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Dietary supplement

Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

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

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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye and vision health, antioxidant support, diarrhea and digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 1,232 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Quercetin, Bilberry, Rutin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex by Swanson

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex by Swanson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex by Swanson

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

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

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex contains 4 active ingredients: bilberry, rutin, quercetin, and eyebright herb leaf extract. Bilberry is a fruit extract rich in compounds called anthocyanidins; rutin is a flavonoid; quercetin is another flavonoid antioxidant; and eyebright is an herbal leaf extract traditionally used for eye support.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients—gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and maltodextrin—which serve as fillers, binders, and flow agents.

Does it work?

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

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Supports visual acuity and healthy eyesight.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Conjunctivitis, Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Bilberry is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Night vision (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Eyebright is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Asthenopia (eye strain), Conjunctivitis.
  • Also on file: Bilberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye.

The evidence for this product's effectiveness is quite limited. Bilberry is rated possibly ineffective for night vision, and the data we hold is insufficient to rate it for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, or chronic venous insufficiency.

Rutin, quercetin, and eyebright all have insufficient reliable evidence for their listed uses—ranging from aging skin and diabetes to allergic rhinitis and cough. In short, we don't have solid evidence these ingredients work for the conditions they're marketed for.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bilberry Rutin Quercetin Eyebright

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

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

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bilberry fruit is generally well tolerated when eaten as food, but long-term safety data for supplements are limited; the safety notes advise caution with concentrated supplement doses. Common side effects include dark-colored stools, flatulence, and gastrointestinal discomfort; some people also report dark discoloration of the tongue or teeth.

Rutin may cause headache, flushing, or rashes in some people. Quercetin's oral side effects include headache and tingling of the extremities.

Eyebright can cause confusion, headache, nausea, constipation, cough, and nasal congestion. Bilberry is rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, but rutin and eyebright should be avoided during breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data, and quercetin should be avoided in pregnancy.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bilberry Rutin Quercetin Eyebright

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Eyebright, Bilberry, Rutin, Quercetin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,233 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin), diabetes medications, cholesterol drugs like pravastatin, blood pressure medications like losartan, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, quinolone antibiotics, sulfasalazine, or cancer drugs like erlotinib or mitoxantrone. All of these have documented Moderate-severity interactions with one or more ingredients in this complex.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product might appeal to someone looking for general eye and vision support, but the evidence that it works is not established in the data we have. Because it contains ingredients that interact with blood thinners, diabetes drugs, cholesterol medications, blood pressure drugs, and others, it's important you check with your pharmacist before starting—especially if you take prescription medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 22, 2025.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614110578
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2025
DSLD ID 337835
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
087614110578
IngredientAmount% DV
Bilberry350 mg--
Rutin70 mg--
Quercetin105 mg--
Eyebright Herb, Leaf Extract43.75 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Maltodextrin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

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

Supports visual acuity Promotes healthy eyesight Offers antioxidant support to neutralize free radicals

Eye and vision health Comprehensive formula

Made in Canada

General Statements

Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule three times per day with water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult your healthcare provider before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

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

See for yourself

Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex by Swanson label

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

Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex label

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

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex by Swanson

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 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.

Bilberry

Interacts with
275 drugs
350 mg per serving

Bilberry is a blueberry-like fruit rich in antioxidant plant compounds called anthocyanins, and it has a long history of traditional use for eye healt...

Bilberry monograph & interactions

Rutin

Interacts with
86 drugs
70 mg per serving Form: Sophora japonica

Rutin is a plant flavonoid (often taken from buckwheat or citrus) that people use mainly for blood vessel and circulation problems like varicose veins...

Rutin monograph & interactions

Quercetin

Interacts with
1,169 drugs
105 mg per serving Form: Sophora japonica

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in many common foods and sold as a supplement. While early rese...

Quercetin monograph & interactions

Eyebright Herb, Leaf Extract

Interacts with
86 drugs
43.75 mg per serving Form: Euphrasia officinalis Herb Extract, Euphrasia officinalis Leaf Extract

Eyebright is a traditional herb long used for minor eye irritation, redness, and allergy symptoms, but high-quality human studies are very limited. Th...

Eyebright Herb, Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Maltodextrin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex?

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

 Go to the checker
1,232Drugs
1,232 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Quercetin 1,169
Bilberry 275
Rutin 86
Eyebright Herb, Leaf Extract 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex interact with 1,232 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 4 ingredients in Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Quercetin Bilberry Rutin Eyebright Herb, Leaf Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex 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.

Quercetin21 drug types · 1,169 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of quercetin and antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Clinical research suggests that a combination of quercetin, myricetin, and chlorogenic acid reduce levels of fasting glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those already taking antidiabetes agents. The effect of quercetin alone is unknown.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking quercetin with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.

Quercetin can modestly decrease blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. Theoretically, it might have additive blood pressure lowering effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of cyclosporine.

A small study in healthy volunteers shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of a single dose of cyclosporine, possibly due to inhibition of p-glycoprotein or cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C8 substrates.

