Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

AMPK Metabolic Activator Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

AMPK Metabolic Activator label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking AMPK Metabolic Activator against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

AMPK Metabolic Activator is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis prevention, dietary calcium deficiency, heartburn relief (calcium carbonate antacids).Based on those ingredients, 943 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Hesperidin, Actiponin Gynostemma extract, Calcium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against AMPK Metabolic Activator by Life Extension

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with AMPK Metabolic Activator by Life Extension — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of AMPK Metabolic Activator by Life Extension

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 3 active ingredients. Calcium supports bone health and is established as effective for osteoporosis and to prevent and treat calcium deficiency.

Hesperidin is a plant compound from citrus with limited evidence—the data shows it's possibly ineffective for cholesterol and weight, and evidence for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is too thin to rate. Actiponin Gynostemma extract (jiaogulan) is an herbal ingredient possibly effective for diabetes, though evidence for athletic performance, cancer, heart disease, fatty liver, and respiratory infections isn't established enough to rate.

The inactive ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, aqueous film coating, silica, and vegetable stearate—standard tablet binders and fillers.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: AMPK metabolic activator for metabolic health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Metabolic syndrome, Diabetes, Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Hypertension, Aging — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Jiaogulan is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Calcium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Pregnancy-induced hypertension.
  • Also on file: Calcium is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Obesity.

Calcium in this product is effective for preventing and treating osteoporosis and is also effective for low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), high potassium (hyperkalemia), indigestion, and kidney failure when used appropriately. Hesperidin's effectiveness isn't well established for the conditions in this product—evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective for high cholesterol and weight management, and there's insufficient evidence to rate it for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Jiaogulan is possibly effective for diabetes but has insufficient evidence for athletic performance, cancer, heart disease, fatty liver, or respiratory infections. The product's role as an "AMPK Metabolic Activator" isn't addressed in our data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Hesperidin Jiaogulan

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though higher amounts can cause problems. Common side effects include belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset.

Rare serious concerns from case reports include kidney stones and calciphylaxis. Some research suggests very high daily intake (over 1,500–2,000 mg) may be associated with increased prostate cancer risk and possibly higher cardiovascular risk, though this remains debated.

Hesperidin is generally well tolerated in food amounts and short-term supplements, but long-term safety data is sparse; one case of allergic skin reaction was reported. Jiaogulan is generally well tolerated for up to 4 months, with diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and insomnia reported, but long-term safety isn't well studied.

During pregnancy, hesperidin lacks enough safety information to recommend use, and jiaogulan should be avoided because safety hasn't been established. While breastfeeding, hesperidin data is limited and jiaogulan should be avoided; calcium is safe if you stay within recommended amounts.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Hesperidin Jiaogulan

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Jiaogulan, Calcium, Hesperidin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 943 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check whether you use HIV integrase inhibitors (dolutegravir or elvitegravir), the antibiotic ceftriaxone given intravenously, or the HIV drug raltegravir—calcium significantly affects all of these. Also check for thyroid medication (levothyroxine), the heart drugs diltiazem and verapamil, the blood pressure drug sotalol, the psoriasis cream calcipotriene, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications, sedating drugs, immunosuppressants, or the heart drug celiprolol.

Timing and dose separation matter for several of these.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're managing osteoporosis or low calcium and have no HIV medications, heart drugs, or antibiotics like ceftriaxone, this product's calcium may help. Anyone on dolutegravir, elvitegravir, levothyroxine, diabetes medications, blood thinners, or immunosuppressants needs to check their full medication list with a pharmacist first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your pharmacist before starting—hesperidin and jiaogulan don't have enough safety data.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about AMPK Metabolic Activator, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870220732
Net contents 30 Vegetarian Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2020
DSLD ID 232726
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for AMPK Metabolic Activator by Life Extension, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
737870220732
IngredientAmount% DV
Calcium130 mg10%
Hesperidin500 mg--
Actiponin Gynostemma extract450 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Aqueous Film Coating, Silica, Vegetable Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. Directions: Take one (1) tablet daily, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

This supplement should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise program. Results may vary.

