Herb & supplement monograph

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what White Pepper 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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White Pepper 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 White Pepper drug interaction appears low for most people, because very few of its many listed interactions are supported by solid human data. None of the interactions are rated major, and most rest on lab or animal findings rather than proven effects in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The concerns worth the most care involve closely monitored medicines. Human research shows piperine, the active part of white pepper, can raise levels of phenytoin, which could affect seizure control, and a possible diuretic effect might push up lithium levels. A human study also found higher levels of the HIV drug nevirapine, though no harm was seen. Piperine may likewise increase absorption and slow clearance of carbamazepine, propranolol, theophylline, and rifampin.

What the rest of the list means

The very long list of moderate interactions mostly reflects theory rather than proven harm. Lab studies suggest white pepper may affect enzymes and transporters the body uses to clear many medications, so whole groups of drugs are flagged as a precaution. In at least one case studied in people, the higher drug levels that were predicted did not cause any observed problems.

Check your medications against White Pepper

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with White Pepper

980 medications have a known interaction with White Pepper, 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 White Pepper using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our White Pepper 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 White Pepper 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 White Pepper affects

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

All 16 drug categories White Pepper interacts with

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntidiabetes DrugsCyclosporine (neoral, Sandimmune)Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) SubstratesCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) SubstratesLithiumNevirapine (viramune)P-glycoprotein SubstratesPentobarbital (nembutal)Phenytoin (dilantin)Propranolol (inderal)Rifampin (rifadin)TheophyllineAmoxicillin (amoxil, Trimox)Carbamazepine (tegretol)Cefotaxime (claforan)

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

In vitro evidence suggests that piperine, a constituent of white pepper, inhibits platelet aggregation. Theoretically, white pepper might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Some anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antidiabetes Drugs

Evidence from animal research suggests that piperine, a constituent of white pepper, reduces blood glucose levels. Theoretically, white pepper might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.
Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

In vitro evidence shows that piperine, a constituent of white pepper, increases the bioavailability of cyclosporine. Theoretically, white pepper might increase levels of cyclosporine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

In vitro evidence suggests that some constituents of white pepper inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). Theoretically, concomitant use may affect drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Some drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 include amitriptyline (Elavil), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), flecainide (Tambocor), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), ondansetron (Zofran), paroxetine (Paxil), risperidone (Risperdal), tramadol (Ultram), venlafaxine (Effexor), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

In vitro evidence suggests that piperine, a constituent of white pepper, inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Theoretically, concomitant use with white pepper might increase the effects and side effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include some calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil), chemotherapeutic agents (etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine), antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), glucocorticoids, cisapride (Propulsid), alfentanil (Alfenta), fentanyl (Sublimaze), losartan (Cozaar), fluoxetine (Prozac), midazolam (Versed), omeprazole (Prilosec), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), fexofenadine (Allegra), and numerous others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Lithium

White pepper is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, white pepper might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Nevirapine (Viramune)

Evidence from human research shows that piperine, a constituent of white pepper, increases the plasma concentration of nevirapine. While no adverse effects were observed in the study, theoretically, white pepper might increase the effects and side effects of nevirapine. Use with caution.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, white pepper might increase levels of p-glycoprotein substrates. The piperine constituent of white pepper seems to inhibit p-glycoprotein in vitro.
Some drugs metabolized by p-glycoprotein include some chemotherapeutic agents (etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine), antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), protease inhibitors (amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir), H2 antagonists (cimetidine, ranitidine), some calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), digoxin, corticosteroids, erythromycin, cisapride (Propulsid), fexofenadine (Allegra), cyclosporine, loperamide (Imodium), quinidine, and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

In an animal model, the piperine constituent of white pepper increased pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. It is not known if this occurs in humans or if this applies to other barbiturates or sedatives. Theoretically, combining white pepper and pentobarbital might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

White pepper might increase levels of phenytoin. In humans, the piperine constituent of white pepper seems to increase absorption, slow elimination, and increase levels of phenytoin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Propranolol (Inderal)

Theoretically, white pepper might increase levels of propranolol. In humans, the piperine constituent of white pepper seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Rifampin (Rifadin)

Theoretically, white pepper might increase levels of rifampin. The piperine constituent of white pepper seems to increase absorption and serum levels of rifampin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Theophylline

