Bitter Orange Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Pure Herbs
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Bitter Orange 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
Bitter Orange is a dietary supplement by Pure Herbs with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for weight loss, athletic performance and energy, digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 957 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bitter Orange peel extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Bitter Orange by Pure Herbs
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Bitter Orange by Pure Herbs — 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
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bitter Orange by Pure Herbs
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: Bitter Orange peel extract. The extract delivers compounds — mainly synephrine, octopamine, and tyramine — that act as stimulants, affecting your heart rate and blood pressure.
There are no other inactive ingredients listed.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence isn't established in our data for any of the uses linked to bitter orange. The facts we hold show insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for hay fever, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, pre-procedure anxiety, or athletic performance.
If you're considering it for one of these purposes, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the evidence supports it and whether it's right for you.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Bitter orange taken by mouth in medicinal amounts may be unsafe. The most common side effects are high blood pressure and a fast heartbeat, especially if you combine it with caffeine or other stimulants.
Rare but serious effects reported in case studies include heart attack, changes in heart rhythm, seizures, stroke, and fainting. When applied to skin or inhaled as aromatherapy, it's generally well tolerated, though skin irritation can occur topically.
The safety data advises against using this supplement during pregnancy because of its stimulant effects and lack of safety information. There also isn't enough safety data to use it while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in either situation.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Stop and check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this if you're on MAOIs (older antidepressants), midazolam or other sedatives, drugs that affect heart rhythm, diabetes medications, stimulant drugs, cough suppressants like dextromethorphan, or if you use caffeine regularly. The interaction list is extensive — use the medication checker on this page to look up your exact drugs.
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.
Bitter Orange is a potent stimulant extract that carries serious interaction risks with many common medications, especially older antidepressants, sedatives, heart drugs, and stimulants. If you take any prescription or over-the-counter medication — or use caffeine regularly — you need to check your exact drugs with the tool on this page before starting it.
Talk it over with your own doctor or pharmacist to see if it's safe for your situation.
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 Dec 13, 2022.
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 Bitter Orange, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Pure Herbs |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 13, 2022 |
| DSLD ID | 279738 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating) |
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 Bitter Orange by Pure Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: For adults, mix 2 mL (abt. 1/2 tsp) of extract in 2 fl. oz (60 mL) water one time daily preferably with a meal.
Shake well before use
Formulation
Beneficial for sinus and respiratory support.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Precautions
Warning: Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, consult your doctor prior to use.
Discontinue use and consult with your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.
Keep out of reach of children
Brand IP Statement(s)
Pure Herbs, Ltd. Natural Herbal Extracts
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
General Statements
"No expense has been spared to provide the finest nature has to offer."
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Bitter Orange by Pure Herbs 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 Bitter Orange by Pure Herbs
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Bitter Orange peel extract
Interacts with957 drugs
Bitter orange is a citrus fruit whose extracts contain synephrine, a mild stimulant often added to weight-loss and energy supplements. Evidence that i...
Bitter Orange peel extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Bitter Orange by Pure Herbs Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Bitter Orange by Pure Herbs is a single-ingredient liquid extract that interacts with a number of medications, and the interactions span some serious ground.
The most concerning is its potential interaction with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors — a class of older antidepressants). Bitter orange contains compounds called synephrine, tyramine, and octopamine that can trigger a dangerous spike in blood pressure, potentially leading to hypertensive crisis, when combined with MAOIs.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Bitter orange also carries Major-severity interactions with the sedative midazolam (used during procedures) and Moderate-severity interactions with several drug types. It can raise blood levels of drugs broken down by the liver enzyme CYP3A4 — a large group that includes many common medications — and may increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect of diabetes drugs, raising the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
It can also boost the effects of stimulant drugs and may dangerously heighten blood pressure and heart rate when combined with caffeine or other stimulants. Additionally, bitter orange may interfere with drugs that affect heart rhythm (QT interval-prolonging drugs) and can raise levels of dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter products.
