Black Cohosh Root 540 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Thompson
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Black Cohosh Root 540 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
Black Cohosh Root 540 mg is a dietary supplement by Thompson with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for hot flashes and night sweats, other menopause symptoms, mood changes during menopause.Based on those ingredients, 652 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Black Cohosh. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Black Cohosh Root 540 mg by Thompson
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Black Cohosh Root 540 mg by Thompson
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: black cohosh root at 540 mg per capsule. Black cohosh is a plant extract traditionally used to address menopausal hot flashes and related symptoms.
The capsule itself is made from gelatin, an inactive ingredient that holds the powder together.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Black cohosh has possibly effective evidence for menopausal symptoms—the main reason people reach for it. For other uses listed here—acne, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and breast cancer-related hot flashes—the evidence is insufficient to rate whether it works.
If you're considering it for hot flashes, the data suggests it may help, but talk with your doctor about how it stacks up against other options for your situation.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Short-term use of black cohosh at typical doses is generally well tolerated for most people. The most common side effects are mild: breast tenderness, dizziness, stomach upset, headache, irritability, rash, and tiredness.
Rare but serious concerns include liver damage (hepatotoxicity) and overgrowth of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia), though the evidence for both is conflicting. Because of these liver risks and gaps in safety data, it's wise to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it, especially if you have liver problems or take other drugs that stress the liver.
The safety data advises against black cohosh during pregnancy because of insufficient safety information and possible effects on the uterus. Breastfeeding safety has not been established, so it's best avoided then too.
There is one old case report of severe complications in an infant whose mother took black cohosh (and another herb) late in pregnancy to induce labor, though it's unclear which ingredient caused the problem.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, check your exact medications against these drug types: serotonergic drugs like antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, and others) carry the highest risk for serotonin syndrome; any drugs that damage the liver; medications broken down by the CYP2D6 enzyme in your liver; estrogen therapy; and atorvastatin (Lipitor) or other cholesterol drugs. The interaction checker on this page will help you verify your specific prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Black cohosh may help with menopausal hot flashes, but it interacts with serotonergic drugs (antidepressants), liver-damaging medications, and several others. It carries rare liver risks and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you take any prescription medication—especially an antidepressant—talk to your pharmacist before adding this product.
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 Aug 26, 2014.
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 Black Cohosh Root 540 mg, straight from the product 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 Black Cohosh Root 540 mg by Thompson, 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: Use only as directed. Take one capsule up to three times daily.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Our own laboratory analysis guarantees purity and freshness of all Thompson(R) products.
(C)2008
General
7163033 1107
General Statements
SINCE 1932
ALL NATURAL
ONCE DAILY
FRESH HEALTHY
Keep your licensed health care practitioner informed when using this product.
FDA Statement of Identity
DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
Precautions
WARNING: Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Black Cohosh Root 540 mg by Thompson 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 Black Cohosh Root 540 mg by Thompson
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.
Black Cohosh
Interacts with652 drugs
Black cohosh is a North American plant most often used to ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes, but the research is mixed and far from settled. It...
Black Cohosh monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Black Cohosh Root 540 mg by Thompson Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Black Cohosh Root 540 mg by Thompson does interact with a number of medications, and the most serious concern is with serotonergic drugs—antidepressants and similar medications.
Black cohosh can increase serotonin activity in the brain, and combining it with drugs that do the same (like SSRIs, SNRIs, or others) might cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition with agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Several other drug types warrant attention. Black cohosh may inhibit how your liver breaks down certain medications (CYP2D6 substrates), potentially raising their levels in your blood.
It's also theoretically concerning with drugs that damage the liver (hepatotoxic drugs), because black cohosh itself carries rare liver risks. There's a specific case report of elevated liver enzymes when it was combined with atorvastatin (a cholesterol drug).
Black cohosh might also interfere with estrogen therapy, either enhancing or reducing its effects, and animal research suggests it could reduce the effectiveness of the cancer drug cisplatin. A minor concern exists with OATP substrates, where black cohosh may lower their absorption and effect.
Although we hold no interaction data for the inactive ingredient gelatin, the single active ingredient does have documented interactions. Altogether, these interactions span 636 individual medications.
Before you start this product, use the medication checker on this page to look up any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you take.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Black Cohosh Root 540 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 Black Cohosh Root 540 mg interact with 652 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Black Cohosh Root 540 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Black Cohosh
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshSerotonergic Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + 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 Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshSerotonergic Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, ChlorzoxazoneAcetazone Forte, Extra Strength Tylenol Aches & Strains, Parafon Forte
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Codeine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineSinadrin Plus
How Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, DextromethorphanTylenol Cough Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs, Serotonergic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylephrineConar-A
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylpropanolamineAnatuss
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Serotonergic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PseudoephedrineRobitussin Cold, Severe Cold, Suphedrine Cold/Cough
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh + 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 Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshSerotonergic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interactionAcetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interactionAcetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineEx Strength Tylenol Sinus Nighttime
How Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
How Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
How Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionAcetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
How Acetaminophen, Meperidine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs, Serotonergic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Meperidine interactionAcetaminophen, MethocarbamolRobaxacet
How Acetaminophen, Methocarbamol interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, OrphenadrineOrfenagesic
How Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine interactionAcetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interacts with Black Cohosh Root 540 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black CohoshHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Black Cohosh + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Black Cohosh Root 540 mg 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.