1 Daily

Precautions

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Actiponin is a registered trademark of TG Biotech Co., Ltd.

Formulation

Gluten free

Non GMO LE Certified

Fights belly fat

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO LE Certified

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

AMPK Metabolic Activator by Life Extension label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

AMPK Metabolic Activator label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in AMPK Metabolic Activator by Life Extension

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegetarian Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
130 mg per serving Form: Calcium Carbonate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Hesperidin

Interacts with
702 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Orange extract

Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in citrus fruits that is often combined with diosmin and used for vein and circulation problems like hemorrhoids and v...

Hesperidin monograph & interactions

Actiponin Gynostemma extract

Interacts with
327 drugs
450 mg per serving

Jiaogulan is a climbing vine used in traditional Chinese medicine as an adaptogen and for heart, blood sugar, and cholesterol support. Early human and...

Actiponin Gynostemma extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Aqueous Film Coating, Silica, Vegetable Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

AMPK Metabolic Activator by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against AMPK Metabolic Activator?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
943Drugs
7 Major 934 Moderate 2 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Hesperidin 702
Actiponin Gynostemma extract 327
Calcium 168

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in AMPK Metabolic Activator interact with 943 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in AMPK Metabolic Activator interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Hesperidin Actiponin Gynostemma extract Calcium

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in AMPK Metabolic Activator with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Hesperidin7 drug types · 702 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, hesperidin may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal research suggests that hesperetin, a bioflavonoid aglycone derivative of hesperidin, may have antiplatelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking hesperidin with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Some clinical and animal research shows that hesperidin can decrease blood pressure. However, other clinical research shows that hesperidin does not affect blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Celiprolol (Celicard)

Theoretically, hesperidin may decrease the levels and clinical effects of celiprolol.
Animal research shows that concomitant use of hesperidin may reduce the plasma area under the curve of celiprolol by up to 75%. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use with CNS depressants may cause additive sedative effects.
Animal studies show that hesperidin has sedative effects, due to opioid receptor activity and can increase sedation when used with diazepam. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, hesperidin may increase the levels and clinical effects of diltiazem.
Animal research suggests that hesperidin may enhance the bioavailability of diltiazem, increasing the plasma area under the curve of diltiazem by up to 65.3%. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, hesperidin might inhibit P-glycoprotein-mediated drug efflux and potentially increase levels of drugs that are substrates of P-glycoprotein.
In vitro research shows that hesperidin can inhibit P-glycoprotein efflux. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, hesperidin might increase the levels and clinical effects of verapamil.
Animal research suggests that hesperidin may enhance the bioavailability of verapamil, increasing the plasma area under the curve of verapamil by 96.8%. This effect has not been reported in humans

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hesperidin full monograph & interactions

Actiponin Gynostemma extract3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, jiaogulan might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research suggests that jiaogulan has antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, jiaogulan might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that jiaogulan can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, jiaogulan might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy.
Clinical and animal studies suggest that jiaogulan can stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Actiponin Gynostemma extract full monograph & interactions

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Calcium full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for AMPK Metabolic Activator, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