Altogether, these interactions span 958 individual medications. Because the list is extensive and includes many common prescriptions and over-the-counter items, run your exact medications through the checker below before adding this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Bitter Orange?
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 Bitter Orange interact with 957 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Bitter Orange interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bitter Orange peel extract
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Stimulant Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase levels of drug metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractDextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others), Stimulant Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bitter orange might increase blood levels of dextromethorphan.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Stimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bitter orange might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Stimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bitter orange might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Stimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bitter orange might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Stimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bitter orange might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineSinadrin Plus
How Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, DextromethorphanTylenol Cough Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Dextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others) +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase levels of drug metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs, Dextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others) +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylephrineConar-A
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Stimulant Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bitter orange might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylpropanolamineAnatuss
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Stimulant Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase levels of drug metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PseudoephedrineRobitussin Cold, Severe Cold, Suphedrine Cold/Cough
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase levels of drug metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractDextromethorphan (robitussin Dm, Others), Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bitter orange might increase blood levels of dextromethorphan.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Flu Liquid Gels, Non Aspirin Cold Caps, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Flu Daytime Ex Strength, Tylenol Flu Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interactionAcetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineEx Strength Tylenol Sinus Nighttime
How Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
How Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bitter orange might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES
How Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs
How Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Stimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Bitter orange might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interactionAcetaminophen, PhenylpropanolamineTetra Caps
How Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineSinubid
How Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Sinus, Dristan N.D., Non-Aspirin Sinus, Ornex, Ornex-Max, Sinutab +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, TriprolidineActifed Plus ES
How Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Triprolidine interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Triprolidine interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Bitter Orange — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bitter Orange Peel ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Bitter Orange Peel Extract + Acetohexamide interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Bitter Orange 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.
Bitter Orange peel extract
Midazolam (Versed)
Bitter orange might increase blood levels of midazolam.
One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice can increase midazolam levels, likely through inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of midazolam-related adverse effects.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)
Theoretically, taking MAOIs with synephrine-containing bitter orange preparations might increase the hypertensive effects of synephrine, potentially leading to hypertensive crisis.
Bitter orange contains tyramine, octopamine, and synephrine, which are MAO substrates.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Some clinical research shows that drinking a tea containing bitter orange and Indian snakeroot reduces fasting and postprandial glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who are using antidiabetes drugs. However, it is unclear if these effects are due to bitter orange, Indian snakeroot, or the combination. An animal study also shows that p-synephrine in combination with gliclazide , a sulfonylurea, causes an additional 20% to 44% decrease in glucose levels when compared with gliclazide alone.
Caffeine
Bitter orange might increase blood pressure and heart rate when taken with caffeine.
Small clinical studies show that taking bitter orange in combination with caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate in otherwise healthy normotensive adults. Theoretically, this might increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects.
Colchicine
Bitter orange might affect colchicine levels.
Colchicine is a substrate of P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Bitter orange has been reported to inhibit CYP3A4 and increase levels of CYP3A4 substrates. However, one small clinical study in healthy adults shows that drinking bitter orange juice 240 mL twice daily for 4 days and taking a single dose of colchicine 0.6 mg on the 4th day decreases colchicine peak serum levels by 24%, time to peak serum level by 1 hour, and overall exposure to colchicine by 20%. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Bitter orange might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Small clinical studies suggest that single or multiple doses of freshly squeezed bitter orange juice 200-240 mL can inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism of drugs, causing increased drug levels and potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects. However, the extent of the effect of bitter orange on CYP3A4-mediated drug interactions is unknown. Some evidence suggests that bitter orange selectively inhibits intestinal CYP3A4, but not hepatic CYP3A4. Its effect on P-glycoprotein, which strongly overlaps with CYP3A4 interactions, is unclear. One small clinical study shows that drinking 8 ounces of freshly squeezed bitter orange juice has no effect on cyclosporine, which seems to be more dependent on hepatic CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein than intestinal CYP3A4.
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)
Bitter orange might increase blood levels of dextromethorphan.
