Beta-Glucan 250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Source Naturals
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Beta-Glucan 250 mg 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
Beta-Glucan 250 mg is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals with 2 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, 385 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Beta-1,3/1,6 D-Glucan, Calcium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Beta-Glucan 250 mg by Source Naturals
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AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Beta-Glucan 250 mg by Source Naturals
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 2 active ingredients: calcium and beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan (a type of soluble fiber from yeast and fungi). Calcium is a mineral your body needs for bone strength, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
Beta-glucan is a fiber that may help support heart health and cholesterol levels. The tablet also includes inactive ingredients — dibasic calcium phosphate, stearic acid, silica, and modified cellulose gum — which help form and hold the tablet together.
Does it work?
Not established
Calcium in this product is effective for several conditions: it strengthens bones in osteoporosis (likely effective), corrects low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), helps manage high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), eases indigestion (dyspepsia), and supports kidney function in certain kidney diseases. Beta-glucan is likely effective for improving cholesterol and supporting heart health, including reducing risk in coronary heart disease.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though high amounts can cause problems. Common side effects from oral calcium include belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset.
Rarely, very high doses have been linked to kidney stones and a skin condition called calciphylaxis. Some research suggests calcium intake above 1500–2000 mg daily might be linked to prostate cancer and heart disease risk, though these findings are debated.
Beta-glucan from food is well tolerated; supplements at concentrated doses have little safety data, so use caution. In pregnancy, adequate calcium is important — stay within recommended amounts unless your doctor says otherwise.
During breastfeeding, you can meet calcium needs with recommended amounts; there is little research on beta-glucan supplement doses during breastfeeding, so check with your provider.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take dolutegravir (Tivicay), elvitegravir (Vitekta), ceftriaxone (Rocephin), raltegravir (Isentress), levothyroxine (Synthroid), sotalol (Betapace), calcipotriene (Dovonex), diltiazem (Cardizem), blood pressure medications, or immunosuppressant drugs. Timing your doses and your supplements carefully will likely be necessary.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product may be worth considering if you need calcium for bone health or digestion and you're also interested in beta-glucan for heart and cholesterol support. However, if you take HIV medications (integrase inhibitors), thyroid hormones, blood pressure drugs, immunosuppressants, or the antibiotics or heart drugs mentioned above, you'll need to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about timing and whether this product fits your regimen.
Check your exact medications with your healthcare provider or using the search tool on this page before you start.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 26, 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
General information
Key facts about Beta-Glucan 250 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Source Naturals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 021078015741 |
| Net contents | 30 Tablet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Feb 26, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 214266 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Beta-Glucan 250 mg by Source Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 110 mg | 11% |
| Beta-1,3/1,6 D-Glucan | 250 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Silica, modified Cellulose Gum
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.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formula
Purified Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucan Beta-glucan is a complex polysaccharide composed of glucose molecules extracted and purified from the cell wall of common baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Beta-glucan is used to maintain or stimulate the effectiveness of the immune system. Animal and human cell culture studies have shown that beta-glucan can stimulate several aspects of immune function, such as phagocytosis and interleukin production.
Formulation
Source Naturals Beta-Glucan uses a purification process that removes the mannoproteins and yeast residues that may reduce the effectiveness of beta-glucan.
Suitable for vegetarians.
Contains no dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use: 1 tablet daily before a meal.
Precautions
Caution: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, or if you are taking immunosuppressant drugs, consult your health care professional before using this product.
Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
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.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Beta-Glucan 250 mg by Source Naturals 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 Beta-Glucan 250 mg by Source Naturals
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 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 with168 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 f...
Calcium monograph & interactionsBeta-1,3/1,6 D-Glucan
Interacts with293 drugs
Beta-glucans are natural fibers found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. The strongest evidence supports the oat and barley types for modestly low...
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-Glucan monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Silica, Modified Cellulose Gum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Beta-Glucan 250 mg by Source Naturals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Source Naturals Beta-Glucan 250 mg contains calcium, which interacts with a number of medications.
The most serious concern is with integrase inhibitors — dolutegravir (Tivicay) and elvitegravir (Vitekta) — where calcium can cut blood levels by a significant amount. You'll need to take these HIV drugs either 2 hours before or 2 to 6 hours after your calcium dose, depending on which one you take.