Theoretically, white pepper might increase levels of theophylline. In humans, the piperine constituent of white pepper seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of theophylline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

Evidence from animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of white pepper, increases the plasma levels of amoxicillin when taken concomitantly. Theoretically, piperine from white pepper might increase the effects and side effects of amoxicillin in humans. Be watchful with this combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

White pepper might increase levels of carbamazepine. Patients taking carbamazepine 300 mg or 500 mg twice daily had increased levels after taking a single dose of 20 mg purified piperine, which is a constituent of white pepper. Piperine may increase absorption by increasing blood flow to the GI tract, increasing the surface area of the small intestine, or by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition in the gut wall. Absorption was significantly increased by 7-10 mcg/mL/hour. The time to eliminate carbamazepine was also increased by 4-8 hours. Although carbamazepine levels were increased, this did not appear to increase side effects. In vitro research also shows that piperine can increase carbamazepine levels by 11% in a time-dependent manner.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Cefotaxime (Claforan)

Evidence from animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of white pepper, increases the plasma levels of cefotaxime when taken concomitantly. Theoretically, piperine from white pepper might increase the effects and side effects of cefotaxime in humans. Be watchful with this combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

White Pepper: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

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

The bottom line

White pepper comes from the same plant as black pepper and is mostly used as a kitchen spice. In normal food amounts it is generally safe for most people, but there is little solid human research supporting its use as a medicine. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a health condition.

Scientific name: Piper nigrum
Family: Piperaceae
Part used: Dried, ripe seeds (with the outer fruit layer removed)
Common forms: Ground powder, whole peppercorns, culinary spice, and occasionally capsules or extracts

People commonly use it for

Digestive upset
Seasoning and appetite support
Cough and cold remedies (traditional)
Minor aches and pains (traditional)
Antimicrobial (traditional)

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

Safety at a glance

OverallLikely safe

Generally safe in the small amounts used to flavor food.

PregnancyLikely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of topical white pepper or...

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingLikely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of white pepper when used i...

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

White pepper comes from the same plant as black pepper, Piper nigrum, a flowering vine grown in warm, tropical regions such as India, Indonesia, and parts of Southeast Asia. The difference is in how the peppercorn is processed. To make white pepper, ripe berries are soaked in water so the dark outer layer can be removed, leaving just the pale inner seed.

White pepper has a milder, slightly different flavor than black pepper and is often used in light-colored foods and sauces where black specks would stand out. Beyond the kitchen, it has been used in some traditional health practices for digestion and minor ailments.

How it works

The main active compound in pepper is piperine, which gives it its pungent, spicy taste. Pepper also contains volatile oils and other plant compounds.

In laboratory and animal research, piperine has shown effects such as mild antioxidant activity and an ability to influence how certain substances are absorbed in the gut. These findings are preliminary and based largely on test-tube and animal studies, so they do not prove that white pepper works the same way or has meaningful effects when eaten by people.

Effectiveness

Does White Pepper work?

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

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated

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

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diarrhea

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in children ages 2 months to 2.5 years shows that covering the navel with cooked and ground white pepper is more effective for curing acute or persistent diarrhea, but not chronic diarrhea, when compared with oral montmorillonite (clay) powder. Cure was defined as no diarrhea within three days of initiating treatment.

Sources Ref 94016

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

As a culinary spice, white pepper is generally recognized as safe for most people in the amounts used to flavor food. Eating large quantities or taking concentrated supplements is a different matter and is not well studied.

People with stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or sensitive digestion may find that pepper irritates their symptoms. Use caution if you have these conditions.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, normal food amounts are likely fine, but there is not enough information to call medicinal or supplement doses safe. It is best to avoid concentrated products during these times unless your doctor or pharmacist approves. When in doubt, choose caution.

Side effects

In typical food amounts, white pepper rarely causes problems. When used in larger amounts, it may cause stomach upset, heartburn, or a burning feeling in the mouth or digestive tract.

Breathing in pepper powder can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs and may cause sneezing or coughing. Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible; stop using it and seek medical care if you notice rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

White Pepper: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, white pepper can cause dyspepsia and other gastrointestinal discomfort. When given in a nasal spray, white pepper has been reported to cause cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and respiratory effects. Rarely, white pepper has been reported to cause allergic reaction.

