Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Citrulline Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Pro Performance

Tablet Or Pill Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Citrulline Complex is a dietary supplement by GNC Pro Performance with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for muscle building and recovery, increasing daily protein intake, weight management.Based on those ingredients, 231 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Citrulline, hydrolyzed Whey Peptide Complex. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Citrulline Complex by GNC Pro Performance

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.
  • “Micro-Peptide Citrulline Complex:” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: hydrolyzed whey peptide complex and a micro-peptide L-citrulline blend. Whey protein is a complete protein derived from dairy that's used to support muscle and athletic performance.

L-citrulline is an amino acid that your body converts to arginine, which plays a role in blood vessel function and circulation. The tablet also contains inactive ingredients—cellulose, calcium carbonate, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, riboflavin, natural vanilla mint flavor, stevia leaf extract, and carmine—which serve as binders, fillers, and flavoring.

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: muscle pumps and protein synthesis support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, Exercise-induced muscle damage, Muscle strength, Sarcopenia, muscle endurance, blood flow — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Whey Protein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: L-citrulline is rated "Possibly Effective" for Athletic performance.
  • Also on file: L-citrulline is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Sarcopenia.

For athletic performance, whey protein is rated possibly effective, as is L-citrulline. That means there's some clinical evidence they may help, but it's not yet strong or complete.

For other uses, the evidence is thinner: whey shows possibly ineffective ratings for osteoporosis and COPD, and insufficient evidence exists for cognitive decline or HIV-related wasting. L-citrulline has insufficient evidence for heart health, heart failure, diabetes, and Reye syndrome.

If you're considering this product for athletic support, talk with your doctor or trainer about whether the evidence fits your goals.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Whey Protein L-citrulline

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Whey protein is generally well tolerated in healthy adults when used as directed, though concentrated supplement forms are not extensively studied—check with your doctor if you have concerns. The most common side effects are dose-related and include acne, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, nausea, reflux, reduced appetite, and thirst.

Whey has been linked to acne onset or worsening in teens and young adults; stopping the supplement often clears the lesions. L-citrulline is also generally well tolerated, but long-term safety isn't fully established.

Common side effects are gastrointestinal discomfort and heartburn. For pregnancy, the safety data for L-citrulline is insufficient—the facts advise avoiding it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Whey protein as food is likely fine, but high-dose supplements aren't well studied in pregnancy or lactation; talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Whey Protein L-citrulline

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Whey Protein, L-citrulline.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 231 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 this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take levodopa (a Major interaction concern with the whey peptide), antihypertensive drugs or erectile dysfunction medications (Moderate with L-citrulline), or any quinolone, tetracycline, or bisphosphonate medications (Moderate with the whey peptide). Timing adjustments may help, but your healthcare provider needs to weigh your specific situation.

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. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

GNC Pro Performance Citrulline Complex may appeal to athletes looking to support performance, since both whey and L-citrulline are possibly effective for that purpose. However, if you take levodopa (Parkinson's medication), antibiotics, bone medications, blood pressure drugs, or erectile dysfunction medications, you'll need to clear this with your doctor or pharmacist first because of documented interactions.

Pregnant or breastfeeding folks should discuss it with their own healthcare provider before starting. It's generally well tolerated, but watch for acne, digestive upset, and heartburn.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 2016.

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 Citrulline Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Pro Performance
Barcode (UPC) 048107154028
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2016
DSLD ID 66898
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Citrulline Complex by GNC Pro Performance, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
048107154028
IngredientAmount% DV
hydrolyzed Whey Peptide Complex100 mg--
Micro-Peptide Citrulline Complex:0 NP--
L-Citrulline1600 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Calcium Carbonate, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Riboflavin, natural Vanilla Mint flavor, Stevia leaf extract, Carmine

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.
General Statements

Actual size

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

Fuels N.O. production needed for muscle pumps Supports muscle protein synthesis

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Contains: Milk.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Rapid-absorbing 1700mg micro-peptide complex

Contains: Milk.

General

CODE 986212 CQG

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, on workout days, take 1-2 servings prior to workout. On rest days, take 1-2 servings in the morning.

Seals/Symbols

Gf Gluten free

Formulation

No sugar, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors, sodium free, no wheat, gluten free, no soy, yeast 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.

See for yourself

Citrulline Complex by GNC Pro Performance label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Citrulline Complex by GNC Pro Performance

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

Serving size2 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.

Micro-Peptide Citrulline Complex:

0 NP per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Calcium Carbonate, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Riboflavin, Natural Vanilla Mint flavor, Stevia leaf extract, Carmine. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Citrulline Complex by GNC Pro Performance Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Citrulline Complex?

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
231Drugs
5 Major 226 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Citrulline Complex 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.