Calcium also poses a Major risk with the antibiotic ceftriaxone (Rocephin) if given intravenously; the two can form a dangerous precipitate in the lungs and kidneys, so avoid IV calcium within 48 hours of IV ceftriaxone.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Calcium carries Moderate interactions with several other medications. It can reduce blood levels of raltegravir (Isentress, another HIV drug), lower the absorption of the thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid), and decrease how well the heart rhythm drug sotalol (Betapace) works — all requiring dose separation of at least 2 to 4 hours.
Taking calcipotriene (Dovonex, a vitamin D cream for psoriasis) alongside calcium supplements may raise the risk of too much calcium in your blood. Theoretically, calcium might also reduce the effectiveness of the calcium-channel blocker diltiazem (Cardizem).
The beta-glucan ingredient has Moderate interactions with blood pressure drugs (antihypertensives) — because it may lower blood pressure itself — and with immunosuppressants, which it may interfere with.
Additionally, you can use the medication search tool on this page to check your exact prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs before starting this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Beta-Glucan 250 mg?
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 Beta-Glucan 250 mg interact with 385 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 2 ingredients in Beta-Glucan 250 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Beta-1,3/1,6 D-Glucan Calcium
CeftriaxoneRocephin
How Ceftriaxone interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumCeftriaxone (rocephin) Major
Interaction Summary
Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Read the full Calcium + Ceftriaxone interactionCobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide FumarateGenvoya
How Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumElvitegravir (vitekta), Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interactionDolutegravirTivicay
How Dolutegravir interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumDolutegravir (tivicay) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Dolutegravir interactionDolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir AlafenamideDolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide
How Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumDolutegravir (tivicay), Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionDolutegravir, RilpivirineJuluca
How Dolutegravir, Rilpivirine interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumDolutegravir (tivicay) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Dolutegravir, Rilpivirine interactionElvitegravirVitekta
How Elvitegravir interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumElvitegravir (vitekta) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Elvitegravir interactionElvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil FumarateStribild
How Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumElvitegravir (vitekta), Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate interaction6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Abrocitinib interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Acebutolol interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Acetazolamide interactionAdalimumabHumira
How Adalimumab interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Adalimumab interactionAdalimumab-adazHyrimoz
How Adalimumab-adaz interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Adalimumab-adaz interactionAdalimumab-adbmCyltezo
How Adalimumab-adbm interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Adalimumab-adbm interactionAdalimumab-afzbAbrilada
How Adalimumab-afzb interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Adalimumab-afzb interactionAdalimumab-attoAmjevita
How Adalimumab-atto interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Adalimumab-atto interactionAdalimumab-bwwdHadlima
How Adalimumab-bwwd interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Adalimumab-bwwd interactionAdalimumab-fkjpHulio
How Adalimumab-fkjp interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Adalimumab-fkjp interactionAlefaceptAmevive
How Alefacept interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Alefacept interactionAlemtuzumabCampath
How Alemtuzumab interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Alemtuzumab interactionAlendronateBinosto, Fosamax
How Alendronate interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Calcium + Alendronate interactionAlendronate Sodium
How Alendronate Sodium interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Calcium + Alendronate Sodium interactionAlendronate Sodium, CholecalciferolFosamax Plus D
How Alendronate Sodium, Cholecalciferol interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Calcium + Alendronate Sodium, Cholecalciferol interactionAlginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton
How Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAliskirenTekturna
How Aliskiren interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucanAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Beta-1,3/1,6 D-glucan + Aliskiren interactionAluminum Acetate, Benzethonium ChlorideBuro-Sol Otic Solution
How Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interactionAluminum ChlorideAluminum Chloride, Anhydrol Forte, Driclor, Drysol
How Aluminum Chloride interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Chloride interactionAluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon
How Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Beta-Glucan 250 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Beta-Glucan 250 mg 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.
Beta-1,3/1,6 D-Glucan
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, taking beta-glucans with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical research shows that taking beta-glucans may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in some hypertensive individuals.
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, beta-glucans might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Some clinical research shows that beta-glucans have immunostimulant effects.
Calcium
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Beta-Glucan 250 mg, from the product label.
Source Naturals
- Name
- Source Naturals, Inc.
- Street Address
- P. O. Box 2118
- City
- Santa Cruz
- State
- CA
- ZipCode
- 95062
- Web Address
- www.sourcenaturals.com
Beta-Glucan 250 mg by Source Naturals: Common Questions
Does Beta-Glucan 250 mg by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What are the most common side effects of calcium?
Will this help my cholesterol?
Is beta-glucan safe?
Why do I need to separate this from my thyroid medication?
