Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Chitosan Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories

Chitosan label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Chitosan against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chitosan is a dietary supplement by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for food and drink flavoring or sourness, preservative and acidity adjuster, kidney stone prevention (as citrate salts).Based on those ingredients, 3 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Liposan Ultra. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Chitosan by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Chitosan by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chitosan by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 3 active ingredients. Chitosan (the active ingredient marketed as Liposan Ultra) is a compound derived from shellfish that may support weight management and heart health.

It's paired with lipase, an enzyme that helps break down dietary fats, and citric acid, which is a weak acid found in citrus fruits. The capsule itself is made from gelatin and vegetable lubricant, which are inactive ingredients that help deliver the actives.

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: bind dietary fat and support weight management.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hypercholesterolemia, Obesity, lipid metabolism, cholesterol management.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Chitosan is rated "Possibly Effective" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Chitosan is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hypercholesterolemia.

Chitosan has possibly effective evidence for weight management and postoperative recovery, and possibly effective evidence for blood pressure support. Lipase and citric acid don't have established evidence in our data for the conditions they're used for here — the evidence is insufficient to rate them.

If you're considering this product for one of chitosan's supported uses, talk it over with your doctor to see if it fits your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Citric Acid Lipase Chitosan

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chitosan is generally well tolerated in the short term, though the long-term safety data is limited. The most common side effects are digestive: constipation, diarrhea, bloating, stomach discomfort, and nausea.

Because chitosan is derived from shellfish, it's not appropriate if you have a shellfish allergy. Chitosan is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — not enough safety data exists.

Citric acid is likely safe in pregnancy in the small amounts used in supplements. Lipase has not been well studied in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so check with your doctor before using it if you're pregnant or nursing.

If you have serious digestive conditions, ask your doctor before starting lipase.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Citric Acid Lipase Chitosan

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 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Chitosan.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 3 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take warfarin or any other blood thinner — chitosan may increase bleeding risk. Also confirm you're not on acyclovir or another antiviral, since chitosan can lower how well those work.

No interactions are documented for citric acid or lipase in our data.

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.

Chitosan may help with weight management and blood pressure if you're interested in that support, but it does interact with blood thinners and antivirals, so check your medications first. If you have a shellfish allergy, this product isn't for you.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you take any regular medications or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 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 Chitosan, straight from the product label.

Brand Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 351821086613
Net contents 180 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 261536
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Chitosan by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories, 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:
4 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
4 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
351821086613
IngredientAmount% DV
Citric Acid300 mg--
Lipase100 mg--
Liposan Ultra1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Lubricant

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.
Storage

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 4 capsules with 8 ounces of water, three times daily, before or immediately after meals, or as directed by a doctor.

General Statements

Sold only for dispensing by a licensed health care professional.

Precautions

Pregnant and/or lactating women should consult their physician prior to use.

Tamper evident band around cap and seal on bottle. Do not use if either seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Persons with a known allergo to shellfish products should consult a physician prior to using this product.

Contains: crustacean shell fish (shrimp) and soy.

Formula

Chitosan is a naturan occurring fiber extract from shellfish shells. It has the unique capability of binding up to 12 times its own weight in dietary fat. LipoSan ULTRA is 90% soluble in stomach acid in one minute, compared to one hour or more for other chitosan products.

With LipoSan ULTRA Naturally occurring Marine Fiber with Synergistic fibers

Brand IP Statement(s)

LipoSan ULTRA is a registered trademark of Primex.

Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories

Formulation

Progressive Laboratories manufactured this product in its 3rd party GMP-inspected facility. (Good Manufacturing Practices)

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Certified GMP Compliant 21 CFR 111

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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

See for yourself

Chitosan by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories label

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

Chitosan label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chitosan by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size4 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container45 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.

Citric Acid

No known
interactions
300 mg per serving

Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits and is widely used as a safe food additive, flavoring, and preservative. In medicine, citrate for...

Citric Acid monograph & interactions

Lipase

No known
interactions
100 mg per serving

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy fo...

Lipase monograph & interactions

Liposan Ultra

Interacts with
3 drugs
1000 mg per serving Form: Chitosan

Chitosan is a fiber-like substance made from the shells of shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish, often marketed for weight loss and cholesterol. The evi...

Liposan Ultra monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Lubricant. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Chitosan by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chitosan?