Reports by condition

Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

When given in a nasal spray, piperine, a constituent of white pepper, induced headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, and feeling calm, alert, or "high" in up to 82 out of 127 study participants.

Schneider, N. G., Olmstead, R., Mody, F. V., Doan, K., Franzon, M., Jarvik, M. E., and Steinberg, C. Efficacy of a nicotine nasal spray in smoking cessation: a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Addiction 1995;90(12):1671-1682.

Common cold Other

When given in a nasal spray, piperine, a constituent of black pepper, induced sweating in 17 out of 127 study participants and cold hands and feet in 18 out of 127 participants.

Schneider, N. G., Olmstead, R., Mody, F. V., Doan, K., Franzon, M., Jarvik, M. E., and Steinberg, C. Efficacy of a nicotine nasal spray in smoking cessation: a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Addiction 1995;90(12):1671-1682.

Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, white pepper can cause a burning aftertaste and irritation to the throat and anterior tongue. Single and repeated application of piperine, a constituent of white pepper, increased irritation of the tongue and oral cavity, resulting in decreased taste. When given in a nasal spray, piperine induced nausea in 9 out of 127 study participants and irritation of the nose and throat in up to 82 out of 127 study participants.

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 white pepper. As a spice, people simply use the amount that tastes good in cooking.

If you are considering a white pepper or piperine supplement, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because dietary supplements are not tightly regulated and quality can vary, it is wise to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting one.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

White Pepper & Pregnancy

Likely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of topical white pepper or white pepper oil when used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy.

Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

White Pepper & Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

When used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of white pepper when used in medicinal amounts during breast-feeding.

Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 28 references that drive our White Pepper 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.

Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
Bano G, Amla V, Raina RK, et al. The effect of piperine on pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in healthy volunteers. Planta Med 1987;53:568-9. PubMed
Bano G, et al. Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1991;41;615-7. PubMed
Bhardwaj RK, Glaeser H, Becquemont L, et al. Piperine, a major constituent of black pepper, inhibits human P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2002;302:645-50. PubMed
Velpandian T, Jasuja R, Bhardwaj RK, et al. Piperine in food: interference in the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2001;26:241-7. PubMed
Pattanaik S, Hota D, Prabhakar S, et al. Pharmacokinetic interaction of a single dose of piperine with steady-state carbamazepine in epilepsy patients. Phytother Res 2009;23:1281-6.
Stager, J., Wuthrich, B., and Johansson, S. G. Spice allergy in celery-sensitive patients. Allergy 1991;46(6):475-478. PubMed
Raghavendra, R. H. and Naidu, K. A. Spice active principles as the inhibitors of human platelet aggregation and thromboxane biosynthesis. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 2009;81(1):73-78. PubMed
Subehan, Usia, T., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) by alkamides of Piper nigrum. Planta Med 2006;72(6):527-532.
Kasibhatta, R. and Naidu, M. U. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of nevirapine under fasting conditions: a randomised, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Drugs R.D. 2007;8(6):383-391. PubMed
Mujumdar, A. M., Dhuley, J. N., Deshmukh, V. K., Raman, P. H., Thorat, S. L., and Naik, S. R. Effect of piperine on pentobarbitone induced hypnosis in rats. Indian J Exp.Biol. 1990;28(5):486-487.
Panda, S. and Kar, A. Piperine lowers the serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, glucose and hepatic 5'D activity in adult male mice. Horm.Metab Res. 2003;35(9):523-526. PubMed
Schneider, N. G., Olmstead, R., Mody, F. V., Doan, K., Franzon, M., Jarvik, M. E., and Steinberg, C. Efficacy of a nicotine nasal spray in smoking cessation: a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Addiction 1995;90(12):1671-1682. DOI
Dessirier, J. M., Nguyen, N., Sieffermann, J. M., Carstens, E., and O'Mahony, M. Oral irritant properties of piperine and nicotine: psychophysical evidence for asymmetrical desensitization effects. Chem.Senses 1999;24(4):405-413. PubMed
Stevens, D. A. and Lawless, H. T. Enhancement of responses to sequential presentation of oral chemical irritants. Physiol Behav. 1987;39(1):63-65. PubMed
Lawless, H. and Stevens, D. A. Effects of oral chemical irritation on taste. Physiol Behav. 1984;32(6):995-998. PubMed
Rentmeister-Bryant, H. and Green, B. G. Perceived irritation during ingestion of capsaicin or piperine: comparison of trigeminal and non-trigeminal areas. Chem.Senses 1997;22(3):257-266. PubMed
Hiwale, A. R., Dhuley, J. N., and Naik, S. R. Effect of co-administration of piperine on pharmacokinetics of beta-lactam antibiotics in rats. Indian J Exp.Biol. 2002;40(3):277-281.
Han, Y., Chin Tan, T. M., and Lim, L. Y. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the effects of piperine on P-gp function and expression. Toxicol.Appl.Pharmacol. 8-1-2008;230(3):283-289. PubMed
Sharma, P., Varma, M. V., Chawla, H. P., and Panchagnula, R. In situ and in vivo efficacy of peroral absorption enhancers in rats and correlation to in vitro mechanistic studies. Farmaco 2005;60(11-12):874-883. PubMed
Aher, S., Biradar, S., Gopu, C. L., and Paradkar, A. Novel pepper extract for enhanced P-glycoprotein inhibition. J Pharm.Pharmacol. 2009;61(9):1179-1186. PubMed
Zutshi, R. K., Singh, R., Zutshi, U., Johri, R. K., and Atal, C. K. Influence of piperine on rifampicin blood levels in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. J Assoc.Physicians India 1985;33(3):223-224.
Niinimaki, A., Hannuksela, M., and Makinen-Kiljunen, S. Skin prick tests and in vitro immunoassays with native spices and spice extracts. Ann.Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1995;75(3):280-286.
Meding, B. Skin symptoms among workers in a spice factory. Contact Dermatitis 1993;29(4):202-205. PubMed
van den Akker, T. W., Roesyanto-Mahadi, I. D., van Toorenenbergen, A. W., and van Joost, T. Contact allergy to spices. Contact Dermatitis 1990;22(5):267-272. PubMed
Niinimaki, A., Bjorksten, F., Puukka, M., Tolonen, K., and Hannuksela, M. Spice allergy: results of skin prick tests and RAST with spice extracts. Allergy 1989;44(1):60-65. PubMed
Jin CQ, Jia YX, Dong HX, Zhou JW, Sun GF, Zhang YY, Zhao Q, Zheng BY. Stir-fried white pepper can treat diarrhea in infants and children efficiently: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Chin Med. 2013;41(4):765-72. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X13500511. PubMed
Ren T, Yang M, Xiao M, Zhu J, Xie W, Zuo Z. Time-dependent inhibition of carbamazepine metabolism by piperine in anti-epileptic treatment. Life Sci. 2019;218:314-323. 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.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with White Pepper