Black Cohosh
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Taking black cohosh with atorvastatin might increase the risk for elevated liver function tests.
In one case report, a patient taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) developed significantly elevated liver function enzymes after starting black cohosh 100 mg four times daily. Liver enzymes returned to normal when black cohosh was discontinued. It is unclear whether the elevated liver enzymes were due to black cohosh itself or an interaction between atorvastatin and black cohosh.
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)
Theoretically, black cohosh may reduce the clinical effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that black cohosh might decrease the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin on breast cancer cells.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Some clinical research suggests that black cohosh might modestly inhibit CYP2D6 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. However, contradictory clinical research shows a specific black cohosh product (Remifemin, Enzymatic Therapy) 40 mg twice daily does not significantly inhibit metabolism of a CYP2D6 substrate in healthy study volunteers. Until more is known, use black cohosh cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Estrogens
Theoretically, black cohosh may alter the effects of estrogen therapy.
Some research suggests that black cohosh has estrogenic effects. This may enhance or inhibit the effects of estrogen therapy.
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
There is concern that black cohosh might be linked to cases of liver failure and autoimmune hepatitis.
Serotonergic Drugs
Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Black cohosh might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Black cohosh acts as an agonist at several serotonin receptor subtypes and might interact with other serotonergic medications. In one case, a 55-year-old female who had been on stable treatment with sertraline 50 mg and duloxetine 60 mg daily developed serotonin syndrome after taking black cohosh extract 40 mg daily for 3 days.
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)
Black cohosh may inhibit one form of OATP, OATP2B1, which could reduce the bioavailability and clinical effects of OATP2B1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that black cohosh modestly inhibits OATP2B1. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body. Inhibition of OATP may reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Black Cohosh Root 540 mg, from the product label.
Black Cohosh Root 540 mg by Thompson: Common Questions
Does Black Cohosh Root 540 mg by Thompson interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Does black cohosh really help with hot flashes?
Can I take this while I'm on an antidepressant?
What are the most common side effects?
Is it safe to take during pregnancy?
Can I breastfeed while taking black cohosh?
How does this interact with so many medications?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Black Cohosh Root 540 mg is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Black Cohosh Root 540 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Black Cohosh Root 540 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 68 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.
Black Cohosh 68 references
- McFarlin BL, Gibson MH, O'Rear J, Harman P. A national survey of herbal preparation use by nurse-midwives for labor stimulation. Review of the literature and recommendations for practice. J Nurse Midwifery 1999;44:205-16. PubMed
- Whiting PW, Clouston A, Kerlin P. Black cohosh and other herbal remedies associated with acute hepatitis. Med J Aust 2002;177:440-3. PubMed
- Pepping J. Black cohosh: Cimicifuga racemosa. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:1400-2. PubMed
- Liske E. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of Cimicifuga racemosa for gynecologic disorders. Adv Ther 1998;15:45-53.
- Kruse SO, Lohning A, Pauli GF, et al. Fukiic and piscidic acid esters from the rhizome of Cimicifuga racemosa and the in vitro estrogenic activity of fukinolic acid. Planta Med 1999;65:763-4.
- Jacobson JS, Troxel AB, Evans J, et al. Randomized trial of black cohosh for the treatment of hot flashes among women with a history of breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2001;19:2739-45. PubMed
- Gunn TR, Wright IM. The use of black and blue cohosh in labour. N Z Med J 1996;109:410-1.
- Baillie N, Rasmussen P. Black and blue cohosh in labour. N Z Med J 1997;110:20-1.
- Lontos S, Jones RM, Angus PW, Gow PJ. Acute liver failure associated with the use of herbal preparations containing black cohosh. Med J Aust 2003;179:390-1.. DOI
- Wuttke W, Seidlova-Wuttke D, Gorkow C. The Cimicifuga preparation BNO 1055 vs. conjugated estrogens in a double-blind placebo-controlled study: effects on menopause symptoms and bone markers. Maturitas 2003;44:S67-77. PubMed
- Huntley A, Ernst E. A systematic review of the safety of black cohosh. Menopause 2003;10:58-64.. DOI
- Cohen SM, O'Connor AM, Hart J, et al. Autoimmune hepatitis associated with the use of black cohosh: a case study. Menopause 2004;11:575-7. PubMed
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