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Dietary supplement

Black Elderberry Syrup Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Rite Aid

Black Elderberry Syrup label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Black Elderberry Syrup 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

Black Elderberry Syrup is a dietary supplement by Rite Aid with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for colds, flu (influenza), other respiratory infections.Based on those ingredients, 121 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Elderberry Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Black Elderberry Syrup by Rite Aid

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Black Elderberry Syrup by Rite Aid — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Black Elderberry Syrup by Rite Aid

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This syrup contains one active ingredient: elderberry extract. Elderberry has a long history in traditional medicine, though the scientific evidence for its benefits remains limited.

The product also includes several inactive ingredients—sorbitol, purified water, glycerin, citric acid, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate—which serve as sweeteners, thickeners, preservatives, and pH adjusters.

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 — see Elderberry's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Respiratory tract infections, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Lower respiratory tract infections, Colds, Influenza.
  • The closest evidence on file: Elderberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Respiratory tract infections (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Elderberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Lower respiratory tract infections.

The evidence we hold on elderberry doesn't support a clear benefit yet. Studies looking at hay fever, heart health, chronic fatigue, COPD, brain function, and respiratory infections have not produced reliable proof that it works for any of these.

That doesn't mean it doesn't help—it means the science hasn't caught up. If you're considering it for a specific reason, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the current research actually shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Elderberry

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Properly cooked elderberry products like this syrup are generally well tolerated. The real risk comes from raw or unripe berries, seeds, leaves, and bark, which contain a compound that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness—but cooking (which commercial syrups undergo) removes this toxin.

One case reported autoimmune hepatitis after years of elderberry use in a person with an existing autoimmune disease; another case linked nausea and vomiting to a combined elderberry-echinacea product, though it's unclear which ingredient was responsible. During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best to avoid it.

The same applies to breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Elderberry

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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Elderberry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 121 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 you start, check if you take immunosuppressants (such as those used after organ transplant or for autoimmune conditions)—elderberry may reduce their effectiveness. Also check if you're on pazopanib or any other cancer therapy.

If you take any prescription medication, use the search tool on this page to be sure.

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.

If you're looking to try elderberry for cold or flu season, this syrup is generally well tolerated when properly prepared. However, if you take immunosuppressants, pazopanib, or any other prescription medication, check with your pharmacist first—the interaction list is long.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip it until you've talked to your doctor.

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 21, 2024.

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 Black Elderberry Syrup, straight from the product label.

Brand Rite Aid
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 21, 2024
DSLD ID 320475
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
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 Black Elderberry Syrup by Rite Aid, 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:
10 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
10 mL
Servings per container
12
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories15 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates6 Gram(s)2%
Elderberry Extract3.8 Gram(s)--
Sugar Alcohol6 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Sorbitol, Water, Purified, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Black Elderberry Syrup provides immune support and can be taken every day to help you and your family stay healthy throughout the year.

High antioxidant levels

For ages 4 & older

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Use daily for maximum benefit Directions for use: For daily maintenance: Adults and children over 4 Years: Take 2 teaspoons (10mL) daily. For intensive use: Adults and children over 4 years: Take 2 teaspoons (10mL) four times daily. If desired, mix syrup in water, fruit juice, smoothies, yougurt, or most anything!

Storage

Store at room temperature in a cool dry place. To preserve quality and freshness, keep tightly sealed.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper evident: Do not use if printed inner seal under cap is torn or missing.

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.

Formulation

Compare to the elderberry extract content in Sambucol Syrup (This product is not manufactured or distributed by PharmaCare US, Inc. the distributor of Sambucol Syrup.)

Supports immune system

Sugar free Gluten free

Gluten free, sugar free, free from dairy, soy, wheat and nuts, free from artificial colors and flavors

Satisfaction Guarantee If you're not satisfied, we'll happily refund your money.

General Statements

Important: Keep this carton for future reference on full labeling.

Great tasting

Questions? 1-866-467-2748

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

See for yourself

Black Elderberry Syrup by Rite Aid label

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

Black Elderberry Syrup 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 Black Elderberry Syrup by Rite Aid

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size10 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container12 Amounts shown are per serving.

