Cacao Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Herbal Terra
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Cacao 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
Cacao is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart and blood vessel health, high blood pressure, high cholesterol.Based on those ingredients, 661 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic Cacao raw beans liquid extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Cacao by Herbal Terra
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cacao by Herbal Terra — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cacao by Herbal Terra
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: certified organic cacao raw beans liquid extract. Cacao is the plant material from which chocolate is made, and it naturally contains caffeine—the main compound responsible for cacao's effects on your body and its interactions with medications.
The extract also includes menstruum, an inactive ingredient used to prepare the extract.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Cacao shows possibly effective evidence for cardiovascular disease (CVD)—meaning some research suggests it may help, though more data would strengthen that claim. For stretch marks, the evidence points to possibly ineffective.
The facts we hold don't yet establish reliable evidence for its use in HIV/AIDS-related high cholesterol, aging skin, or asthma, so we can't rate those uses.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Cacao in food amounts is generally well tolerated, but this is a concentrated supplement, so caution applies. The most common side effects from oral use are gas, constipation, increased urination, stomach discomfort, headaches, and nausea.
Rarely, it can cause a rapid heartbeat. Chocolate can trigger acid reflux (GERD) and has been linked to flatulence, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome in some people.
Allergic skin reactions are possible but uncommon. In pregnancy, the evidence is mixed—it's rated both possibly safe and possibly unsafe, so the data is unclear.
Talk with your doctor about whether it's right for you. During breastfeeding, cacao is rated possibly safe, but its caffeine does pass into breast milk; keep your intake modest and watch your baby for fussiness or sleep trouble.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before you take this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you use ephedrine (highest concern), quinolone antibiotics, pentobarbital or other sedatives, dipyridamole, beta-agonist inhalers, flutamide, disulfiram, or any blood pressure medication. Cacao's caffeine can alter how these drugs work or raise your risk of side effects.
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.
Cacao may be worth considering if you're interested in cardiovascular support and you don't take medications that interact with caffeine. If you're on any prescription drugs—especially stimulants, blood pressure medications, antibiotics, or sedatives—check with your pharmacist first.
Pregnant or nursing? Talk to your doctor before starting.
It's a concentrated supplement, not a food amount, so be thoughtful about whether it fits your health picture.
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 Nov 21, 2020.
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 Cacao, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Herbal Terra |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 7429523775753 |
| Net contents | 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Nov 21, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 233795 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free, Sugar Free |
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 Cacao by Herbal Terra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| certified organic Cacao raw beans liquid extract | 970 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Menstruum
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.
Formulation
Origin of plant material: Peru.
Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility
Sugar free
Dried herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3 Expertly extracted Laboratory tested 330 mg/1 mL Premium product Super concentrated liquid herbal extract
Non GMO
No artificial ingredients, GMO, gluten, color additives, fillers, preservatives or binders. Natural Gluten Free
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Direction Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking this or any other herbal supplements.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
Notice This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Precautions
Caution May have contraindications.
Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.
Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry, dark place.
Formula
Theobroma cacao
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Seals/Symbols
Made in USA Made in an FDA registered facility Natural Gluten Free
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Cacao by Herbal Terra 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 Cacao by Herbal Terra
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.
Certified organic Cacao raw beans liquid extract
Interacts with661 drugs
Cocoa is rich in plant compounds called flavanols that may modestly support blood vessel function and blood pressure, but most chocolate products are...
Certified organic Cacao raw beans liquid extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Menstruum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Cacao by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Herbal Terra Cacao does interact with medications.
The ingredient—a cacao extract—contains caffeine and related compounds that can affect how your body handles certain drugs.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
The most serious concern is ephedrine, a stimulant medication. Cacao's caffeine can increase the risk of serious adverse effects when combined with ephedrine, including high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, seizures, and in rare cases, death.
You should not take this product if you use ephedrine without talking to your doctor first.
Cacao also interacts with several other medication types. It may weaken the effects of pentobarbital (a sedative) and dipyridamole (used in stress tests)—if you take dipyridamole, stop cacao at least 24 hours before your test.
Quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin) can raise cacao's caffeine levels and increase side effects. Beta-agonist inhalers (like albuterol), flutamide (a prostate cancer drug), and disulfiram (for alcohol dependence) may also be affected.
Additionally, cacao can lower blood pressure, so if you take blood pressure medication, the combination might drop your pressure too far.
Altogether, these interactions span 661 individual medications. Use the medication checker below to verify your exact drugs before starting this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Cacao?