One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice increases dextromethorphan levels, likely through cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition. Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk for dextromethorphan-related adverse effects.
Felodipine (Plendil)
Bitter orange might increase blood levels of felodipine.
One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice increases felodipine levels, likely through cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition. Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk for felodipine-related adverse effects.
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Bitter orange might increase blood levels of indinavir.
One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice slightly increases indinavir levels, but this effect is likely to be clinically insignificant. Bitter orange selectively inhibits intestinal cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4); however, the metabolism of indinavir seems to be more dependent on hepatic CYP3A4. The effect of bitter orange on other protease inhibitors has not been studied.
Qt Interval-Prolonging Drugs
Theoretically, bitter orange might have an additive effect when combined with drugs that prolong the QT interval, potentially increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
One case report suggests that taking bitter orange in combination with other stimulants such as caffeine might prolong the QT interval in some patients.
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Bitter orange juice might increase blood levels of sildenafil.
A small clinical study in healthy adult males shows that drinking freshly squeezed bitter orange juice 250 mL daily for 3 days and taking a single dose of sildenafil 50 mg on the 3rd day increases the peak plasma concentration of sildenafil by 18% and the overall exposure to sildenafil by 44%. Theoretically, this may be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 by bitter orange.
Stimulant Drugs
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Bitter orange appears to have stimulant effects.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Theoretically, bitter orange might increase levels of drug metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research shows that octopamine, a constituent of bitter orange, weakly inhibits CYP2D6 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Bitter Orange, from the product label.
Pure Herbs
See all Pure Herbs products- Name
- Pure Herbs, Ltd.
- City
- Sterling Heights
- State
- MI
- Phone Number
- (800) 860-4372
- Web Address
- www.pureherbs.com
Bitter Orange by Pure Herbs: Common Questions
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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 Bitter Orange’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Bitter Orange'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 47 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.
Bitter Orange 47 references
- Penzak SR, Jann MW, Cold JA, et al. Seville (sour) orange juice: synephrine content and cardiovascular effects in normotensive adults. J Clin Pharmacol 2001;41:1059-63. PubMed
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Calapai G, Firenzuoli F, Saitta A, et al. Antiobesity and cardiovascular toxic effects of Citrus aurantium extracts in the rat: A preliminary report. Fitoterapia 1999;70:586-92. DOI
- Keogh AM, Baron DW. Sympathomimetic abuse and coronary artery spasm. Br Med J 1985;291:940.
- Malhotra S, Bailey DG, Paine MF, Watkins PB. Seville orange juice-felodipine interaction: comparison with dilute grapefruit juice and involvement of furocoumarins. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2001;69:14-23. PubMed
- Pellati F, Benvenuti S, Melegari M, Firenzuoli F. Determination of adrenergic agonists from extracts and herbal products of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara by LC. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2002;29:1113-9. . PubMed
- Colker CM, Kalman DS, Torina GC, et al. Effects of Citrus aurantium extract, caffeine, and St. John's wort on body fat loss, lipid levels, and mood states in overweight healthy adults. Curr Ther Res 1999;60:145-153. DOI
- Penzak SR, Acosta EP, Turner M, et al. Effect of Seville orange juice and grapefruit juice on indinavir pharmacokinetics. J Clin Pharmacol 2002;42:1165-70. PubMed
- Edwards DJ, Fitzsimmons ME, Schuetz EG, et al. 6',7'-Dihydroxybergamottin in grapefruit juice and Seville orange juice: effects on cyclosporine disposition, enterocyte CYP3A4, and P-glycoprotein. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1999;65:237-44. PubMed
- Di Marco MP, Edwards DJ, Wainer IW, Ducharme MP. The effect of grapefruit juice and seville orange juice on the pharmacokinetics of dextromethorphan: the role of gut CYP3A and P-glycoprotein. Life Sci 2002;71:1149-60. PubMed
- Visentin V, Morin N, Fontana E, et al. Dual action of octopamine on glucose transport into adipocytes: inhibition via beta3-adrenoceptor activation and stimulation via oxidation by amine oxidases. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2001;299:96-104.