Elderberry Extract

Interacts with
121 drugs
3.8 Gram(s) per serving

Elderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu sym...

Elderberry Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Sorbitol, Water, Purified, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Black Elderberry Syrup by Rite Aid Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Black Elderberry Syrup?

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
121Drugs
121 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Elderberry Extract 121

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Black Elderberry Syrup interact with 121 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Black Elderberry Syrup interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Elderberry Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Black Elderberry Syrup 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.

Elderberry Extract2 drug types · 121 drugs

Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Elderberry has immunostimulant activity, increasing the production of cytokines, including interleukin and tumor necrosis factor.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pazopanib (Votrient)

Theoretically, elderberry might interact with pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
In one case, a 65-year-old patient taking pazopanib for 4 weeks for soft-tissue sarcoma developed severe nausea, loose stools, and elevated alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels and was diagnosed with grade 3 liver injury. The patient reported taking elderberry supplements for 2 years, dose unspecified, and was also taking a multivitamin and a calcium supplement. The patient's symptoms and liver enzyme levels improved upon discontinuation of pazopanib and all supplements. Pazopanib treatment was re-initiated, at a lower dose, with no further evidence of liver injury. It was unclear in this case report if the elderberry supplements were derived from the berry, the flower, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Elderberry Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Black Elderberry Syrup, from the product label.

Rite Aid

See all Rite Aid products
Name
Rite Aid
Street Address
30 Hunter Lane
City
Camp Hill
State
PA
ZipCode
17011
Web Address
www.Riteaid.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Black Elderberry Syrup by Rite Aid: Common Questions

Does Black Elderberry Syrup by Rite Aid interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Black Elderberry Syrup has a known interaction with 121 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Black Elderberry Syrup contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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 elderberry safe during pregnancy?
There isn't enough reliable safety information, so it's best to avoid elderberry supplements while you're pregnant. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're thinking about using it.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
The safety data isn't there yet. It's best to avoid it while breastfeeding until you've checked with your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the most common side effects?
When properly prepared (cooked), elderberry extracts from ripe fruit are generally well tolerated and serious side effects are rare. The nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that have been reported usually come from raw or unripe berries or other plant parts—not commercial syrups like this one.
Does elderberry actually help with colds or the flu?
The reliable evidence we have doesn't yet show a clear benefit for respiratory infections, hay fever, heart disease, fatigue, COPD, or brain function. That means the science hasn't proven it works—not that it definitely doesn't. If you're curious, talk with your pharmacist about what the current research actually says.
Why does the label say to avoid raw elderberries?
Raw and unripe elderberries, seeds, leaves, and bark contain a compound that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and dizziness. Commercial syrups are cooked, which removes this toxin, so properly prepared products like this one are safe to use as directed.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Black Elderberry Syrup is safe with your meds?

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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.

Black Elderberry Syrup label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Black Elderberry Syrup’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Elderberry

Interacts with 121 drugs

Elderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu symptoms, but the evidence is limited and n...

Read the full Elderberry monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Black Elderberry Syrup'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 6 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.

Elderberry 6 references
  1. Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw 2001;12:290-6..
  2. Elderberry (Sambucus species). The Poison Plant Patch, Novia Scotia Museum, 2007. Available at: http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/?section=species&id=117 (Accessed 16 October 2009).
  3. European elder. Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System. Available at: http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.jump?p_null=all&p_psn=121&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px (Accessed 16 October 2009).
  4. Raus K, Pleschka S, Klein P, Schoop R, Fisher P. Effect of an echinacea-based hot drink versus oseltamivir in Influenza treatment: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, noninferiority clinical trial. . Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2015;20;77:6 PubMed
  5. Ramachandran A, Antala D, Pudasainee P, Panginikkod S, Gupta H. A Plausible Association Between the Use of Elderberry and Autoimmune Hepatitis. Cureus 2022;14(4):e24250. PubMed
  6. Agarwal N, Mangla A. Elderberry interaction with pazopanib in a patient with soft-tissue sarcoma: A case report and literature review. Mol Clin Oncol 2024;20(5):36. PubMed

See these in context on the Elderberry 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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