AMPK Metabolic Activator by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does AMPK Metabolic Activator by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, AMPK Metabolic Activator has a known interaction with 943 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
AMPK Metabolic Activator contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What does the calcium in this product do?
Calcium is a mineral essential for bone strength and is established as effective for preventing and treating osteoporosis, treating low blood calcium, and managing high potassium and indigestion. At recommended doses, it's generally well tolerated.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Calcium at recommended amounts is safe in pregnancy. However, hesperidin isn't recommended—there isn't enough safety data. Jiaogulan should be avoided in pregnancy because safety hasn't been established. Talk to your pharmacist about whether this combination is right for you.
Will this help me lose weight?
Hesperidin in this product shows possibly ineffective evidence for weight loss. The evidence for jiaogulan's other uses—athletic performance, cancer, heart disease, and fatty liver—is also too limited to rate.
What side effects might I notice?
From calcium, the most common are belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset. Jiaogulan may cause diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and insomnia. Serious side effects are rare but include kidney stones from high calcium intake.
Is this safe if I'm breastfeeding?
Calcium is safe at recommended amounts while breastfeeding. However, hesperidin data is limited and jiaogulan should be avoided due to insufficient safety information. Check with your provider about this combination.
Why is this called an AMPK Metabolic Activator?
That claim isn't covered in the product facts we have on file. Our data focuses on the safety and interactions of the three ingredients it contains.

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

Not sure if AMPK Metabolic Activator is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

AMPK Metabolic Activator label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind AMPK Metabolic Activator’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Hesperidin

Interacts with 702 drugs

Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in citrus fruits that is often combined with diosmin and used for vein and circulation problems like hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Some evidence supports th...

Read the full Hesperidin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Jiaogulan

Interacts with 327 drugs

Jiaogulan is a climbing vine used in traditional Chinese medicine as an adaptogen and for heart, blood sugar, and cholesterol support. Early human and animal studies are promising for some u...

