Berberine Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Berberine 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
Berberine is a dietary supplement by HMS Nutrition with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar control, high cholesterol, heart and metabolic health.Based on those ingredients, 1,160 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Berberine HCl. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Berberine by HMS Nutrition
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Berberine by HMS Nutrition — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Berberine by HMS Nutrition
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: berberine HCl, a compound extracted from plants like goldenseal and barberry. The capsule itself is made from methylcellulose, an inactive ingredient that holds the berberine inside.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
In the data we hold, berberine has a rating of possibly effective for several conditions: high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Helicobacter pylori infection, high blood pressure (hypertension), and type 2 diabetes. That means some clinical research supports its use for these purposes, but more evidence is still needed to be certain.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Taken by mouth, berberine is generally well tolerated, though digestive side effects are common—abdominal pain and bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and vomiting show up in trials. Some people also report dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or headache.
Berberine is not safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It can cross the placenta and pass into breast milk, and it's been linked to harm in newborns.
If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, don't use this product.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Check with your pharmacist before starting berberine if you take cyclosporine (an immunosuppressant), blood pressure medications, blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), diabetes medications, sedating drugs, or any medications broken down by your liver—especially those metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or CYP2C9 enzymes. Use the search tool on this page to verify your exact drugs.
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.
Berberine may help with blood sugar control, cholesterol, blood pressure, or PCOS, but it interacts with a lot of medications—especially cyclosporine, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and blood pressure medications. If you take any prescriptions, check them against this product first.
It's not for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 24, 2021.
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
General information
Key facts about Berberine, straight from the product label.
| Brand | HMS Nutrition |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 850018688031 |
| Net contents | 120 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Sep 24, 2021 |
| DSLD ID | 255550 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 Berberine by HMS Nutrition, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Berberine HCl | 550 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Methylcellulose Capsule
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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
Suggested Use: Take one (1) capsule daily with food. or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Precautions
Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.
Pregnant and nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a know medical condition or who are taking prescription medication should consult a physician before taking this or any dietary supplement.
Pregnant and nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a know medical condition or who are taking prescription medication should consult a physician before taking this or any dietary supplement.
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.
Seals/Symbols
Made in the USA with Global Ingredients Manufactured at an FDA registered facility GMP Good Manufacturing Practice consistent quality
Formulation
Cardiovascular system support Immune support Supports intestinal health
Vegan friendly
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
General Statements
Premium Ingredients premium formula Please recycle
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Berberine by HMS Nutrition label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in Berberine by HMS Nutrition
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.
Berberine HCl
Interacts with1,160 drugs
Berberine is a yellow plant compound that has shown promise for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol in some studies, but the quality of research vari...
Berberine HCl monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Methylcellulose Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Berberine by HMS Nutrition Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Berberine by HMS Nutrition interacts with a significant number of medications, so checking your specific prescriptions is important before you start.
The most serious concern is cyclosporine (an immunosuppressant drug used after transplants), where berberine can raise drug levels in your blood to potentially unsafe amounts by slowing how your liver breaks it down.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Berberine also affects several other drug-metabolizing pathways. It can increase levels of drugs broken down by three major liver enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9 substrates), raising the risk of side effects from those medications.
Additionally, it may add to the effects of blood pressure medications, blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs), diabetes medications, and sedating drugs (CNS depressants)—meaning your blood pressure could drop too far, bleeding risk could increase, your blood sugar could dip too low, or you could feel extra drowsy.
Berberine is the only active ingredient here. Altogether, these interactions span 1,148 individual medications.
Use the medication checker on this page to look up everything you're currently taking.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Berberine?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Berberine interact with 1,160 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Berberine interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Berberine HCl
CyclosporineCequa, Ciclosporine, Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, Verkazia +1 more
How Cyclosporine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cyclosporine (neoral, Sandimmune) Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Cyclosporine interactionAdo-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
How Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Abciximab interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acalabrutinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acenocoumarol interactionAcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclDextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others), Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Dextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others) +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Berberine — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Berberine HclDextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others), Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Read the full Berberine Hcl + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Berberine with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Berberine HCl
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Berberine can increase serum levels of cyclosporine.
Berberine can reduce metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. Berberine might inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine.