L-Citrulline2 drug types · 178 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-citrulline with antihypertensive drugs might have additive effects and increase the chance of hypotension.
L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine, which can increase nitric oxide and cause vasodilation. However, a meta-analysis of 5 small clinical studies suggests that taking L-citrulline 3-6 grams daily for 1-8 weeks does not lower blood pressure when compared with control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors

Theoretically, concurrent use of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and L-citrulline might result in additive vasodilation.
L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine, which can increase nitric oxide and cause vasodilation. Theoretically, taking L-arginine with PDE-5 inhibitors might have additive vasodilatory and hypotensive effects. However, in studies evaluating the combined use of L-arginine and sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, hypotension was not reported.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

hydrolyzed Whey Peptide Complex4 drug types · 53 drugs

Levodopa

Theoretically, whey protein might decrease levodopa absorption.
Small clinical studies show that concomitant ingestion of protein or high doses of leucine or isoleucine (100 mg/kg) and levodopa can exacerbate tremor, rigidity, and the "on-off" syndrome in patients with Parkinson disease.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Theoretically, whey protein might reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Whey protein contains minerals such as calcium that bind bisphosphonates in the gut. Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before whey protein, but preferably at a different time of day.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, whey protein might decrease quinolone absorption.
Whey protein contains minerals, such as calcium, that can bind to quinolones in the gut. To avoid this interaction, advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after whey protein.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, whey protein might decrease tetracycline absorption.
Whey protein contains minerals, such as calcium, that bind to tetracyclines in the gut. To avoid this interaction, advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after whey protein.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Citrulline Complex, from the product label.

GNC Pro Performance

See all GNC Pro Performance products
Name
General Nutrition Corp.
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
www.gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Citrulline Complex by GNC Pro Performance: Common Questions

Does Citrulline Complex by GNC Pro Performance interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Citrulline Complex has a known interaction with 231 medications, including 5 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Citrulline Complex 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data for L-citrulline during pregnancy and lactation isn't sufficient—the facts advise against it during both periods. Whey as a food is likely fine, but high-dose supplements aren't well studied in these situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your individual circumstances and whether there's an alternative.
What are the most common side effects?
Whey protein may cause acne, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, nausea, reflux, reduced appetite, and thirst—most are dose-related. L-citrulline commonly causes gastrointestinal discomfort and heartburn. If acne worsens or doesn't resolve, stopping the product often clears it.
Will this help me build muscle or improve athletic performance?
Both whey protein and L-citrulline are rated possibly effective for athletic performance, meaning some clinical evidence supports their use—but the evidence isn't strong or complete. Results vary, and they work best alongside proper training and nutrition.
Can I take this with my Parkinson's medication (levodopa)?
No—there's a Major interaction concern. Whey protein may reduce how your body absorbs levodopa and potentially worsen tremor, rigidity, and other symptoms. Do not take this product if you're on levodopa without explicit clearance from your doctor.
What's the difference between the whey peptide and L-citrulline in this product?
Whey peptide is a dairy-derived protein that supports muscle and athletic performance. L-citrulline is an amino acid your body converts to arginine, which helps with blood vessel function and circulation. Together they target muscle and performance support.
Will this lower my blood pressure?
L-citrulline may have a modest blood-pressure-lowering effect through its action on blood vessels. If you already take blood pressure medications, combining them could cause excessive drop—that's why you need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

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

Not sure if Citrulline Complex 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.

Citrulline Complex label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Citrulline Complex'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 33 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.