Read the full Jiaogulan monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

AMPK Metabolic Activator's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 84 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Calcium 62 references
  1. Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
  2. Hernandez-Avila M, Gonzalez-Cossio T, Hernandez-Avila JE, et al. Dietary calcium supplements to lower blood lead levels in lactating women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Epidemiology 2003;14:206-12.. PubMed
  3. Thys-Jacobs S, Ceccarelli S, Bierman A, et al. Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J Gen Intern Med 1989;4:183-9. PubMed
  4. Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
  5. Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
  6. Saunders D, Sillery J, Chapman R. Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:409-13. PubMed
  7. Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
  8. Koo WK, Walters JC, Esterlitz J, et al. Maternal calcium supplementation and fetal bone mineralization. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:577-82. DOI
  9. Raman L, Rajalakshmi K, Krishnamachari KAVR, et al. Effect of calcium supplementation to undernourished mothers during pregnancy on the bone density of the neonates. Am J Clin Nutr 1978; 31:466-9. DOI
  10. Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
  11. Chan JM, Giovannucci E, Andersson SO, et al. Dairy products, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1998;9:559-66.
  12. Butner LE, Fulco PP, Feldman G, et al. Calcium carbonate-induced hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med 2000:132:595. PubMed
  13. Schneyer CR. Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy. JAMA 1998;279:750. PubMed
  14. Moser LR, Smythe MA, Tisdale JE. The use of calcium salts in the prevention and management of verapamil-induced hypotension. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:622-9. PubMed
  15. Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM. Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine. JAMA 2000;283:2822-5. PubMed
  16. Kahela P, Anttila M, Tikkanen R, Sundquist H. Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1979;44:7-12.. PubMed
  17. Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen A, et al. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003;47:2158-60.. PubMed
  18. Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
  19. Decktor DL, Robinson M, Maton PN, et al. Effects of aluminum/magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate on esophageal and gastric pH in subjects with heartburn. Am J Ther 1995;2:546-52. PubMed
  20. Simoneau G. Absence of rebound effect with calcium carbonate. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1996;21:351-7. PubMed
  21. Peters ML, Leonard M, Licata AA. Role of alendronate and risedronate in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Cleve Clin J Med 2001;68:945-51. PubMed
  22. Bourke JF, Mumford R, Whittaker P, et al. The effects of topical calcipotriol on systemic calcium homeostasis in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:929-34.
  23. Gueguen L, Pointillart A. The bioavailability of dietary calcium. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:119s-136s. PubMed
  24. Vella A, Gerber TC, Hayes DL, Reeder GS. Digoxin, hypercalcaemia, and cardiac conduction. Postgrad Med J 1999;75:554-6. PubMed
  25. Bania TC, Blaufeux B, Hughes S, et al. Calcium and digoxin vs. calcium alone for severe verapamil toxicity. Acad Emerg Med 2000;7:1089-96. PubMed
  26. Tseng M, Breslow RA, Graubard BI, Ziegler RG. Dairy, calcium, and vitamin D intakes and prostate cancer risk in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Epidemiologic Follow-up Study cohort. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81:1147-54. PubMed
  27. Weingarten MA, Zalmanovici A, Yaphe J. Dietary calcium supplementation for preventing colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(1):CD003548. PubMed
  28. Tavani A, Bertuccio P, Bosetti C, et al. Dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus and the risk of prostate cancer. Eur Urol 2005;48:27-33. PubMed
  29. Giovannucci E, Liu Y, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC. A prospective study of calcium intake and incident and fatal prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15:203-10. PubMed
  30. Rocephin (ceftriaxone) and calcium interaction. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2007;23(10):231005.
  31. Bolland MJ, Barber PA, Doughty RN, et al. Vascular events in healthy older women receiving calcium supplementation: randomised control trial. BMJ 2008;336:262-6.
  32. Bolland MJ, Avenell A, Baron JA, et al. Effect of calcium supplements on risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events: meta-analysis. BMJ 2010;341:c3691. PubMed
  33. Calcium supplementation and vascular events. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2008;24(3):240306.
  34. Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine, November 30, 2010. Available at: http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/Vitamin%20D%20and%20Calcium%202010%20Repo