Can I take this with my blood pressure medication?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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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 Beta-Glucan 250 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Calcium
Interacts with 168 drugsCalcium 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 monographBeta-glucans
Interacts with 293 drugsBeta-glucans are natural fibers found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. The strongest evidence supports the oat and barley types for modestly lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, while...
Read the full Beta-glucans monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Beta-Glucan 250 mg'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 73 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
- Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
- 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
- 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
- Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
- Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
- 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
- Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
- Koo WK, Walters JC, Esterlitz J, et al. Maternal calcium supplementation and fetal bone mineralization. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:577-82. DOI
- 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
- Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
- 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.
- Butner LE, Fulco PP, Feldman G, et al. Calcium carbonate-induced hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med 2000:132:595. PubMed
- Schneyer CR. Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy. JAMA 1998;279:750. PubMed
- 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
- Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM. Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine. JAMA 2000;283:2822-5. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
- 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
- Simoneau G. Absence of rebound effect with calcium carbonate. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1996;21:351-7. PubMed
- 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
- 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.
- Gueguen L, Pointillart A. The bioavailability of dietary calcium. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:119s-136s. PubMed
- Vella A, Gerber TC, Hayes DL, Reeder GS. Digoxin, hypercalcaemia, and cardiac conduction. Postgrad Med J 1999;75:554-6. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- Weingarten MA, Zalmanovici A, Yaphe J. Dietary calcium supplementation for preventing colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(1):CD003548. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- Rocephin (ceftriaxone) and calcium interaction. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2007;23(10):231005.
- 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.
- 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
- Calcium supplementation and vascular events. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2008;24(3):240306.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Grove ML, Cook D. Calcium and heart attacks. Doesn't apply to most calcium prescriptions. BMJ. 2010;341:c5003. PubMed
- Insentress [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; 2014.
- 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
- Vitekta [package insert]. Foster City, CA: Gilead Sciences, Inc.; 2014.
- 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
- 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
- Borkenhagen JF, Connor EL, Stafstrom CE. Neonatal hypocalcemic seizures due to excessive maternal calcium ingestion. Pediatr Neurol 2013;48(6):469-71. PubMed
- 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/).
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Beta-glucans 11 references
- Katz, D. L., Nawaz, H., Boukhalil, J., Giannamore, V., Chan, W., Ahmadi, R., and Sarrel, P. M. Acute effects of oats and vitamin E on endothelial responses to ingested fat. Am.J.Prev.Med. 2001;20(2):124-129. PubMed
- Keenan, J. M., Pins, J. J., Frazel, C., Moran, A., and Turnquist, L. Oat ingestion reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild or borderline hypertension: a pilot trial. J.Fam.Pract. 2002;51(4):369.
- Maki, K. C., Galant, R., Samuel, P., Tesser, J., Witchger, M. S., Ribaya-Mercado, J. D., Blumberg, J. B., and Geohas, J. Effects of consuming foods containing oat beta-glucan on blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism and biomarkers of oxidative stress i
- Bergendiova, K., Tibenska, E., and Majtan, J. Pleuran (beta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes. Eur.J.Appl.Physiol 2011;111(9):2033-2040.
- Talbott S, Talbott J. Effect of beta 1,3/1,6 glucan on respiratory tract infection symptoms and mood state in marathon athletes. J Sports Sci Med 2009;8(4):509-515.
- Feldman S, Schwartz HI Kalman DS Mayers A Kohrman HM Clemens R Krieger DR. Randomized phase II clinical trials of Wellmune WGP® for immune support during cold and flu season. The Journal of Applied Research 2009;9(1-2):30-42.
- McFarlin BK, Carpenter KC, Davidson T, McFarlin MA. Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases salivary IgA and decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise. J Diet Suppl. 2013;10(3):171-83. PubMed
- Jesenak M, Urbancek S, Majtan J, Banovcin P, Hercogova J. ß-Glucan-based cream (containing pleuran isolated from pleurotus ostreatus) in supportive treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat 2016;27(4):351-4.
- Mah E, Kaden VN, Kelley KM, Liska DJ. Beverage containing dispersible yeast ß-glucan decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise: a randomized controlled trial. J Diet Suppl 2020;17(2):200-10. PubMed
- Zhong K, Liu Z, Lu Y, Xu X. Effects of yeast ß-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr. 2021. PubMed
- Cardenas FI, Mauguen A, Cheung IY, et al. Phase I trial of oral yeast-derived ß-glucan to enhance anti-GD2 immunotherapy of resistant high-risk neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021;13(24):6265. PubMed
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