In vitro research shows that quercetin inhibits CYP2C8. Inhibition of paclitaxel (Taxol) metabolism via CYP2C8 has been reported in vitro. However, a small study in humans found no effect of quercetin on rosiglitazone (Avandia), which is also a CYP2C8 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates.

A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking quercetin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days prior to taking diclofenac, a CYP2C9 substrate, increases diclofenac plasma levels by 75% and prolongs the half-life by 32.5%. Animal research also shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of losartan (Cozaar), a substrate of CYP2C9. Furthermore, laboratory research shows that quercetin inhibits CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2D6 substrates.

In vitro research show that quercetin inhibits CYP2D6. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might alter the effects and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of a single dose of cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), a substrate of CYP3A4. Animal research also shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of losartan (Cozaar) and quetiapine (Seroquel), substrates of CYP3A4. Other laboratory research also shows that quercetin inhibits CYP3A4. However, one clinical study shows that quercetin can increase the metabolism of midazolam, a substrate of CYP3A4, and decrease serum concentrations of midazolam by about 24% in some healthy individuals, suggesting possible induction of CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diclofenac (Voltaren, Others)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of diclofenac.

A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking quercetin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days prior to taking diclofenac increases diclofenac plasma levels by 75% and prolongs the half-life by 32.5%. This is thought to be due to inhibition of CYP2C9 by quercetin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of losartan and decrease the effects of its active metabolite.

Animal research shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of losartan (Cozaar) while decreasing plasma levels of losartan's active metabolite. This metabolite, which is around 10-fold more potent than losartan, is the result of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9- and CYP3A4-mediated transformation of losartan. Additionally, in vitro research shows that quercetin may inhibit P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of losartan from the intestines, resulting in increased absorption of losartan. These results suggest that concomitant use of quercetin and losartan might increase systemic exposure to losartan while also decreasing plasma concentrations of losartan's active and more potent metabolite.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, concomitant use might decrease the levels and effects of midazolam.

A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that quercetin can increase the metabolism of midazolam, with a decrease in AUC of about 24%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Mitoxantrone

Theoretically, quercetin might increase the effects and adverse effects of mitoxantrone.
In vitro research shows that quercetin increases the intracellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of mitoxantrone, possibly through inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), of which mitoxantrone is a substrate. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion Transporter 1 (Oat1) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of OAT1 substrates.

In vitro research shows that quercetin is a strong non-competitive inhibitor of OAT1, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values less than 10 mcM. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion Transporter 3 (Oat3) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of OAT3 substrates.

In vitro research shows that quercetin is a strong non-competitive inhibitor of OAT3, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values as low as 0.75 mcM. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of OATP substrates.

In vitro evidence shows that quercetin can inhibit organic anion-transporting peptide (OATP) 1B1-mediated uptake of estrone-3-sulfate and pravastatin. Furthermore, clinical research in healthy males shows that intake of quercetin along with pravastatin increases the AUC of pravastatin by 24%, prolongs its half-life by 14%, and decreases its apparent clearance by 18%, suggesting that quercetin modestly inhibits the uptake of pravastatin in hepatic cells.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might alter the effects and adverse effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.

There is preliminary evidence that quercetin inhibits the gastrointestinal P-glycoprotein efflux pump, which might increase the bioavailability and serum levels of drugs transported by the pump. A small study in healthy volunteers reported that pretreatment with quercetin increased bioavailability and plasma levels after a single dose of cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). Also, two small studies have shown that quercetin might decrease the absorption of talinolol, a substrate transported by the gastrointestinal P-glycoprotein efflux pump. However, in another small study, several days of quercetin treatment did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of saquinavir (Invirase). The reason for these discrepancies is not entirely clear. Until more is known, use quercetin cautiously in combination with P-glycoprotein substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pravastatin (Pravachol)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of pravastatin.
In vitro evidence shows that quercetin can inhibit OATP 1B1-mediated uptake of pravastatin. Also, preliminary clinical research in healthy males shows that intake of quercetin along with pravastatin increases the maximum concentration of pravastatin by 24%, prolongs its half-life by 14%, and decreases its apparent clearance by 18%, suggesting that quercetin modestly inhibits the uptake of pravastatin in hepatic cells.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Prazosin (Minipress)

Theoretically, quercetin might increase the effects and adverse effects of prazosin.
In vitro research shows that quercetin inhibits the transcellular efflux of prazosin, possibly through inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), of which prazosin is a substrate. BCRP is an ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter in the intestines, kidneys, and liver. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of quetiapine.
Animal research shows that pretreatment with quercetin can increase plasma levels of quetiapine and prolong its clearance, possibly due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by quercetin. Additionally, the brain-to-plasma ratio of quetiapine concentrations increased, possibly due to inhibition of P-glycoprotein at the blood-brain barrier. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, concomitant use might inhibit the effects of quinolone antibiotics.
In vitro, quercetin binds to the DNA gyrase site on bacteria, which may interfere with the activity of quinolone antibiotics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Theoretically, quercetin might increase the effects and adverse effects of sulfasalazine.
Animal research shows that quercetin increases the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) of sulfasalazine, possibly through inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), of which sulfasalazine is a substrate. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, quercetin may increase the risk of bleeding if used with warfarin.
Animal and in vitro studies show that quercetin might increase serum levels of warfarin. Quercetin and warfarin have the same human serum albumin (HSA) binding site, and in vitro research shows that quercetin has stronger affinity for the HSA binding site and can theoretically displace warfarin, causing higher serum levels of warfarin. Animal research shows that taking quercetin for 2 weeks before initiating warfarin increases the maximum serum level of warfarin by 30%, the half-life by 10%, and the overall exposure by 63% when compared with control. Concomitant administration of quercetin and warfarin, without quercetin pre-treatment, also increased these measures, but to a lesser degree. Researchers theorize that inhibition of CYP3A4 by quercetin may explain these effects. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quercetin full monograph & interactions