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, berberine may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, berberine might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.
Cns Depressants
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, use of berberine along with CNS depressants might produce additive therapeutic and adverse effects.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, use of berberine with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)
Theoretically, berberine may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan. This may increase the effects and side effects of dextromethorphan.
Losartan (Cozaar)
Berberine might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan.
Metformin (Glucophage)
Theoretically, berberine might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin.
Midazolam (Versed)
Berberine can reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam.
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Berberine might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.
Evidence from animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, combining berberine and pentobarbital might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Berberine has been associated with increased blood levels of tacrolimus.
In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL.
Acetazolamide
Laboratory studies and initial clinical findings suggest that berberine has the potential to increase acetazolamide concentrations in the body. More research is needed to confirm this interaction.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Berberine, from the product label.
HMS Nutrition
See all HMS Nutrition products- Name
- HMS Nutrition LLC
- Street Address
- 501 Silverside RD., Suite 341
- City
- Wilmington
- State
- DE
- ZipCode
- 19809
- Web Address
- hmsnutrition.com
Berberine by HMS Nutrition: Common Questions
Does Berberine by HMS Nutrition interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take berberine if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What side effects does berberine commonly cause?
Does berberine actually work for blood sugar and cholesterol?
Why does berberine interact with so many medications?
Is it safe to take berberine with blood pressure medication?
Can I take berberine with blood thinners?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Berberine is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Berberine’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Berberine'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 41 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.
Berberine 41 references
- Chan E. Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. Biol Neonate 1993;63:201-8. PubMed
- Janbaz KH, Gilani AH. Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Fitoterapia 2000;71:25-33.. PubMed
- Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72. PubMed
- Zhang Y, Li X, Zou D, et al. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:2559-65. PubMed
- Huang XS, Yang GF, Pan YC. Effect of berberin hydrochloride on blood concentration of cyclosporine A in cardiac transplanted patients. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2008;28:702-4.
- Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
- Chatterjee P, Franklin MR. Human cytochrome p450 inhibition and metabolic-intermediate complex formation by goldenseal extract and its methylenedioxyphenyl components. Drug Metab Dispos 2003;31:1391-7. PubMed
- Marin-Neto, J. A., Maciel, B. C., Secches, A. L., and Gallo, Junior L. Cardiovascular effects of berberine in patients with severe congestive heart failure. Clin.Cardiol. 1988;11(4):253-260. PubMed
- Choudhry, V. P., Sabir, M., and Bhide, V. N. Berberine in giardiasis. Indian Pediatr. 1972;9(3):143-146.
- Shanbhag, S. M., Kulkarni, H. J., and Gaitonde, B. B. Pharmacological actions of berberine on the central nervous system. Jpn.J Pharmacol 1970;20(4):482-487. PubMed
- Wu, J. F. and Liu, T. P. [Effects of berberine on platelet aggregation and plasma levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rats with reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1995;30(2):98-102.
- Peng, W. H., Hsieh, M. T., and Wu, C. R. Effect of long-term administration of berberine on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1997;74(3):261-266. DOI
- Sharda DC. Berberine in the treatment of diarrhoea of infancy and childhood. J Indian M A 1970;54(1):22-24.
- Sabir M and Bhide NK. Study of some pharmacological actions of berberine. Ind J Physiol & Pharmac 1971;15(3):111-132.
- Tripathi YB and Shukla SD. Berberis artistata inhibits PAF induced aggregation of rabbit platelets. Phytotherapy Research 1996;10:628-630.
- Seery TM and Bieter RN. A contribution to the pharmacology of berberine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1940;69:64-67. DOI
- Xin, H. W., Wu, X. C., Li, Q., Yu, A. R., Zhong, M. Y., and Liu, Y. Y. The effects of berberine on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporin A in healthy volunteers. Methods Find.Exp.Clin Pharmacol 2006;28(1):25-29.
