Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Solaray
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract 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 Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract is a dietary supplement by Solaray with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for zinc deficiency, immune support, cold symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 534 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin C, Bacillus coagulans, Black Elderberry Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract by Solaray
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract by Solaray
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 4 active ingredients. Zinc is included for immune function and wound healing.
Bacillus coagulans is a probiotic bacterium meant to support digestive health. Polyphenols from the black elderberry extract are plant compounds with antioxidant properties.
Vitamin C rounds out the formula as a general antioxidant and immune support nutrient. The remaining ingredients are inactive excipients — flavoring, sweeteners, and binders that help form the tablet.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Zinc is effective for zinc deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease; it's possibly effective for acne, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetes. Bacillus coagulans is possibly effective for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, though the evidence for antibiotic-associated diarrhea, athletic performance, and cancer support is insufficient to rate.
Vitamin C is effective for vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for anemia of chronic disease, cataracts, and exercise-related respiratory infections. The effectiveness of the black elderberry extract and polyphenol blend itself isn't established in our data.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Zinc is generally well tolerated in recommended amounts — the upper safe limit is 40 mg daily for adults — but higher doses can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, metallic taste, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid high-dose zinc long-term without medical guidance, as it may lead to copper deficiency.
Bacillus coagulans is generally well tolerated in healthy adults, though safety data is limited and product quality varies; people who are severely immunocompromised or have central lines should check with their doctor first. Vitamin C is safe at normal doses but can cause stomach upset, heartburn, and osmotic diarrhea at very high doses above 2 grams daily; it may increase kidney stone risk in those prone to them.
For pregnancy, zinc is likely safe, bacillus coagulans data is limited (talk to your doctor), and vitamin C is likely safe at normal amounts but avoid high-dose supplements. Lactation data shows zinc and vitamin C are likely safe, though bacillus coagulans safety during nursing isn't specified in our data.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
If you take quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, cephalexin, or any HIV medications (ritonavir, integrase inhibitors, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide), you'll need to space them away from this supplement — at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after. If you use blood thinners like warfarin, estrogen or hormone therapy, levothyroxine, or chemotherapy drugs, vitamin C in this product may affect how they work.
Any antibiotic you take should be separated from the Bacillus coagulans by a few hours. Check your exact medications on this page's search tool.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product may help if you have a zinc deficiency, need digestive support, or want general antioxidant and immune nutrients. But if you take any prescription medications — especially antibiotics, birth control, blood thinners, thyroid medication, or HIV drugs — check with us first using the tool on this page.
Bacillus coagulans works best when antibiotics aren't taken at the same time. Talk to your pharmacist if you're pregnant, nursing, or have kidney or copper-metabolism concerns.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2023.
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 Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Solaray |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 076280254181 |
| Net contents | 30 Chewable Tablet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Aug 23, 2023 |
| DSLD ID | 296313 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 with SambuActin Sambucus Extract by Solaray, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc | 15 mg | 136% |
| Calories | 10 Calorie(s) | -- |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2 Gram(s) | 1% |
| Sugars | 2 Gram(s) | -- |
| Bacillus coagulans | 100 mg | -- |
| Polyphenols | 8 mg | -- |
| Vitamin C | 200 mg | 222% |
| Black Elderberry Extract | 400 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Xylitol, Inulin, Maltodextrin, natural Elderberry flavor, other Natural flavors, Stearic Acid, Luo Han Guo fruit extract, Silica, Stevia Leaf Extract, Citric Acid
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formula
Zinc & Probiotics
Discussion: Solaray Black Elderberry supplement is a superior extract of European Black Elderberry. This unique product combines polyphenols, elderberry's key active component, with Vitamin C from non-GMO tapioca root, and Zinc for nutritive support of a healthy immune system.
Seals/Symbols
Lab Verified
Precautions
Warning: Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing. Keep your licensed health care practitioner informed when using this product.
Keep out of reach of children.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Take one chewable tablet daily with a meal or glass of water.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract by Solaray 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 Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract by Solaray
These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Chewable Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Zinc
Interacts with67 drugs
Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...
Zinc monograph & interactionsBacillus coagulans
Interacts with182 drugs
Bacillus coagulans is a spore-forming probiotic that survives stomach acid well and may help with some digestive problems such as IBS, constipation, a...
Bacillus coagulans monograph & interactionsVitamin C
Interacts with207 drugs
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...
Vitamin C monograph & interactionsBlack Elderberry Extract
Interacts with121 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 sym...
Black Elderberry Extract monograph & interactions- › Polyphenols
Other (inactive) ingredients: Xylitol, Inulin, Maltodextrin, Natural Elderberry flavor, Other Natural flavors, Stearic Acid, Luo Han Guo fruit extract, Silica, Stevia Leaf Extract, Citric Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract by Solaray Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract by Solaray contains zinc and vitamin C, both of which interact with medications.
Zinc has the most serious documented interactions — it's Moderate severity across multiple drug classes. Zinc can reduce absorption and effectiveness of quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin), tetracycline antibiotics, and cephalexin by forming complexes in your gut; you'll need to space doses by at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after zinc.
It may also reduce levels of the HIV medication ritonavir and the integrase inhibitors used in HIV treatment, as well as the combination product bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide — similar spacing applies.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Vitamin C in this product interacts with several drugs at Moderate severity. It can increase estrogen levels if you're on birth control pills or hormone therapy, reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin at high doses, increase absorption of the thyroid medication levothyroxine, and may interfere with certain chemotherapy agents (alkylating agents and antitumor antibiotics) by its antioxidant effects.