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 Cacao interact with 661 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Cacao interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. certified organic Cacao raw beans liquid extract
BetaxololBetoptic, Kerlone
How Betaxolol interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Betaxolol interactionBetrixabanBevyxxa
How Betrixaban interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cocoa may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Betrixaban interactionBisoprololZebeta
How Bisoprolol interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Bisoprolol interactionBisoprolol, HydrochlorothiazideZiac
How Bisoprolol, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs, Diuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Bisoprolol, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionBivalirudinAngiomax, Angiomax Rtu, Angiox
How Bivalirudin interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cocoa may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Bivalirudin interactionBosentanTracleer
How Bosentan interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Bosentan interactionBromfenac SodiumBromsite, Prolensa
How Bromfenac Sodium interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cocoa may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Bromfenac Sodium interactionBrompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylephrineDimetapp DM
How Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Brompheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine interactionBrompheniramine, Phenylephrine, PhenylpropanolamineDime Time, Normatane TD
How Brompheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs, Phenylpropanolamine Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Brompheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionBrompheniramine, Phenylephrine, PhenyltoloxamineAtrohist Sprinkle
How Brompheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Brompheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionBrompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp, E N T, Porcupine
How Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs, Phenylpropanolamine Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionBrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineAllent, BPM PSEH 08, Bromfed, Bromfed PD, Bromfenex, Bromfenex PD +12 more
How Brompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Brompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionBumetanideBurinex
How Bumetanide interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractDiuretic Drugs, Antihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using cocoa with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Bumetanide interactionBumetanide (iv)Bumex
How Bumetanide (iv) interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Bumetanide (iv) interactionBumetanide (oral)Bumex
How Bumetanide (oral) interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Bumetanide (oral) interactionBumetanide, PotassiumBurinex K
How Bumetanide, Potassium interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using cocoa with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Bumetanide, Potassium interactionButabarbital, Phenobarbital, SecobarbitalS.B.P.
How Butabarbital, Phenobarbital, Secobarbital interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractPhenobarbital (luminal) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenobarbital and increase the risk for convulsions.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Butabarbital, Phenobarbital, Secobarbital interactionButalbital, Phenobarbital, SecobarbitalTribarb
How Butalbital, Phenobarbital, Secobarbital interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractPhenobarbital (luminal) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenobarbital and increase the risk for convulsions.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Butalbital, Phenobarbital, Secobarbital interactionCabliviCablivi
How Cablivi interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cocoa may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Cablivi interactionCaffeine (otc Drug)Molie, Overtime, Vivarin
How Caffeine (otc Drug) interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Caffeine (otc Drug) interactionCaffeine (prescription Drug)Caffeine, Dextrophin
How Caffeine (prescription Drug) interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Caffeine (prescription Drug) interactionCaffeine , Sodium BenzoateCaffeine and Sodium Benzoate
How Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Caffeine , Sodium Benzoate interactionCaffeine, Diphenhydramine, Ergotamine (prescription Drug)Ergodryl
How Caffeine, Diphenhydramine, Ergotamine (prescription Drug) interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Caffeine, Diphenhydramine, Ergotamine (prescription Drug) interactionCaffeine, Ergotamine (prescription Drug)Migergot
How Caffeine, Ergotamine (prescription Drug) interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Caffeine, Ergotamine (prescription Drug) interactionCaffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate (prescription Drug)Cafergot, Wigraine
How Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate (prescription Drug) interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractStimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate (prescription Drug) interactionCaffeine, Potassium Salicylate, SalicylamideTrim-Elim
How Caffeine, Potassium Salicylate, Salicylamide interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractDiuretic Drugs, Stimulant Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using cocoa with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Caffeine, Potassium Salicylate, Salicylamide interactionCamphor, Hyoscyamine, Passif, Phenobarbital, Scopolamine, ValerianNevrotose #3
How Camphor, Hyoscyamine, Passif, Phenobarbital, Scopolamine, Valerian interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractPhenobarbital (luminal) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenobarbital and increase the risk for convulsions.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Camphor, Hyoscyamine, Passif, Phenobarbital, Scopolamine, Valerian interactionCandesartan CilexetilAmias, Atacand
How Candesartan Cilexetil interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Candesartan Cilexetil interactionCandesartan Cilexetil, HydrochlorothiazideAtacand HCT
How Candesartan Cilexetil, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs, Diuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Candesartan Cilexetil, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionCangrelorKengreal
How Cangrelor interacts with Cacao — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cocoa may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Certified Organic Cacao Raw Beans Liquid Extract + Cangrelor interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Cacao 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.
certified organic Cacao raw beans liquid extract
Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)
Theoretically, taking cocoa with ACEIs might increase the risk of adverse effects.