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
3Drugs
3 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Liposan Ultra 3

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Chitosan interact with 3 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 3 ingredients in Chitosan interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Liposan Ultra

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Chitosan 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.

Liposan Ultra2 drug types · 3 drugs

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Chitosan can reduce the absorption of acyclovir, potentially increasing the risk for treatment failure.
Clinical research in humans shows that taking chitosan along with acyclovir 200 mg reduces acyclovir absorption. Concomitant administration of chitosan 400 mg or 1000 mg reduced the acyclovir area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration by about 30% and 40%, respectively, compared with control. Concomitant administration with chitosan 1000 mg also increased time to peak concentration from 1 hour to 2 hours. In vitro research suggests that the mechanism for reduced absorption is due to acyclovir entrapment in chitosan-mucus complexes, which reduces intestinal absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, chitosan might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In a case report, a patient taking warfarin had a significantly increased international normalized ratio (INR) after starting chitosan 1200 mg daily. The INR normalized after chitosan was discontinued and vitamin K was administered. The patient once again started taking chitosan and again had a significant increase in INR. The INR stabilized again once chitosan was discontinued. Researchers theorize that this interaction might occur because chitosan decreases absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin K, which could increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Liposan Ultra full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories

See all Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories products
Name
Progressive Laboratories, Inc.
City
Irving
State
Texas
ZipCode
75038
Phone Number
1-800-527-9512
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chitosan by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Chitosan by Progressive Professional from Progressive Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chitosan has a known interaction with 3 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chitosan contains 3 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.
Is this safe if I have a shellfish allergy?
No. Chitosan is derived from shellfish, so it's not appropriate for you if you have a shellfish allergy. Talk to your pharmacist about alternatives.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Chitosan is not recommended — there isn't enough safety data. Citric acid is likely safe in the amounts used here during pregnancy. For lipase, the safety data while pregnant or breastfeeding hasn't been well studied, so check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the most common side effects?
The main ones are digestive: constipation, diarrhea, bloating, stomach discomfort, and nausea. These are generally mild and short-term.
What is lipase doing in this product?
Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down dietary fats. It's included to support digestion, though the evidence for it in supplements is still limited.
Does chitosan actually work for weight loss?
Chitosan has possibly effective evidence for weight management, which means there's some research support but it's not definitive. It works best as part of an overall healthy diet and exercise plan — talk to your doctor about whether it's right for you.
Can this affect my blood pressure medication?
Chitosan may help support blood pressure, but it doesn't interact with blood pressure medications in our data. That said, if you take blood pressure medication and want to add chitosan, check with your doctor to make sure your dose stays right for you.

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

Not sure if Chitosan 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.

Chitosan label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Chitosan’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Citric Acid

Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits and is widely used as a safe food additive, flavoring, and preservative. In medicine, citrate forms (like potassium or sodium citrate) ar...

Read the full Citric Acid monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lipase

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy for people who cannot make enough of their...

Read the full Lipase monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Chitosan

Interacts with 3 drugs

Chitosan is a fiber-like substance made from the shells of shrimp, crabs, and other shellfish, often marketed for weight loss and cholesterol. The evidence for these benefits is weak, and an...

Read the full Chitosan monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chitosan'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 28 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.

Citric Acid 10 references
  1. Kurtzweil P. Alpha-hydroxy acids for skin care: Smooth sailing or rough seas? FDA 1999. Available at: /www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/298_ahas.html (Accessed 18 August 2000). DOI
  2. Erbagci Z, Akcali C. Biweekly serial glycolic acid peels vs. long-term daily use of topical low-strength glycolic acid in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Int J Dermatol 2000;39:789-94.. PubMed
  3. Ghadishah D, Gorchynski J. Airway compromise after routine alpha-hydroxy facial peel administration. J Emerg Med 2002;22:353-5.. PubMed
  4. Baumann LS, Oresajo C, Yatskayer M, Dahl A, Figueras K. Comparison of clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel to a novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid in the treatment
  5. Emtestam L, Svensson Å, Rensfeldt K. Treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp with a topical solution of urea, lactic acid, and propylene glycol (K301): results of two double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled studies. Mycoses. 2012 Sep;55(5):3 PubMed
  6. Kaminaka C, Uede M, Matsunaka H, Furukawa F, Yamomoto Y. Clinical evaluation of glycolic acid chemical peeling in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative study. Dermatol Surg. 2014 Mar;40(3):314- PubMed
  7. Köse O, Özmen I, Arca E. An open, comparative study of 10% potassium hydroxide solution versus salicylic and lactic acid combination in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children. J Dermatolog Treat. 2013 Aug;24(4):300-4. PubMed
  8. Vachiramon V, Sahawatwong S, Sirithanabadeekul P. Treatment of melasma in men with low-fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser versus combined laser and glycolic acid peeling. Dermatol Surg. 2015 Apr;41(4):457-65. PubMed
  9. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cosmetic Ingredients: Alpha Hydroxy Acids. August 2020. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids. Accessed on October 19, 2021.
  10. Ormerod AD, van Voorst Vader PC, Majewski S, Vanscheidt W, Benjamin N, van der Meijden W. Evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 3 dose regimens of topical sodium nitrite with citric acid in patients with anogenital warts: A randomized cl DOI