It can also increase aluminum absorption from aluminum-containing compounds and modestly reduce HIV medication indinavir levels.
Bacillus coagulans, a probiotic in this product, may have reduced effectiveness if you take antibiotics at the same time — separate the two by a few hours. Polyphenols are included but we hold no interaction data for that ingredient.
Altogether, these interactions span 414 individual medications. Use the medication checker on this page to see if any of your drugs are affected.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract?
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 Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract interact with 534 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
4 of the 4 ingredients in Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin C Bacillus coagulans Black Elderberry Extract Zinc
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + Abrocitinib interactionAdalimumabHumira
How Adalimumab interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab interactionAdalimumab-adazHyrimoz
How Adalimumab-adaz interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-adaz interactionAdalimumab-adbmCyltezo
How Adalimumab-adbm interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-adbm interactionAdalimumab-afzbAbrilada
How Adalimumab-afzb interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-afzb interactionAdalimumab-attoAmjevita
How Adalimumab-atto interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-atto interactionAdalimumab-bwwdHadlima
How Adalimumab-bwwd interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-bwwd interactionAdalimumab-fkjpHulio
How Adalimumab-fkjp interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-fkjp interactionAlefaceptAmevive
How Alefacept interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + Alefacept interactionAlemtuzumabCampath
How Alemtuzumab interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Extract + Alemtuzumab interactionAlginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton
How Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAltretamineHexalen
How Altretamine interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Altretamine interactionAluminum Acetate, Benzethonium ChlorideBuro-Sol Otic Solution
How Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interactionAluminum ChlorideAluminum Chloride, Anhydrol Forte, Driclor, Drysol
How Aluminum Chloride interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Chloride interactionAluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon
How Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Maalox, Mucogel
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug)Mylanta
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, CalciumDomeboro
How Aluminum, Calcium interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Calcium interactionAluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug)Almagel
How Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Wingel
How Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAmikacinAmikin, Arikayce
How Amikacin interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bacillus CoagulansAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking antibiotics with Bacillus coagulans might decrease the effectiveness of B.
Read the full Bacillus Coagulans + Amikacin interactionAmoxicillinAmix, Amoram, Amoxident, Amoxil Capsules, Amoxil Injection, Galenamox +3 more
How Amoxicillin interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bacillus CoagulansAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking antibiotics with Bacillus coagulans might decrease the effectiveness of B.
Read the full Bacillus Coagulans + Amoxicillin interactionAmoxicillin VeterinaryBiomox
How Amoxicillin Veterinary interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bacillus CoagulansAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking antibiotics with Bacillus coagulans might decrease the effectiveness of B.
Read the full Bacillus Coagulans + Amoxicillin Veterinary interactionAmoxicillin, Clavulanate PotassiumAugmentin, Augmentin '125/31 SF', Augmentin '250/62 SF', Augmentin XR, Augmentin-Duo 400/57, Clavulin
How Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bacillus CoagulansAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking antibiotics with Bacillus coagulans might decrease the effectiveness of B.
Read the full Bacillus Coagulans + Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium interactionAmoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, RifabutinTalicia
How Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bacillus CoagulansAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking antibiotics with Bacillus coagulans might decrease the effectiveness of B.
Read the full Bacillus Coagulans + Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interactionAmphotericin, TetracyclineMysteclin-F
How Amphotericin, Tetracycline interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bacillus CoagulansAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking antibiotics with Bacillus coagulans might decrease the effectiveness of B.
Read the full Bacillus Coagulans + Amphotericin, Tetracycline interactionZincTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Amphotericin, Tetracycline interactionAmpicillinOmnipen, Omnipen-N, Penbritin, Principen, Rimacillin
How Ampicillin interacts with Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Bacillus CoagulansAntibiotic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking antibiotics with Bacillus coagulans might decrease the effectiveness of B.
Read the full Bacillus Coagulans + Ampicillin interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Vitamin C
Alkylating Agents
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Aluminum
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.
Antitumor Antibiotics
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Estrogens
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)
Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.
Aspirin
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
Niacin
Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.
Salsalate (Disalcid)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
Bacillus coagulans
Antibiotic Drugs
Theoretically, taking antibiotics with Bacillus coagulans might decrease the effectiveness of B. coagulans.
B. coagulans preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and B. coagulans preparations by at least two hours.
Black Elderberry Extract
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.
Pazopanib (Votrient)
Theoretically, elderberry might interact with pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Zinc
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.
Cephalexin (Keflex)
Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)
Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.
Integrase Inhibitors
Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)
Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.
Quinolone Antibiotics
Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.
Ritonavir (Norvir)
Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.
Tetracycline Antibiotics
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.
Amiloride (Midamor)
Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.
Atazanavir (Reyataz)
Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract, from the product label.
Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract by Solaray: Common Questions
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Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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The Full Monographs Behind Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Zinc
Interacts with 67 drugsZinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but supplements can help correct or prevent a defici...
Read the full Zinc monograph → Herb & supplement monographBacillus Coagulans
Interacts with 182 drugsBacillus coagulans is a spore-forming probiotic that survives stomach acid well and may help with some digestive problems such as IBS, constipation, and certain types of diarrhea. The eviden...
Read the full Bacillus Coagulans monograph → Herb & supplement monographVitamin C
Interacts with 207 drugsVitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...
Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monographElderberry
Interacts with 121 drugsElderberry 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 & How We Checked
Black Elderberry with SambuActin Sambucus Extract'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 165 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.
Zinc 88 references
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Bacillus Coagulans 20 references
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Elderberry 6 references
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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.
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