  35. Coburn JW, Mischel MG, Goodman WG, et al. Calcium citrate markedly enhances aluminum absorption from aluminum hydroxide. Am J Kidney Dis. 1991;17(6):708-11. PubMed
  36. Bradley JS, Wassel RT, Lee L, et al. Intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium in the neonate: assessing the risk for cardiopulmonary adverse events. Pediatrics. 2009;123(4):e609-13. PubMed
  37. Kays MB, Overholser BR, Mueller BA, et al. Effects of sevelamer hydrochloride and calcium acetate on the oral bioavailability of ciprofloxacin. Am J Kidney Dis. 2003;42(6):1253-9. PubMed
  38. Neuhofel, A. L., Wilton, J. H., Victory, J. M., Hejmanowsk, L. G., and Amsden, G. W. Lack of bioequivalence of ciprofloxacin when administered with calcium-fortified orange juice: a new twist on an old interaction. J Clin Pharmacol. 2002;42(4):461-466. DOI
  39. Dickinson, H. O., Nicolson, D. J., Cook, J. V., Campbell, F., Beyer, F. R., Ford, G. A., and Mason, J. Calcium supplementation for the management of primary hypertension in adults. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2006;(2):CD004639. PubMed
  40. Jones, B. J. and Twomey, P. J. Requesting patterns for serum calcium concentration in patients on long-term lithium therapy. Int J Clin Pract. 2009;63(1):170-172. PubMed
  41. Levine, M., Nikkanen, H., and Pallin, D. J. The effects of intravenous calcium in patients with digoxin toxicity. J Emerg.Med. 2011;40(1):41-46. PubMed
  42. Castelo-Branco, C., Ciria-Recasens, M., Cancelo-Hidalgo, M. J., Palacios, S., Haya-Palazuelos, J., Carbonell-Abello, J., Blanch-Rubio, J., Martinez-Zapata, M. J., Manasanch, J., and Perez-Edo, L. Efficacy of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex compared with ca
  43. Li K, Kaaks R, Linseisen J, Rohrmann S. Associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with myocardial infarction and stroke risk and overall cardiovascular mortality in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation i
  44. Chung M, Tang AM, Fu Z. Calcium Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2016 Oct 25. PubMed
  45. Nolan CR, Califano JR, Butzin CA. Influence of calcium acetate or calcium citrate on intestinal aluminum absorption. Kidney Int. 1990;38(5):937-41. PubMed
  46. Lewis JR, Radavelli-Bagatini S, Rejnmark L, et al. The effects of calcium supplementation on verified coronary heart disease hospitalization and death in postmenopausal women: a collaborative meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Bone Miner Res PubMed
  47. Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
  48. Lappe J, Watson P, Travers-Gustafson D, Recker R, Garland C, Gorham E, Baggerly K, McDonnell SL. Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation on Cancer Incidence in Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017 Mar 28;317(12):1234-1243. PubMed
  49. Grove ML, Cook D. Calcium and heart attacks. Doesn't apply to most calcium prescriptions. BMJ. 2010;341:c5003. PubMed
  50. Insentress [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; 2014.
  51. Roberts JL, Kiser JJ, Hindman JT, Meditz AL. Virologic failure with a raltegravir-containing antiretroviral regimen and concomitant calcium administration. Pharmacotherapy 2011;31(10):298e-302e. DOI
  52. Vitekta [package insert]. Foster City, CA: Gilead Sciences, Inc.; 2014.
  53. Storan ER, O'Gorman SM, Murphy A, Laing M. Case Report of Calciphylaxis Secondary to Calcium and Vitamin D<sub>3</sub> Supplementation. J Cutan Med Surg. 2017;21(2):162-163. DOI
  54. Jenkins DJA, Spence JD, Giovannucci EL, et al. Supplemental vitamins and minerals for CVD prevention and treatment. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018;71(22):2570-84. PubMed
  55. Borkenhagen JF, Connor EL, Stafstrom CE. Neonatal hypocalcemic seizures due to excessive maternal calcium ingestion. Pediatr Neurol 2013;48(6):469-71. PubMed
  56. WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016 (http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/ anc-positive-pregnancy-experience/en/).
  57. Aune D, Navarro Rosenblatt DA, Chan DS, et al. Dairy products, calcium, and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(1):87-117. PubMed
  58. Lan T, Park Y, Colditz GA, et al. Adolescent dairy product and calcium intake in relation to later prostate cancer risk and mortality in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Cancer Causes Control. 2020;31(10):891-904. PubMed
  59. Zhang Y, Li Y, Liu J, et al. Association of Vitamin D or Calcium Supplementation with Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis. J Nutr Health Aging 2021;25(2):263-270. PubMed
  60. Myung SK, Kim HB, Lee YJ, Choi YJ, Oh SW. Calcium Supplements and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Nutrients 2021;13(2):368. PubMed
  61. Hetaimish B. Neonatal Calcinosis Cutis After Treatment of Hypocalcemia with Calcium Gluconate: A Report of 2 Cases. Am J Case Rep 2024;25:e943397. PubMed
  62. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Biktarvy Prescribing Information. October 2024. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/210251Orig1s020lbl.pdf. Accessed July 16, 2025.

