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

Cran-Max 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cran-Max 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for urinary tract infection prevention, bladder health, antioxidant support.Based on those ingredients, 712 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cranberry whole fruit concentrate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cran-Max 500 mg by Life Extension

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Cran-Max 500 mg contains one active ingredient: cranberry whole fruit concentrate, providing the compounds cranberry is known for. The rest of the capsule is made up of inactive ingredients—cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, and stearic acid—which are typical fillers and binders that help the capsule hold together.

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: cranberry concentrate for urinary and bladder health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), Overactive bladder, Urinary odor, Catheter-related infections, Radiation-induced cystitis, bladder function — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Cranberry is rated "Possibly Effective" for Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Cranberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Urinary odor, Overactive bladder, Catheter-related infections, Radiation-induced cystitis.

Cranberry is possibly effective for urinary tract infections (UTIs)—the evidence supports its use for that purpose. For everything else on the label—age-related memory problems, prostate health, cancer prevention, fatty liver disease, and chronic fatigue—the evidence we hold is not strong enough to rate it one way or the other.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means we don't have reliable data yet. Talk with your doctor if you're considering it for any of those other conditions.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cranberry

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.

Cranberry is generally well tolerated when you take it by mouth, and food amounts of cranberry are likely safe. The most common side effects are diarrhea and stomach upset.

Nausea, vomiting, and skin redness have been reported in some people too. Here's the catch: most safety data comes from cranberry juice and food—concentrated supplement doses like this one haven't been studied as thoroughly.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or take medications.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cranberry

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 — Cranberry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 713 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 take Cran-Max, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners like warfarin, cholesterol-lowering statins (especially atorvastatin), or blood-pressure drugs like nifedipine—cranberry may change how these work. If you take any other medications that your liver processes, mention this supplement too, since it may affect their levels.

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.

If you have recurrent UTIs, this may be worth trying—the evidence backs it for that use. Just know that cranberry can interact with several common medications, particularly blood thinners and cholesterol drugs, so clear it with your doctor first.

Concentrated cranberry supplements are less studied than food amounts, so it's worth a conversation with your pharmacist or doctor before you start to make sure 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 Jul 21, 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 Cran-Max 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870862062
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 21, 2022
DSLD ID 273922
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 Cran-Max 500 mg by Life Extension, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
737870862062
IngredientAmount% DV
Cranberry whole fruit concentrate500 mg--

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

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. Directions: Take one (1) capsule daily, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Formula

Each capsule contains a complete cranberry concentrate with OPCs, anthocyanins, and antioxidants, which provides the same benefits as drinking 56 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail, but without the calories.

Cranberry whole fruit concentrate 500 mg

Precautions

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Cran-Max and Bio-Shield are registered trademarks of Pharmachem Laboratories, Inc.

Formulation

Gluten free Non GMO

Promotes healthy urinary function

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

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

Cran-Max 500 mg by Life Extension label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cran-Max 500 mg by Life Extension

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cranberry whole fruit concentrate

Interacts with
712 drugs
500 mg per serving

Cranberry is best known for helping to prevent repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in some people, and the evidence here is moderate but mixed. I...

Cranberry whole fruit concentrate monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Cran-Max 500 mg by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cran-Max 500 mg?

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
712Drugs
643 Moderate 69 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cran-Max 500 mg 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.

Cranberry whole fruit concentrate6 drug types · 712 drugs

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Theoretically, cranberry might increase levels and adverse effects of atorvastatin.
In one case report, a patient taking atorvastatin experienced upper back pain, rhabdomyolysis, and abnormal liver function after drinking cranberry juice 16 ounces daily for 2 weeks. Theoretically, this may have been caused by inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes by cranberry juice, as atorvastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate. Creatinine kinase and liver enzymes normalized within 2 weeks of stopping cranberry juice. Patients taking atorvastatin should avoid large quantities of cranberry juice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
A case of upper back pain, rhabdomyolysis, and abnormal liver function has been reported for a patient taking atorvastatin, a CYP3A4 substrate, in combination with cranberry juice 16 ounces daily for 2 weeks. Creatinine kinase and liver enzymes normalized within 2 weeks of stopping cranberry juice. Also, animal research suggests that cranberry juice, administered intraduodenally 30 minutes prior to nifedipine, a CYP3A4 substrate, inhibits nifedipine metabolism and increases the area under the concentration-time curve by 1.6-fold compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nifedipine (Procardia)

Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of nifedipine.
Animal research suggests that cranberry juice, administered intraduodenally 30 minutes prior to nifedipine treatment, inhibits nifedipine metabolism and increases the area under the concentration-time curve by 1.6-fold compared to control. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of warfarin. However, research is conflicting.
There is contradictory evidence about the effect of cranberry juice on warfarin. Case reports have linked cranberry juice consumption to increases in the international normalized ratio (INR) in patients taking warfarin, resulting in severe spontaneous bleeding and excessive postoperative bleeding. Daily consumption of cranberry sauce for one week has also been linked to an increase in INR in one case report. In a small study in healthy young males, taking a high dose of 3 grams of cranberry juice concentrate capsules, equivalent to 57 grams of fruit daily, for 2 weeks produced a 30% increase in the area under the INR-time curve after a single 25-mg dose of warfarin. However, 3 very small clinical studies in patients stabilized on warfarin reported that cranberry juice 250 mL once or twice daily for 7 days (27% cranberry juice or pure cranberry juice) or 240 mL once daily for 14 days does not significantly increase INR or affect plasma warfarin levels. The reasons for these discrepant findings are unclear. It is possible that the form and dose of cranberry may play a role, as cranberry extracts and juices contain different constituents. Additionally, an in vitro study evaluating 5 different cranberry juices found varying effects, with only a cranberry concentrate, and not diluted cranberry juices, inhibiting CYP2C9. However, this concentrate did not inhibit CYP2C9 activity in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates. However, research is conflicting.
There is contradictory evidence about the effect of cranberry on CYP2C9 enzymes. In vitro evidence suggests that flavonoids in cranberry inhibit CYP2C9 enzymes. However, clinical research shows that cranberry juice does not significantly affect the levels, metabolism, or elimination of the CYP2C9 substrates flurbiprofen or diclofenac. Also, in patients stabilized on warfarin, drinking cranberry juice 250 mL daily for 7 days does not significantly increase the anticoagulant activity of warfarin, a CYP2C9 substrate. Additional pharmacokinetic research shows that cranberry juice does not increase peak plasma concentrations or area under the concentration-time curve of warfarin.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Diclofenac (Voltaren, Others)

Theoretically, cranberry might modestly increase the levels and adverse effects of diclofenac.
In vitro evidence suggests that cranberry juice inhibits diclofenac metabolism by human liver microsomes. However, drinking cranberry juice does not seem to affect diclofenac metabolism in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cran-Max 500 mg, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cran-Max 500 mg by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Cran-Max 500 mg by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cran-Max 500 mg has a known interaction with 712 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cran-Max 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Does cranberry actually help prevent or treat UTIs?
Yes—cranberry is possibly effective for urinary tract infections based on the evidence we hold. That said, it shouldn't replace medical treatment if you have a UTI. Talk with your doctor about how to use it alongside whatever care they recommend.
What are the side effects I might feel?
Most people tolerate cranberry well, but diarrhea and stomach upset are the most common complaints. Nausea, vomiting, and skin redness have been reported by some people. Very large doses can make stomach problems worse, especially in children.
Is this safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Cranberry is rated likely safe in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. That said, concentrated supplement doses haven't been studied as thoroughly as food amounts, so ask your doctor or midwife before you start to be sure it's right for you.
Can I take this with my statin or blood thinner?
Don't assume it's safe without checking first—cranberry has documented interactions with both. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before adding this to your routine, since they'll know your exact medication and can advise you on whether it's okay to combine them.
Will this help with other things besides UTIs—like memory problems or cancer?
The evidence we hold isn't strong enough to say either way for those uses. Cranberry has been studied for age-related memory loss, prostate health, fatty liver disease, and cancer, but we don't have reliable data backing it for any of those yet.

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

Not sure if Cran-Max 500 mg 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.

Cran-Max 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cran-Max 500 mg'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.

