function of rats during treatment with stevioside. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:257-622. PubMed
Hsieh MH, Chan P, Sue YM, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of oral stevioside in patients with mild essential hypertension: a two-year, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Ther 2003;25:2797-808. PubMed
Chan P, Tomlinson B, Chen YJ, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness and tolerability of oral stevioside in human hypertension. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2000;50:215-20. PubMed
Gregersen S, Jeppesen PB, Holst JJ, Hermansen K. Antihyperglycemic effects of stevioside in type 2 diabetic subjects. Metabolism 2004;53:73-6. PubMed
Barriocanal LA, Palacios M, Benitez G, et al. Apparent lack of pharmacological effect of steviol glycosides used as sweeteners in humans. A pilot study of repeated exposures in some normotensive and hypotensive individuals and in Type 1 and Type 2 diabeti
Ferri LA, Alves-Do-Prado W, Yamada SS, et al. Investigation of the antihypertensive effect of oral crude stevioside in patients with mild essential hypertension. Phytother Res 2006;20:732-6. PubMed
Almiron-Roig E, Navas-Carretero S, Castelnuovo G, et al. Impact of acute consumption of beverages containing plant-based or alternative sweetener blends on postprandial appetite, food intake, metabolism, and gastro-intestinal symptoms: Results of the SWEE

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.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Stevia

1,170 brands in our database make a supplement containing Stevia.

'Merica Labz 62 products 1-800-WellMed 20 products 1MD Nutrition 23 products 1st Endurance 9 products 1st Phorm 75 products 21st Century 798 products 21st Century VitaJoy Gummies 35 products 21st Century Zoo Friends 32 products 22 Days Nutrition 16 products 310 Daily 1 product 360 Health Solutions 2 products 365 Everyday Value 52 products 4Life 53 products 4Life Fundamentals 9 products 6AM RUN 9 products About Time 27 products AboutTime 2 products Absolute Nutrition 15 products Absonutrix 34 products Activator Essentials 1 product Activz 4 products Adapted Nutrition 5 products Adaptogen Research 126 products Advanced Naturals 68 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Stevia

8,989 products in our database contain Stevia. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Stevia: Common Questions

What is Stevia used for, and does it work?

People use Stevia 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 Stevia interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 259 medications with a known interaction with Stevia. Use the checker above to see how Stevia interacts with a specific drug.

How are Stevia 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 Stevia 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 Stevia 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 Stevia safe to use every day?

Purified Stevia sweeteners are considered safe for daily use within the recommended limits set by food regulators. Most people who use it as a sugar substitute stay well below those limits.

Does Stevia raise blood sugar?

No, purified Stevia does not raise blood sugar the way regular sugar does, which is why many people with diabetes use it as a sugar substitute. It still makes sense to monitor your blood sugar and overall diet.

Can I use Stevia while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Purified Stevia in normal food amounts is generally considered acceptable, but high-dose supplements and whole-leaf products are not well studied. Use caution and check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Why does Stevia sometimes taste bitter?

Some steviol glycosides have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste that certain people notice more than others. Products made with refined rebaudioside A often taste cleaner and less bitter.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Stevia

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

See all 8,989 products with Stevia →

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Stevia Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Stevia Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Stevia

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Stevia affects

Stevia: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Stevia work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Stevia: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Stevia & Pregnancy

Stevia & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Stevia

Supplement products with Stevia

Stevia: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Stevia

Have a question about Stevia?