- Nykamp DL, Fackih MN, Compton AL. Possible association of acute lateral-wall myocardial infarction and bitter orange supplement. Ann Pharmacother 2004;38:812-6. PubMed
- Fugh-Berman A, Myers A. Citrus aurantium, an ingredient of dietary supplements marketed for weight loss: Current status of clinical and basic Research. Exp Biol Med 2004;229:698-704.
- Suzuki O, Matsumoto T, Oya M, Katsumata Y. Oxidation of synephrine by type A and type B monoamine oxidase. Experientia 1979;35:1283-4. PubMed
- Nasir JM, Durning SJ, Ferguson M, et al. Exercise-induced syncope associated with QT prolongation and ephedra-free Xenadrine. Mayo Clin Proc 2004;79:1059-62.. PubMed
- Firenzuoli F, Gori L, Galapai C. Adverse reaction to an adrenergic herbal extract (Citrus aurantium). Phytomedicine 2005;12:247-8. PubMed
- Bouchard NC, Howland MA, Greller HA, et al. Ischemic stroke associated with use of an ephedra-free dietary supplement containing synephrine. Mayo Clin Proc 2005;80:541-5. PubMed
- Haller CA, Benowitz NL, Jacob P 3rd. Hemodynamic effects of ephedra-free weight-loss supplements in humans. Am J Med 2005;118:998-1003.. PubMed
- Bui LT, Nguyen DT, Ambrose PJ. Blood pressure and heart rate effects following a single dose of bitter orange. Ann Pharmacother 2006;40:53-7. PubMed
- Min B, Cios D, Kluger J, White CM. Absence of QTc-interval-prolonging or hemodynamic effects of a single dose of bitter-orange extract in healthy subjects. Pharmacotherapy 2005;25:1719-24. PubMed
- Gange CA, Madias C, Felix-Getzik EM, et al. Variant angina associated with bitter orange in a dietary supplement. Mayo Clin Proc 2006;81:545-8. PubMed
- Jordan S, Murty M, Pilon K. Products containing bitter orange or synephrine: suspected cardiovascular adverse reactions. Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter 2004;14:3-4.
- Burke J, Seda G, Allen D, Knee TS. A case of severe exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis associated with a weight loss dietary supplement. Mil Med 2007;172:656-8. PubMed
- Gray, S. and Woolf, A. D. Citrus aurantium used for weight loss by an adolescent with anorexia nervosa. J Adolesc.Health 2005;37(5):414-415. PubMed
- Haller, C. A., Duan, M., Jacob, P., III, and Benowitz, N. Human pharmacology of a performance-enhancing dietary supplement under resting and exercise conditions. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2008;65(6):833-840. PubMed
- Thomas, J. E., Munir, J. A., McIntyre, P. Z., and Ferguson, M. A. STEMI in a 24-year-old man after use of a synephrine-containing dietary supplement: a case report and review of the literature. Tex.Heart Inst.J 2009;36(6):586-590.
- Campbell-Tofte, J. I., Molgaard, P., Josefsen, K., Abdallah, Z., Hansen, S. H., Cornett, C., Mu, H., Richter, E. A., Petersen, H. W., Norregaard, J. C., and Winther, K. Randomized and double-blinded pilot clinical study of the safety and anti-diabetic ef
- Seifert, J. G., Nelson, A., Devonish, J., Burke, E. R., and Stohs, S. J. Effect of acute administration of an herbal preparation on blood pressure and heart rate in humans. Int J Med Sci 2011;8(3):192-197. PubMed
- Stohs, S. J., Preuss, H. G., Keith, S. C., Keith, P. L., Miller, H., and Kaats, G. R. Effects of p-synephrine alone and in combination with selected bioflavonoids on resting metabolism, blood pressure, heart rate and self-reported mood changes. Int J Med
- Wason, S., DiGiacinto, J. L., and Davis, M. W. Effects of grapefruit and Seville orange juices on the pharmacokinetic properties of colchicine in healthy subjects. Clin Ther 2012;34(10):2161-2173. PubMed
- Kaats, G. R., Miller, H., Preuss, H. G., and Stohs, S. J. A 60day double-blind, placebo-controlled safety study involving Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) extract. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013;55:358-362.