Cranberry 33 references
  1. Anon. Possible interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice. Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance 2003;29:8. PubMed
  2. Greenblatt DJ, von Moltke LL, Perloff ES, et al. Interaction of flurbiprofen with cranberry juice, grape juice, tea, and fluconazole: in vitro and clinical studies. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2006;79:125-33. PubMed
  3. Hodek P, Trefil P, Stiborova M. Flavonoids-potent and versatile biologically active compounds interacting with cytochromes P450. Chem Biol Interact 2002;139:1-21.. PubMed
  4. Grant P. Warfarin and cranberry juice: An interaction? J Heart Valve Dis 2004;13:25-6.
  5. Suvarna R, Pirmohamed M, Henderson L. Possible interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice. BMJ 2003;327:1454. PubMed
  6. Li Z, Seeram NP, Carpenter CL, et al. Cranberry does not affect prothrombin time in male subjects on warfarin. J Am Diet Assoc 2006;106:2057-61. PubMed
  7. Lilja JJ, Backman JT, Neuvonen PJ. Effects of daily ingestion of cranberry juice on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin, tizanidine, and midazolam - probes of CYP2C9, CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. Clin Pharmacol The 2007:81:833-9. PubMed
  8. Wing DA, Rumney PJ, Preslicka CW, Chung JH. Daily cranberry juice for the prevention of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy: a randomized, controlled pilot study. J Urol 2008;180:1367-72. PubMed
  9. Mohammed Abdul MI, Jiang X, Williams KM, et al. Pharmacodynamic interaction of warfarin with cranberry but not with garlic in healthy subjects. Br J Pharmacol 2008;154:1691-700. PubMed
  10. McMurdo MET, Argo I, Phillips G, et al. Cranberry or trimethoprim for the prevention of recurrently urinary tract infections? A randomized controlled trial in older women. J Antimicrob Chemother 2009;63:389-95.
  11. Mergenhagen KA, Sherman O. Elevated International Normalized Ratio after concurrent ingestion of cranberry sauce and warfarin. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 2008;65:2113-6. PubMed
  12. Ansell J, McDonough M, Zhao Y, et al. The absence of an interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice: a randomized, double-blind trial. J Clin Pharmacol 2009;49:824-30. PubMed
  13. Haber SL, Cauthon KA, Raney EC. Cranberry and warfarin interaction: a case report and review of the literature. Consult Pharm 2012;27:58-65. PubMed
  14. Hamann GL, Campbell JD, George CM. Warfarin-cranberry juice interaction. Ann Pharmacother 2011;45:e17. PubMed
  15. Roberts D, Flanagan P. Case report: Cranberry juice and warfarin. Home Healthc Nurse 2011;29:92-7.
  16. Garcia-Calatayud, S., Larreina Cordoba, J. J., and Lozano De La Torre MJ. [Severe cranberry juice poisoning]. An.Esp.Pediatr. 2002;56(1):72-73.
  17. Patel, D. A., Gillespie, B., Sobel, J. D., Leaman, D., Nyirjesy, P., Weitz, M. V., and Foxman, B. Risk factors for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in women receiving maintenance antifungal therapy: results of a prospective cohort study. Am J Obstet.Gy PubMed
  18. Isele, H. [Fatal bleeding under warfarin plus cranberry juice. Is it due to salicylic acid?]. MMW.Fortschr.Med 3-11-2004;146(11):13.
  19. Linsenmeyer, T. A., Harrison, B., Oakley, A., Kirshblum, S., Stock, J. A., and Millis, S. R. Evaluation of cranberry supplement for reduction of urinary tract infections in individuals with neurogenic bladders secondary to spinal cord injury. A prospecti
  20. McMurdo, M. E., Bissett, L. Y., Price, R. J., Phillips, G., and Crombie, I. K. Does ingestion of cranberry juice reduce symptomatic urinary tract infections in older people in hospital? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Age Ageing 2005;34(3):256- PubMed
  21. Sylvan, L. and Justice, N. P. Possible interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice. Am Fam.Physician 9-15-2005;72(6):1000.
  22. Niklasson, A. and Andren, L. [Interaction between Waran and cranberry juice]. Lakartidningen 3-15-2006;103(11):853-854.
  23. Rindone, J. P. and Murphy, T. W. Warfarin-cranberry juice interaction resulting in profound hypoprothrombinemia and bleeding. Am J Ther 2006;13(3):283-284. PubMed
  24. Uesawa, Y. and Mohri, K. Effects of cranberry juice on nifedipine pharmacokinetics in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2006;58(8):1067-1072. PubMed
  25. Valentova, K., Stejskal, D., Bednar, P., Vostalova, J., Cihalik, C., Vecerova, R., Koukalova, D., Kolar, M., Reichenbach, R., Sknouril, L., Ulrichova, J., and Simanek, V. Biosafety, antioxidant status, and metabolites in urine after consumption of dried
  26. Royer, D. J., George, J. N., and Terrell, D. R. Thrombocytopenia as an adverse effect of complementary and alternative medicines, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, foods, and beverages. Eur J Haematol 2010;84(5):421-429. PubMed
  27. Stapleton, A. E., Dziura, J., Hooton, T. M., Cox, M. E., Yarova-Yarovaya, Y., Chen, S., and Gupta, K. Recurrent urinary tract infection and urinary Escherichia coli in women ingesting cranberry juice daily: a randomized controlled trial. Mayo.Clin.Proc. PubMed
  28. Doad GJ, Kabange W. Cranberry juice, atorvastatin and back pain. J Med Assoc Ga 2014;103(1):14.
  29. Griffiths AP, Beddall A, Pegler S. Fatal haemopericardium and gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to possible interaction of cranberry juice with warfarin. J R Soc Promot Health 2008;128(6):324-6. PubMed
  30. Mellen CK, Ford M, Rindone JP. Effect of high-dose cranberry juice on the pharmacodynamics of warfarin in patients. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2010;70(1):139-42. PubMed
  31. Ushijima K, Tsuruoka S, Tsuda H, Hasegawa G, Obi Y, Kaneda T, Takahashi M, Maekawa T, Sasaki T, Koshimizu TA, Fujimura A. Cranberry juice suppressed the diclofenac metabolism by human liver microsomes, but not in healthy human subjects. Br J Clin Pharmaco PubMed
  32. Ngo N, Brantley SJ, Carrizosa DR, et al. The warfarin-cranberry juice interaction revisited: A systematic in vitro-in vivo evaluation. J Exp Pharmacol. 2010;2010(2):83-91.
  33. Williams G, Stothart CI, Hahn D, Stephens JH, Craig JC, Hodson EM. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023;11(11):CD001321. PubMed

See these in context on the Cranberry 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