See these in context on the Citric Acid monograph →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

Chitosan 17 references
  1. Jing SB, Li L, Ji D, et al. Effect of chitosan on renal function in patients with chronic renal failure. J Pharm Pharmacol 1997;49:721-3. PubMed
  2. Pittler MH, Abbot NC, Harkness EF, Ernst E. Randomized, double-blind trial of chitosan for body weight reduction. Eur J Clin Nutr 1999;53:379-81. PubMed
  3. Ho SC, Tai ES, Eng PH, et al. In the absence of dietary surveillance, chitosan does not reduce plasma lipids or obesity in hypercholesterolaemic obese Asian subjects. Singapore Med J 2001;42:6-10.
  4. Bokura H, Kobayashi S. Chitosan decreases total cholesterol in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 2003;57:721-5. PubMed
  5. Mhurchu CN, Poppitt SD, McGill AT, et al. The effect of the dietary supplement, Chitosan, on body weight: a randomised controlled trial in 250 overweight and obese adults. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2004;28:1149-56. PubMed
  6. Huang SS, Sung SH, Chiang CE. Chitosan potentiation of warfarin effect. Ann Pharmacother 2007;41:1912-4. PubMed
  7. Tsai, G. J. and Su, W. H. Antibacterial activity of shrimp chitosan against Escherichia coli. J Food Prot. 1999;62(3):239-243. PubMed
  8. Wuolijoki, E., Hirvela, T., and Ylitalo, P. Decrease in serum LDL cholesterol with microcrystalline chitosan. Methods Find.Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1999;21(5):357-361. PubMed
  9. Nelson, J. L., Alexander, J. W., Gianotti, L., Chalk, C. L., and Pyles, T. Influence of dietary fiber on microbial growth in vitro and bacterial translocation after burn injury in mice. Nutrition 1994;10(1):32-36.
  10. Schiller RN, Barrager E, Schauss EA, and et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining the effects of a rapidly soluble chitosan dietary supplement on weight loss and body composition in overweight and mildly obese individuals. J
  11. Koide, S. S. Chitin-chitosan: properties, benefits and risks. Nutrition Research 1998;8(6):1091-1101. DOI
  12. Maezaki Y, Tsuji K, Nakawa, and et al. Hypocholesterolaemic effect of chitosan in adult males. Biosc Biochem Biotech 1993;57:1439-1444.
  13. Kubbinga M, Nguyen MA, Staubach P, et al. The influence of chitosan on the oral bioavailability of acyclovir-a comparative bioavailability study in humans. Pharm Res 2015;32(7):2241-9. PubMed
  14. Jull AB, Ni Mhurchu C, Bennett DA, et al. Chitosan for overweight or obesity. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008;(3):CD003892. PubMed
  15. Schmidl D, Werkmeister R, Kaya S, et al. A Controlled, Randomized Double-Blind Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Chitosan-N-Acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2017;33(5):375-382.
  16. Moraru C, Mincea MM, Frandes M, Timar B, Ostafe V. A meta-analysis on randomised controlled clinical trials evaluating the effect of the dietary supplement chitosan on weight loss, lipid parameters and blood pressure. Medicina (Kaunas). 2018;54(6):109. PubMed
  17. García MA, Hensler G, Al-Gousous J, Pielenhofer J, Wagner M, Lennernäs H, Langguth P. Novel food drug interaction mechanism involving acyclovir, chitosan and endogenous mucus. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2023;49:100491. PubMed

See these in context on the Chitosan 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
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team