Whey Protein 25 references
  1. Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999.
  2. Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
  3. Bell SJ. Whey protein concentrates with and without immunoglobulins: a review. J Med Food 2000;3:1-13. PubMed
  4. Nutt JG, Woodward WR, Hammerstad JP, et al. The "on-off" phenomenon in Parkinson's disease. Relation to levodopa absorption and transport. N Engl J Med 1984;310:483-8. PubMed
  5. Baruzzi A, Contin M, Riva R, et al. Influence of meal ingestion time on pharmacokinetics of orally administered levodopa in parkinsonian patients. Clin Neuropharmacol 1987;10:527-37. PubMed
  6. Juncos JL, Fabbrini G, Mouradian MM, et al. Dietary influences on the antiparkinsonian response to levodopa. Arch Neurol 1987;44:1003-5. PubMed
  7. Eriksson T, Granerus AK, Linde A, et al. "On-off" phenomenon in Parkinson's disease: relationship between dopa and other large neutral amino acids in plasma. Neurology 1988;38:1245-8. PubMed
  8. Semla TP, Beizer JL, Higbee MD. Geriatric Dosage Handbook. 4th ed. Hudson, OH: Lexicomp, 1998.
  9. Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen A, et al. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003;47:2158-60.. PubMed
  10. Peters ML, Leonard M, Licata AA. Role of alendronate and risedronate in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Cleve Clin J Med 2001;68:945-51. PubMed
  11. Micke, P., Beeh, K. M., and Buhl, R. Effects of long-term supplementation with whey proteins on plasma glutathione levels of HIV-infected patients. Eur.J Nutr 2002;41(1):12-18. PubMed
  12. Chitapanarux, T., Tienboon, P., Pojchamarnwiputh, S., and Leelarungrayub, D. Open-labeled pilot study of cysteine-rich whey protein isolate supplementation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients. J Gastroenterol.Hepatol. 2009;24(6):1045-1050. PubMed
  13. Sataloff, R. T., Bittermann, T., Marks, L., Lurie, D., and Hawkshaw, M. The effects of glutathione enhancement on sensorineural hearing loss. Ear Nose Throat J 2010;89(9):422-433.
  14. Zhu, K., Meng, X., Kerr, D. A., Devine, A., Solah, V., Binns, C. W., and Prince, R. L. The effects of a two-year randomized, controlled trial of whey protein supplementation on bone structure, IGF-1, and urinary calcium excretion in older postmenopausal
  15. Bjorkman, M. P., Pilvi, T. K., Kekkonen, R. A., Korpela, R., and Tilvis, R. S. Similar effects of leucine rich and regular dairy products on muscle mass and functions of older polymyalgia rheumatica patients: a randomized crossover trial. J Nutr Health A
  16. Brun, A. C., Stordal, K., Johannesdottir, G. B., Bentsen, B. S., and Medhus, A. W. The effect of protein composition in liquid meals on gastric emptying rate in children with cerebral palsy. Clin.Nutr 2012;31(1):108-112. PubMed
  17. Gouni-Berthold, I., Schulte, D. M., Krone, W., Lapointe, J. F., Lemieux, P., Predel, H. G., and Berthold, H. K. The whey fermentation product malleable protein matrix decreases TAG concentrations in patients with the metabolic syndrome: a randomised plac
  18. Errichiello, L., Pezzella, M., Santulli, L., Striano, S., Zara, F., Minetti, C., Mainardi, P., and Striano, P. A proof-of-concept trial of the whey protein alfa-lactalbumin in chronic cortical myoclonus. Mov Disord. 2011;26(14):2573-2575. PubMed
  19. Carcillo, J. A., Dean, J. M., Holubkov, R., Berger, J., Meert, K. L., Anand, K. J., Zimmerman, J., Newth, C. J., Harrison, R., Burr, J., Willson, D. F., and Nicholson, C. The randomized comparative pediatric critical illness stress-induced immune suppres
  20. Chungchunlam, S. M., Moughan, P. J., Henare, S. J., and Ganesh, S. Effect of time of consumption of preloads on measures of satiety in healthy normal weight women. Appetite 2012;59(2):281-288. PubMed
  21. Rencuzogullari I, Börekçi A, Karakoyun S, et al. Coronary thrombosis in three coronary arteries due to whey protein. Am J Emerg Med. 2017;35(4):664.e3-664.e4. PubMed
  22. Silverberg NB. Whey protein precipitating moderate to severe acne flares in 5 teenaged athletes. Case Reports Cutis. 2012;90(2):70-2.
  23. Simonart T. Acne and whey protein supplementation among bodybuilders. Dermatology. 2012;225(3):256-8. PubMed
  24. Pontes TC, Costa Fernandes Filho GM, Pereira Trindade AS, Sobral Filho JF. Incidence of acne vulgaris in young adult users of protein-calorie supplements in the city of Jo&atilde;o Pessoa-PB. An Bras Dermatol. 2013;88(6):907-12.
  25. Adebamowo CA, Spiegelman D, Berkey CS, et al. Milk consumption and acne in teenaged boys. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 May;58(5):787-93. PubMed

See these in context on the Whey Protein monograph →

L-citrulline 8 references
  1. Cheng JW, Balwin SN. L-arginine in the management of cardiovascular diseases. Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:755-64. PubMed
  2. Schwedhelm E, Maas R, Freese R, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine: impact on nitric oxide metabolism. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2008;65:51-9. PubMed
  3. Romero MJ, Platt DH, Caldwell RB, Caldwell RW. Therapeutic use of citrulline in cardiovascular disease. Cardiovasc Drug Rev 2006;24:275-90. PubMed
  4. Balderas-Munoz K, Castillo-Martínez L, Orea-Tejeda A, et al. Improvement of ventricular function in systolic heart failure patients with oral L-citrulline supplementation. Cardiol J 2012;19:612-7. PubMed
  5. Sharif Kashani B, Tahmaseb Pour P, Malekmohammad M, et al. Oral l-citrulline malate in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and Eisenmenger Syndrome: a clinical trial. J Cardiol 2014;64:231-5. PubMed
  6. Pérez-Guisado J, Jakeman PM. Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. J Strength Cond Res 2010;24:1215-22. PubMed
  7. Mirenayat MS, Moradi S, Mohammadi H, Rouhani MH. Effect of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2018;20(11):98. PubMed
  8. Xu Z, Liu C, Liu S, Zhou Z. Comparison of efficacy and safety of daily oral L-arginine and PDE5Is alone or combination in treating erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Andrologia. 2021:e14007. PubMed

See these in context on the L-citrulline monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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