- Zhang, Y., Li, X., Zou, D., Liu, W., Yang, J., Zhu, N., Huo, L., Wang, M., Hong, J., Wu, P., Ren, G., and Ning, G. Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol.Metab 2008;93(7):2559-2565. PubMed
- Yin, J., Xing, H., and Ye, J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 2008;57(5):712-717. PubMed
- Zhang, H., Wei, J., Xue, R., Wu, J. D., Zhao, W., Wang, Z. Z., Wang, S. K., Zhou, Z. X., Song, D. Q., Wang, Y. M., Pan, H. N., Kong, W. J., and Jiang, J. D. Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients through increasing insulin re
- Guo, Y., Chen, Y., Tan, Z. R., Klaassen, C. D., and Zhou, H. H. Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012;68(2):213-217. PubMed
- Wei, W., Zhao, H., Wang, A., Sui, M., Liang, K., Deng, H., Ma, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, H., and Guan, Y. A clinical study on the short-term effect of berberine in comparison to metformin on the metabolic characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndro
- Marazzi, G., Cacciotti, L., Pelliccia, F., Iaia, L., Volterrani, M., Caminiti, G., Sposato, B., Massaro, R., Grieco, F., and Rosano, G. Long-term effects of nutraceuticals (berberine, red yeast rice, policosanol) in elderly hypercholesterolemic patients. PubMed
- Meng, S., Wang, L. S., Huang, Z. Q., Zhou, Q., Sun, Y. G., Cao, J. T., Li, Y. G., and Wang, C. Q. Berberine ameliorates inflammation in patients with acute coronary syndrome following percutaneous coronary intervention. Clin Exp.Pharmacol Physiol 2012;39 PubMed
- Hermann, R. and von, Richter O. Clinical evidence of herbal drugs as perpetrators of pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Planta Med 2012;78(13):1458-1477. PubMed
- Chun YT, Yip TT, Lau KL, and et al. A biochemical study on the hypotensive effect of berberine in rats. Gen Pharmac 1979;10:177-182. PubMed
- Saksena HC, Tomar VN, and Soangra MR. Efficacy of a new salt of Berberine Uni-Berberine in oriental sore. Current Medical Practice 1970;14:247-252.
- Abascal K, Yarnell E. Recent clinical advances with berberine. Altern Complement Ther 2010;16(5):281-7. DOI
- Dong H, Zhao Y, Zhao L, Lu F. The effects of berberine on blood lipids: a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Planta Med 2013;79(6):437-46. PubMed
- Hou Q, Han W, Fu X. Pharmacokinetic interaction between tacrolimus and berberine in a child with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2013;69(10):1861-2. PubMed
- Lan J, Zhao Y, Dong F, et al. Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;161:69-81. PubMed
- Li G, Zhao M, Qiu F, Sun Y, Zhao L. Pharmacokinetic interactions and tolerability of berberine chloride with simvastatin and fenofibrate: an open-label, randomized, parallel study in healthy Chinese subjects. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;13:129-139. PubMed
- Ju J, Li J, Lin Q, Xu H. Efficacy and safety of berberine for dyslipidaemias: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine. 2018;50:25-34. PubMed
- Xu L, Zhang Y, Xue X, et al. A phase I trial of berberine in Chinese with ulcerative colitis. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2020;13(1):117-26. PubMed
- Lyu Y, Zhang Y, Yang M, et al. Pharmacokinetic interactions between metformin and berberine in rats: Role of oral administration sequences and microbiota. Life Sci. 2019;235:116818. PubMed
- Chen YX, Gao QY, Zou TH, et al. Berberine versus placebo for the prevention of recurrence of colorectal adenoma: a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;5(3):267-75. PubMed
- Zhang J, Wang Y, Jiang H, et al. Preventive effect of berberine on postoperative atrial fibrillation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2022;15(10):e011160. PubMed
- Blais JE, Huang X, Zhao JV. Overall and Sex-Specific Effect of Berberine for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials. Drugs 2023;83(5):403-427. PubMed
- Panigrahi A, Mohanty S. Efficacy and safety of HIMABERB® Berberine on glycemic control in patients with prediabetes: double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized pilot trial. BMC Endocr Disord 2023;23(1):190. PubMed
- Nie Q, Li M, Huang C, et al. The clinical efficacy and safety of berberine in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Transl Med 2024;22(1):225. PubMed
- Koperska A, Moszak M, Seraszek-Jaros A, Bogdanski P, Szulinska M. Does berberine impact anthropometric, hepatic, and metabolic parameters in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease? Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled tr
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