Bilberry4 drug types · 275 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, animal, and clinical research suggest that anthocyanidin extracts from bilberry can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, bilberry leaf or fruit extract may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that bilberry leaf extract might have blood glucose-lowering activity. Also, one small clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking bilberry fruit extract 470 mg as a single dose prior to an oral glucose tolerance test lowers plasma glucose levels when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Animal research shows that exposure to small concentrations of bilberry extract in drinking water for around one month increased CYP2E1 activity by 31%. However, exposure over a 2-month period did not increase CYP2E1 activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Erlotinib (Tarceva)

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might reduce the efficacy of erlotinib.
In vitro research suggests that bilberry fruit extract and its constituents, delphinidin and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, inhibit the activity of erlotinib. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Bilberry full monograph & interactions

Rutin1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rutin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that rutin has hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Rutin full monograph & interactions

Eyebright Herb, Leaf Extract1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, eyebright might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that eyebright lowers blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Eyebright Herb, Leaf Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex has a known interaction with 1,232 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is bilberry safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Bilberry is rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. However, rutin should be avoided while breastfeeding, and eyebright should also be avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Quercetin should be avoided during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation before starting.
What are the most common side effects I might experience?
Bilberry commonly causes dark-colored stools, flatulence, and gastrointestinal discomfort; some people notice dark discoloration of the tongue or teeth. Rutin may cause headache, flushing, or rashes. Eyebright can trigger confusion, headache, nausea, or constipation. Most of these are mild and temporary.
Does this product actually improve night vision or help with age-related macular degeneration?
Bilberry is rated possibly ineffective for night vision, and we don't have enough reliable evidence to rate it for age-related macular degeneration. The same goes for the other ingredients—the evidence supporting their use for vision or cognition hasn't been established in the data we hold.
What is rutin, and why is it in this product?
Rutin is a flavonoid—a type of plant compound with antioxidant properties. It's included here as part of a vision-support blend, but we don't have reliable evidence it works for the conditions it's marketed for.
Can I take this if I'm on blood thinners?
Both bilberry and quercetin in this product may interact with blood thinners like warfarin, potentially increasing your bleeding risk. Do not start this without talking to your pharmacist first—they'll help you decide if it's safe for your specific situation.
What happens if I take this with diabetes medication?
Three ingredients in this product—bilberry, rutin, and eyebright—may lower blood sugar. Combined with your diabetes medication, this could cause your blood sugar to drop too low. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

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.

Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Bilberry

Interacts with 275 drugs

Bilberry is a blueberry-like fruit rich in antioxidant plant compounds called anthocyanins, and it has a long history of traditional use for eye health, circulation, and mild diarrhea. While...

Read the full Bilberry monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rutin

Interacts with 86 drugs

Rutin is a plant flavonoid (often taken from buckwheat or citrus) that people use mainly for blood vessel and circulation problems like varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The evidence is limite...

Read the full Rutin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Quercetin

Interacts with 1,169 drugs

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in many common foods and sold as a supplement. While early research is interesting for allergies, blood...

Read the full Quercetin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Eyebright

Interacts with 86 drugs

Eyebright is a traditional herb long used for minor eye irritation, redness, and allergy symptoms, but high-quality human studies are very limited. There is not enough reliable evidence to c...

Read the full Eyebright monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bilberry Eyebright Vision Complex's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

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

The 46 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.

Bilberry 14 references
  1. Cignarella A, Nastasi M, Cavalli E, Puglisi L. Novel lipid-lowering properties of Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaves, a traditional antidiabetic treatment, in several models of rat dyslipidaemia: a comparison with ciprofibrate. Thromb Res 1996;84:311-22. PubMed
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See these in context on the Bilberry monograph →

Rutin 2 references
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See these in context on the Rutin monograph →

Quercetin 26 references
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  19. Bedada SK, Neerati P. Evaluation of the effect of quercetin treatment on CYP2C9 enzyme activity of diclofenac in healthy human volunteers. Phytother Res. 2018 Feb;32(2):305-311. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5978. PubMed
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Eyebright 4 references
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  2. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
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  4. Porchezhian, E., Ansari, S. H., and Shreedharan, N. K. Antihyperglycemic activity of Euphrasia officinale leaves. Fitoterapia 2000;71(5):522-526. PubMed

See these in context on the Eyebright monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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