Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Ceriva Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Metagenics

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Ceriva is a dietary supplement by Metagenics with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and cognitive support, alzheimer's disease and dementia, age-related memory decline.Based on those ingredients, 219 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Huperzine A. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Ceriva by Metagenics

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

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Ceriva contains 2 active ingredients. Huperzine A is derived from club moss and works by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the brain involved in memory and thinking.

The second active ingredient is Polypeptide Complex — we have no data on what this ingredient does or how it works.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support healthy cognition and memory.
  • We looked for evidence on: Alzheimer disease, Cognitive impairment, Memory, Vascular dementia, Age-related cognitive decline, Neurotransmitter function.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Huperzine A is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Huperzine A is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cognitive impairment, Vascular dementia, Memory.

The evidence for huperzine A is limited. It's rated possibly effective for Alzheimer disease, but for other uses — athletic performance, general cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, depression, and memory — the evidence is insufficient to establish it works.

The facts we hold don't include effectiveness data for Polypeptide Complex.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Huperzine A

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.

Huperzine A is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, though it's a pharmacologically active compound and warrants careful medical guidance. The most common dose-dependent side effects are cholinergic in nature — blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, sweating, and vomiting.

It can also cause a slower heart rate. The safety data advises against huperzine A during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information.

We hold no pregnancy or breastfeeding data for Polypeptide Complex.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Huperzine A

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 — Huperzine A.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 219 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 taking Ceriva, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on cholinergic drugs (medications that boost brain acetylcholine, used for conditions like myasthenia gravis or Alzheimer disease) or anticholinergic drugs (medications that block acetylcholine, used for overactive bladder, Parkinson disease, or motion sickness). Both types carry Moderate interaction risk with huperzine A.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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.

Ceriva may interest you if you're exploring options for Alzheimer disease, but the evidence for other brain-health claims is not established. The main caution is avoiding it if you take cholinergic or anticholinergic medications, and it's not recommended in pregnancy or while nursing.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — they can check your specific medications and advise whether this product is right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 19, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Ceriva, straight from the product label.

Brand Metagenics
Net contents 30 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 19, 2022
DSLD ID 267375
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten 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 Ceriva by Metagenics, 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:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Huperzine A200 mcg--
Polypeptide Complex100 mcg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Stearic Acid, Silica

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.
Formulation

Ceriva is formulated to support healthy cognition and memory by beneficially modulating the metabolism of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and aiding neuroprotection.

This product is non-GMO and gluten-free. GF Certified Gluten-free

Cognitive & memory support

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one tablet once daily with food or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

Caution: For adult use only. Avoid use if taking acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or cholinergic medications, or if you have a seizure disorder, cardiac arrhythmia, benign prostatic hypertrophy, asthma, chronic respiratory condition, peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, or malabsorption syndrome.

If you have suppressed immune function or are taking medication, including blood thinning medications and immunomodulators, consult your healthcare practitioner before use.

Rare but mild and temporary anxiety, mood change, sleep disturbance, dizziness, or fatigue may be experienced. Do not exceed two tablets daily. Use with caution when driving or operating machinery.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Practitioner exclusive

Contains: Milk.

Storage

Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

GF Certified Gluten-free

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Ceriva by Metagenics label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Ceriva by Metagenics

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 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.

Huperzine A

Interacts with
219 drugs
200 mcg per serving Form: Toothed Clubmoss (Huperzia serrata) whole plant extract

Huperzine A is a purified compound from a Chinese clubmoss that acts like a mild cholinesterase inhibitor, similar in mechanism to some prescription A...

Huperzine A monograph & interactions

Polypeptide Complex

100 mcg per serving Form: Colostrum

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Stearic Acid, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Ceriva by Metagenics Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Ceriva?

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
219Drugs
219 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Ceriva 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.

Huperzine A2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, huperzine A might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Huperzine A has acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibiting effects. In animal models, huperzine A reversed cognitive deficits induced by scopolamine, an anticholinergic drug.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of huperzine A with cholinergic drugs might increase the effects and side effects of these medications.
Huperzine A can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and might cause cumulative effects if used with cholinergic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Ceriva, from the product label.

Metagenics

See all Metagenics products
Name
Metagenics
City
Gig Harbor
State
WA
ZipCode
98332
Phone Number
800 692 9400
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Ceriva by Metagenics: Common Questions

Does Ceriva by Metagenics interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Ceriva has a known interaction with 219 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Ceriva contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
What does huperzine A do?
Huperzine A slows the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical in your brain that helps with memory and thinking. It's derived from club moss and is rated possibly effective for Alzheimer disease, though evidence for other uses like general memory or cognitive sharpness is not yet established.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects are dose-dependent and cholinergic — blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, sweating, vomiting, and a slower heart rate. Most people tolerate it well by mouth, but these effects can occur, especially at higher doses.
Can I take it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against huperzine A during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Will it help my memory?
The evidence for huperzine A and memory is insufficient — we don't have reliable data showing it works for general memory complaints. It's only rated possibly effective for Alzheimer disease specifically.
What's in the capsule besides the active ingredients?
The inactive ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, and silica — all common tablet binders and fillers.

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

Not sure if Ceriva is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Ceriva label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Ceriva'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 13 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.

Huperzine A 13 references
  1. Skolnick AA. Old Chinese herbal medicine used for fever yields possible new Alzheimer Disease therapy. JAMA 1997;277:776. DOI
  2. Ye JW, Cai JX, Wang LM, Tang XC. Improving effects of huperzine A on spatial working memory in aged monkeys and young adult monkeys with experimental cognitive impairment. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1999;288:814-9.. DOI
  3. Wang T, Tang XC. Reversal of scopolamine-induced deficits in radial maze performance by (-)-huperzine A: comparison with E2020 and tacrine. Eur J Pharmacol 1998;349:137-42. PubMed
  4. Xu SS, Gao ZX, Weng Z, et al. Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1995;16:391-5.
  5. Zhang RW, Tang XC, Han YY, et al. [Drug evaluation of huperzine A in the treatment of senile memory disorders]. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao 1991;12:250-2.
  6. Xu SS, Cai ZY, Qu ZW, et al. Huperzine-A in capsules and tablets for treating patients with Alzheimer disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1999;20:486-90.
  7. Felgenhauer N, Zilker T, Worek F, Eyer P. Intoxication with huperzine A, a potent anticholinesterase found in the fir club moss. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2000;38:803-8.. PubMed
  8. Zhang, Z., Wang, X., Chen, Q., Shu, L., Wang, J., and Shan, G. [Clinical efficacy and safety of huperzine Alpha in treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer disease, a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 7-25-2002;82
  9. Cheng, D. H., Ren, H., and Tang, X. C. Huperzine A, a novel promising acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Neuroreport 12-20-1996;8(1):97-101. PubMed
  10. Wang BS, Wang H, Wei ZH, Song YY, Zhang L, Chen HZ. Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: an updated meta-analysis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2009;116(4):457-65. PubMed
  11. Xu ZQ, Liang XM, Juan-Wu, Zhang YF, Zhu CX, Jiang XJ. Treatment with Huperzine A improves cognition in vascular dementia patients. Cell Biochem Biophys 2012;62(1):55-8. PubMed
  12. Yang G, Wang Y, Tian J, Liu JP. Huperzine A for Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PLoS One 2013;8(9):e74916. PubMed
  13. Xing SH, Zhu CX, Zhang R, An L. Huperzine a in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: a meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;2014:363985. PubMed

See these in context on the Huperzine A 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

Keep exploring