See these in context on the Calcium monograph →

Hesperidin 14 references
  1. Fernandez, S. P., Wasowski, C., Paladini, A. C., and Marder, M. Synergistic interaction between hesperidin, a natural flavonoid, and diazepam. Eur.J.Pharmacol. 4-11-2005;512(2-3):189-198. PubMed
  2. Jin, Y. R., Han, X. H., Zhang, Y. H., Lee, J. J., Lim, Y., Chung, J. H., and Yun, Y. P. Antiplatelet activity of hesperetin, a bioflavonoid, is mainly mediated by inhibition of PLC-gamma2 phosphorylation and cyclooxygenase-1 activity. Atherosclerosis 200
  3. Loscalzo, L. M., Wasowski, C., Paladini, A. C., and Marder, M. Opioid receptors are involved in the sedative and antinociceptive effects of hesperidin as well as in its potentiation with benzodiazepines. Eur.J.Pharmacol. 2-12-2008;580(3):306-313. PubMed
  4. Yamamoto, M., Suzuki, A., Jokura, H., Yamamoto, N., and Hase, T. Glucosyl hesperidin prevents endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Nutrition 2008;24(5):470-476. PubMed
  5. El-Readi, M. Z., Hamdan, D., Farrag, N., El-Shazly, A., and Wink, M. Inhibition of P-glycoprotein activity by limonin and other secondary metabolites from Citrus species in human colon and leukaemia cell lines. Eur.J.Pharmacol. 1-25-2010;626(2-3):139-145 PubMed
  6. Buckshee, K., Takkar, D., and Aggarwal, N. Micronized flavonoid therapy in internal hemorrhoids of pregnancy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1997;57(2):145-151. PubMed
  7. Uesawa, Y. and Mohri, K. Hesperidin in orange juice reduces the absorption of celiprolol in rats. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2008;29(3):185-188. PubMed
  8. Cho, YA, Choi, DH, and Choi, JS. Effect of hesperidin on the oral pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its main metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2009;61(6):825-829. PubMed
  9. Piao, YJ and Choi, JS. Enhanced bioavailability of verapamil after oral administration with hesperidin in rats. Arch Pharm Res. 2008;31(4):518-522. PubMed
  10. Andersen KE. Hesperidin methyl chalcone?-?a new cosmetic contact allergen. Contact Dermatitis. 2015;72(6):402-4. PubMed
  11. Morand C, Dubray C, Milenkovic D, et al. Hesperidin contributes to the vascular protective effects of orange juice: a randomized crossover study in healthy volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;93(1):73-80. PubMed
  12. Homayouni F, Haidari F, Hedayati M, Zakerkish M, Ahmadi K. Blood pressure lowering and anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin in type 2 diabetes; a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2018;32(6):1073-1079. PubMed
  13. Mohammadi M, Ramezani-Jolfaie N, Lorzadeh E, Khoshbakht Y, Salehi-Abargouei A. Hesperidin, a major flavonoid in orange juice, might not affect lipid profile and blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials PubMed
  14. Valls RM, Pedret A, Calderón-Pérez L, et al. Effects of hesperidin in orange juice on blood and pulse pressures in mildly hypertensive individuals: a randomized controlled trial (Citrus study). Eur J Nutr. 2021;60(3):1277-1288. PubMed

See these in context on the Hesperidin monograph →

Jiaogulan 8 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Tan H, Liu ZL, Liu MJ. [Antithrombotic effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum]. Zhingguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1993;13:278-80.
  3. Chan LY, Chiu PY, Lau TK. An in-vitro study of ginsenoside Rb(1)-induced teratogenicity using a whole rat embryo culture model. Hum Reprod 2003;18:2166-8..
  4. Huyen VT, Phan DV, Thang P, Hoa NK, Ostenson CG. Gynostemma pentaphyllum Tea Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetic Patients. J Nutr Metab. 2013;2013:765383. doi: 10.1155/2013/765383.
  5. Li Y, Lin W, Huang J, Xie Y, Ma W. Anti-cancer effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Jiaogulan). Chin Med. 2016 Sep 27;11:43. Review. PubMed
  6. Huyen VT, Phan DV, Thang P, Ky PT, Hoa NK, Ostenson CG. Antidiabetic effect of add-on Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract therapy with sulfonylureas in type 2 diabetic patients. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012; 452313.
  7. Huyen VT, Phan DV, Thang P, Hoa NK, Ostenson CG. Antidiabetic effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea in randomly assigned type 2 diabetic patients. Horm Metab Res. 2010;42(5):353-7.
  8. Rao A, Clayton P, Briskey D. The effect of an orally-dosed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (ActivAMP®) on body composition in overweight, adult men and women: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. J Hum Nutr Diet 2021.

See these in context on the Jiaogulan monograph →

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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team