1 brand in our database make a supplement containing White Pepper.

ExtenZe 7 products

Product directory

Supplement products with White Pepper

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

ExtenZe by ExtenZe Tablet Or Pill 30 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions ExtenZe The Original by ExtenZe Tablet Or Pill 30 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

White Pepper: Common Questions

What is White Pepper used for, and does it work?

People use White Pepper 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 White Pepper interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 980 medications with a known interaction with White Pepper. Use the checker above to see how White Pepper interacts with a specific drug.

How are White Pepper 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 White Pepper 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 White Pepper 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 the difference between White Pepper and black pepper?

Both come from the same plant, Piper nigrum. White Pepper is made from ripe berries with the dark outer layer removed, giving it a paler color and milder flavor, while black pepper keeps the outer layer.

Does White Pepper have health benefits?

It contains piperine and other plant compounds that have been studied mostly in lab and animal research. There is little solid human evidence that White Pepper treats any condition, so it is best thought of as a flavorful spice.

Is White Pepper safe during pregnancy?

Using it to season food is likely fine, but concentrated supplement doses are not well studied. To be safe, avoid medicinal amounts during pregnancy unless your doctor approves.

Can White Pepper upset my stomach?

Large amounts can cause heartburn, stomach irritation, or a burning sensation, especially if you already have reflux or ulcers. Most people tolerate normal cooking amounts well.

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

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White Pepper Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

White Pepper Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with White Pepper

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 White Pepper affects

White Pepper: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does White Pepper work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

White Pepper: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

White Pepper & Pregnancy

White Pepper & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with White Pepper

Supplement products with White Pepper

White Pepper: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain White Pepper

Have a question about White Pepper?