Human research shows that dark chocolate can inhibit ACE. Additionally, prolonged angioedema in an elderly patient on an ACE inhibitor was precipitated with intake of diabetic chocolate.
Adenosine (Adenocard)
Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the vasodilatory effects of adenosine and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine at the cellular level. However, caffeine does not seem to affect supplemental adenosine because high interstitial levels of adenosine overcome the antagonistic effects of caffeine. It is recommended that methylxanthines and methylxanthine-containing products be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. However, methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole than adenosine-induced stress testing.
Alcohol (Ethanol)
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Alcohol reduces caffeine metabolism. Concomitant use of alcohol can increase caffeine serum concentrations and the risk of caffeine adverse effects.
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, cocoa may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research shows that intake of cocoa can inhibit platelet adhesion, aggregation, and activity and increase aspirin-induced bleeding time. For patients on dual antiplatelet therapy, cocoa may enhance the inhibitory effect of clopidogrel, but not aspirin, on platelet aggregation.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical research shows that cocoa can modestly decrease blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive patients.
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists
Theoretically, large amounts of cocoa might increase the cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Theoretically, large amounts of caffeine might increase cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists. A case of atrial fibrillation associated with consumption of large quantities of chocolate in a patient with chronic albuterol inhalation abuse has also been reported.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Inhibitors
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2),. Theoretically, drugs that inhibit CYP1A2 may decrease the clearance rate of caffeine from cocoa and increase caffeine levels.
Dipyridamole (Persantine)
Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the vasodilatory effects of dipyridamole and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine may inhibit dipyridamole-induced vasodilation. It is recommended that methylxanthines and methylxanthine-containing products be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. Methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole than adenosine-induced stress testing.
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Theoretically, disulfiram might increase the risk of adverse effects from caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. In human research, disulfiram decreases the rate of caffeine clearance.
Diuretic Drugs
Theoretically, using cocoa with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Cocoa contains caffeine. In excessive amounts, caffeine can reduce potassium levels due to stimulation of the sodium-potassium pump. Diuretics can also cause lower potassium levels.
Ephedrine
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk for stimulant adverse effects.
Cocoa contains caffeine. There is evidence that using ephedrine with caffeine might increase the risk of serious life-threatening or debilitating adverse effects such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, seizures, and death.
Estrogens
Theoretically, estrogens might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Estrogen inhibits caffeine metabolism.
Flutamide (Eulexin)
Theoretically, cocoa might increase the levels and adverse effects of flutamide.
Cocoa contains caffeine. In vitro evidence suggests that caffeine can inhibit the metabolism of flutamide.
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Theoretically, fluvoxamine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Fluvoxamine reduces caffeine metabolism.
Lithium
Theoretically, abrupt cocoa withdrawal might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Cocoa contains caffeine. There are two case reports of lithium tremor that worsened upon abrupt coffee withdrawal.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine with MAOIs might precipitate a hypertensive crisis.
Nicotine
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of hypertension.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use of caffeine and nicotine has been shown to have additive cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Blood pressure was increased by 10.8/12.4 mmHg when the agents were used concomitantly.
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the effects of pentobarbital.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine might negate the hypnotic effects of pentobarbital.
Phenobarbital (Luminal)
Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenobarbital and increase the risk for convulsions.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenobarbital. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.
Phenylpropanolamine
Theoretically, phenylpropanolamine might increase the risk of hypertension, as well as the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use of phenylpropanolamine and caffeine might cause an additive increase in blood pressure. Phenylpropanolamine also seems to increase caffeine serum levels.
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk for convulsions.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenytoin. The effect does not seem to be related to the seizure threshold-lowering effects of caffeine. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.
Quinolone Antibiotics
Theoretically, quinolone antibiotics might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Quinolones (also referred to as fluoroquinolones) decrease caffeine clearance.
Riluzole (Rilutek)
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of both caffeine and riluzole.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine and riluzole are both metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2, and concomitant use might reduce metabolism of one or both agents.
Stimulant Drugs
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use might increase the risk of stimulant adverse effects.
Theophylline
Theoretically, cocoa might increase the levels and adverse effects of theophylline.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine might inhibit theophylline metabolism. Caffeine decreases theophylline clearance 23% to 29%.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Cacao, from the product label.
Cacao by Herbal Terra: Common Questions
Does Cacao by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is cacao safe if I'm pregnant?
Will this product upset my stomach?
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Does cacao actually help with heart health?
What should I avoid while taking this?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Cacao 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.
The Full Monographs Behind Cacao’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Cacao'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 119 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.
Cocoa 119 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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