- Calapai, G., Firenzuoli, F., Saitta, A., Squadrito, F. R., Arlotta, M., Costantino, G., and Inferrera, G. Antiobesity and cardiovascular toxic effects of Citrus aurantium extracts in the rat: a preliminary report. Fitoterapia 12-1-1999;70(6):586-592. DOI
- Colker, C., Kalman, D., and Torina, G. Effects of Citrus aurantium extract, caffeine, and St. John's Wort on body fat loss, lipid levels, and mood states in overweight healthy adults. Curr Ther Res 1999;60:145-153. DOI
- Shara M, Stohs SJ. Safety evaluation of Bitter orange extract (p-synephrine) in healthy volunteers. J.Amer.Coll.Nutr. 2011;30:358.
- Lynch B. Review of the safety of p-synephrine and caffeine. Intertek-Cantox Report, 2013;1-20.
- Smith TB, Staub BA, Natarajan GM, et al. Acute myocardial infarction associated with dietary supplements containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine and Citrus aurantium. Tex Heart Inst J 2014;41(1):70-2. PubMed
- Shara M, Stohs SJ, Mukattash TL. Cardiovascular safety of oral p-synephrine (bitter orange) in healthy subjects: a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2016;30(5):842-7.
- Liu Y, Santillo MF. Cytochrome P450 2D6 and 3A4 enzyme inhibition by amine stimulants in dietary supplements. Drug Test Anal. 2016;8(3-4):307-10. PubMed
- Abdelkawy KS, Donia AM, Turner RB, Elbarbry F. Effects of Lemon and Seville Orange Juices on the Pharmacokinetic Properties of Sildenafil in Healthy Subjects. Drugs R D. 2016 Sep;16(3):271-278. PubMed
- Gutiérrez-Hellín J, Salinero JJ, Abían-Vicen J, Areces F, Lara B, Gallo C, et al. Acute consumption of p-synephrine does not enhance performance in sprint athletes.J. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016;41(1):63-9. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2015-0299.
- Jung YP, Earnest CP, Koozehchian M, et al. Effects of ingesting a pre-workout dietary supplement with and without synephrine for 8 weeks on training adaptations in resistance-trained males. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;3;14:1. doi: 10.1186/s12970-016-0158- PubMed
- Jung YP, Earnest CP, Koozehchian M, et al. Effects of acute ingestion of a pre-workout dietary supplement with and without synephrine on resting energy expenditure, cognitive function and exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:3. doi: 10.118
- Vatsavai LK, Kilari EK. Interaction of p-synephrine on the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetics of gliclazide in animal models. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2017; S0975-9476(16)30487-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.04.010.
- Ratamess NA, Bush JA, Stohs SJ, et al. Acute cardiovascular effects of bitter orange extract (p-synephrine) consumed alone and in combination with caffeine in human subjects: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Phytother Res. 2018;32(1):94-102.
- Gutiérrez-Hellín J, Ruiz-Moreno C, Del Coso J. Acute p-synephrine ingestion increases whole-body fat oxidation during 1-h of cycling at Fatmax. Eur J Nutr. 2019 Nov 5. PubMed
- Karimzadeh Z, Azizzadeh Forouzi M, Tajadini H, Ahmadinejad M, Roy C, Dehghan M. Effects of lavender and Citrus aurantium on pain of conscious intensive care unit patients: a parallel randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Integr Med 2021:S2095-4964(21)000 PubMed
- Koncz D, Tóth B, Bahar MA, Roza O, Csupor D. The Safety and Efficacy of Citrus aurantium (Bitter Orange) Extracts and p-Synephrine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2022;14(19):4019. 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