Berberine X5 Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Berberine X5 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 X5 is a dietary supplement by InnovaPharm Essentials 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 GlucoVantage. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Berberine X5 by InnovaPharm Essentials
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Berberine X5 by InnovaPharm Essentials — 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 X5 by InnovaPharm Essentials
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
Berberine X5 contains one active ingredient: berberine (in a form called GlucoVantage). Berberine is an alkaloid compound extracted from plants like barberry and goldenseal, traditionally used in herbal medicine.
The capsule also contains rice powder, a vegetable capsule shell, and magnesium stearate, which are inactive ingredients used for manufacturing.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Berberine has possibly effective evidence for several conditions. Research suggests it may help lower cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia), improve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), help manage blood sugar in diabetes, lower blood pressure (hypertension), and may help clear Helicobacter pylori bacterial infections.
The evidence for each of these uses is considered possibly effective — meaning there's some clinical support, but more research would strengthen the confidence.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Taken by mouth, berberine is generally well tolerated short-term, but digestive side effects are common: abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and vomiting. Some people also report dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and headaches.
Berberine crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk, so the safety data advises against using it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking Berberine X5, double-check any of these with your pharmacist: cyclosporine (immunosuppressant) — the most serious concern — plus any blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or CYP2C9 enzyme systems. If you take sedating medications, ask about berberine's potential to increase drowsiness.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Berberine X5 might interest you if you're dealing with high cholesterol, blood sugar issues, or PCOS — but you'll need to check your medications first because berberine interacts with a very large number of drugs. Don't start this without running your prescriptions through the interaction checker and talking with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you take immunosuppressants, blood thinners, blood pressure medications, or diabetes drugs.
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 25, 2023.
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 X5, straight from the product label.
| Brand | InnovaPharm Essentials |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 636946251604 |
| Net contents | 90 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Sep 25, 2023 |
| DSLD ID | 299145 |
| 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), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
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 X5 by InnovaPharm Essentials, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| GlucoVantage | 100 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Rice, Powder, Vegetable Capsule, Magnesium Stearate
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.
Brand IP Statement(s)
InnovaPharm Essentials Your health is essential
GlucoVantage is a registered trademark of NNB Nutrition
Formulation
Vegan + Non-GMO + Gluten free
Vegan + Non-GMO + Gluten free
Allergen Information: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, fish, shellfish, egg, milk or tree nut ingredients.
Promotes insulin sensitivity Healthy blood sugar support
Precautions
Warning: This product is only to be consumed by healthy adults, 18 years of age or older.
If you are pregnant, breast feeding, have known medical conditions (including but not limited to: kidney, liver or heart disease) or are taking prescription or OTC medication(s), consult with your health care practitioner before using this product.
Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.
Keep out of reach of children.
Allergen Information: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, fish, shellfish, egg, milk or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
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
Manufactured in a U.S. GMP Facility
Formula
Dihydroberberine Includes: GlucoVantage
Advanced berberine metabolite
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
1 capsule before carbs Suggested use: Take 1 capsule, 15-30 minutes before carbohydrate containing meals. Use up to 3 capsules daily.
General Statements
Instagram Facebook Follow us: @InnovaPharm
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Berberine X5 by InnovaPharm Essentials 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 X5 by InnovaPharm Essentials
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 container90 Amounts shown are per serving.
GlucoVantage
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...
GlucoVantage monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Rice, Powder, Vegetable Capsule, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Berberine X5 by InnovaPharm Essentials Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Berberine X5 by InnovaPharm Essentials contains berberine, which interacts with a significant number of medications.
The most serious concern is cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), an immunosuppressant drug — berberine can slow how your body breaks down cyclosporine, raising its blood levels to potentially unsafe levels.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Berberine also affects drugs that work through your liver's metabolism pathways. It can increase blood levels of medications broken down by the CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9 enzyme systems, which metabolize many common drugs — potentially making them stronger and raising the risk of side effects.
Additionally, berberine may add to the effects of blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) and blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelets), increasing the risk of low blood pressure or bleeding. It may also lower blood sugar more than expected when combined with diabetes medications.
Berberine can theoretically increase drowsiness if you're already taking sedating drugs (CNS depressants). Altogether, these interactions span 1,148 individual medications.
Because the number of affected drugs is large, use the medication checker on this page to run through your exact prescriptions before starting.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Berberine X5?
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 X5 interact with 1,160 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Berberine X5 interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. GlucoVantage
Aspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
How Aspirin, Butalbital interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Butalbital interactionAspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/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 Glucovantage + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/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 Glucovantage + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, CaffeineAnacin
How Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateAnacin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine BitartrateSynalgos DC
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dover's PwdAcedoval, Dovacet
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interactionAspirin, Caffeine, HydrocodoneDamason-P
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, PhenacetinLanorinal
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/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 Glucovantage + Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, Caffeine, OrphenadrineInvagesic, Invagesic Forte, Norgesic, Norgesic Forte, Orphengesic, Orphengesic Forte
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, PropoxypheneMargesic Comp. 65
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interactionAspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium OxideBufferin
How Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide interactionAspirin, CarisoprodolSoma Compound
How Aspirin, Carisoprodol interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Carisoprodol interactionAspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine PhosphateSoma Compound w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlka-Seltzer Plus Cold
How Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/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 Glucovantage + Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium BicarbonateAlka-Seltzer Pain Reliever and Antacid
How Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate interactionAspirin, Codeine PhosphateAspirin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Codeine Phosphate, MethocarbamolRobaxisal C
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Methocarbamol interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCns Depressants, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Methocarbamol interactionAspirin, Codeine Phosphate, PhenobarbitalPhenaphen
How Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Phenobarbital interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Phenobarbital interactionAspirin, Diphenhydramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent
How Aspirin, Diphenhydramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCns Depressants, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Diphenhydramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAspirin, DipyridamoleAggrenox, Asasantin Retard
How Aspirin, Dipyridamole interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Dipyridamole interactionAspirin, Ethoheptazine, MeprobamateEquagesic
How Aspirin, Ethoheptazine, Meprobamate interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Ethoheptazine, Meprobamate interactionAspirin, HydrocodoneAlor 5 500, Lortab ASA
How Aspirin, Hydrocodone interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, MeprobamateMicrainin
How Aspirin, Meprobamate interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Meprobamate interactionAspirin, MethocarbamolRobaxisal
How Aspirin, Methocarbamol interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Methocarbamol interactionAspirin, OmeprazoleYosprala
How Aspirin, Omeprazole interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Omeprazole interactionAspirin, OxycodonePercodan
How Aspirin, Oxycodone interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cns Depressants +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Oxycodone interactionAspirin, PentazocineTalwin Compound
How Aspirin, Pentazocine interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCns Depressants, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Glucovantage + Aspirin, Pentazocine interactionAtazanavirReyataz
How Atazanavir interacts with Berberine X5 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
GlucovantageCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, berberine might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Glucovantage + Atazanavir interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Berberine X5 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.
GlucoVantage
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 X5, from the product label.
InnovaPharm Essentials
See all InnovaPharm Essentials products- Name
- InnovaPharm
- Street Address
- 53 E Merrick Rd. #215
- City
- Freeport
- State
- NY
- ZipCode
- 11520
- Web Address
- InnovaPharm.com
Berberine X5 by InnovaPharm Essentials: Common Questions
Does Berberine X5 by InnovaPharm Essentials interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
What side effects might I experience?
Does berberine actually lower blood sugar?
Will this help my cholesterol?
How many active ingredients are in this?
Can berberine make my blood pressure drop too low?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Berberine X5 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 X5’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Berberine X5'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