Cran-Max 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Swanson
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Cran-Max 500 mg 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
Cran-Max 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson 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 Cran-Max Cranberry powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Cran-Max 500 mg by Swanson
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cran-Max 500 mg by Swanson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cran-Max 500 mg by Swanson
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Cran-Max 500 mg is a single-ingredient supplement: cranberry powder in a capsule form. The inactive ingredients are hypromellose, guar gum, and sunflower lecithin—these are binders and thickeners that help hold the capsule together.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Cranberry is possibly effective for urinary tract infections (UTIs) based on the evidence we have. For other uses—including age-related cognitive decline, benign prostate enlargement, cancer prevention, fatty liver disease, and chronic fatigue—the evidence isn't established in our data.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Cranberry is generally well tolerated as a food or supplement. The most common side effects are diarrhea and stomach discomfort, especially with concentrated supplement doses rather than food amounts.
In very large quantities—3 to 4 liters of juice daily—it can cause significant GI upset, particularly in young children. One person reported skin redness and itching.
Because concentrated supplements haven't been well studied, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. Cranberry is likely safe in pregnancy and during breastfeeding, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment of infections.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)—cranberry may raise their levels and increase bleeding risk. Also flag any cholesterol medications, blood pressure drugs, or other medications processed by your liver, particularly those that use the CYP3A4 pathway (atorvastatin is a key example).
Anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac may also interact, though the effect is minor.
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're considering Cran-Max for UTI prevention, the evidence supports it as possibly effective. However, if you take any medications—especially blood thinners, cholesterol drugs, or blood pressure medications—you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it, since cranberry can affect how your body processes these drugs.
A quick look at your medication list with your healthcare provider is the smart move.
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 Apr 25, 2019.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Cran-Max 500 mg, straight from the product 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 Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Cran-Max Cranberry powder | 500 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Guar Gum, Sunflower Lecithin
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements
Supports healthy urinary tract function Maintains bladder control Supports kidney function Science-Backed Quality Since 1969
Urinary Tract Health
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one veggie capsule per day with water before a meal.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Cran-Max is a registered trademark of Pharmachem Laboratories, Inc.
Precautions
Warning: For adults only.
Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use if seal is broken.
Storage
Store 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.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
General
SWU522 Rev 0 01 31 18
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Cran-Max 500 mg by Swanson label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Cran-Max 500 mg by Swanson
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.
Cran-Max Cranberry powder
Interacts with712 drugs
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...
Cran-Max Cranberry powder monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Guar Gum, Sunflower Lecithin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Cran-Max 500 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Cran-Max 500 mg by Swanson contains one active ingredient—cranberry powder—that interacts with a significant number of medications.
The most serious concern is with blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin): cranberry may raise warfarin levels and increase your bleeding risk, though the evidence is mixed. Case reports link cranberry juice to higher INR values in people taking warfarin.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Cranberry also interacts with cholesterol medications (CYP3A4 substrates like atorvastatin), blood pressure drugs (like nifedipine), and other medications your liver processes through the CYP3A4 pathway—it may raise their levels and side effects. A documented case involved a patient on atorvastatin who developed muscle breakdown and liver problems after consuming cranberry juice daily for two weeks.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac interact with cranberry at a minor level.
Alternative CYP2C9-processed medications may also be affected, though the evidence is contradictory. Altogether, these interactions span 713 individual medications.
Before starting this product, check your exact medications with the tool on this page or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Cran-Max 500 mg interact with 712 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Cran-Max 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Cran-Max Cranberry powder
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylpropanolamineAnatuss
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PseudoephedrineRobitussin Cold, Severe Cold, Suphedrine Cold/Cough
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Flu Liquid Gels, Non Aspirin Cold Caps, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Flu Daytime Ex Strength, Tylenol Flu Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
How Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs
How Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interactionAdagrasibKrazati
How Adagrasib interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Adagrasib interactionAlfentanilAlfenta
How Alfentanil interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Alfentanil interactionAlfuzosinUroxatral
How Alfuzosin interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Alfuzosin interactionAliskirenTekturna
How Aliskiren interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Aliskiren interactionAlmotriptanAlmogran, Axert
How Almotriptan interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Almotriptan interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAlpelisibPiqray
How Alpelisib interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Alpelisib interactionAlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
How Alprazolam interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Alprazolam interactionAmbrisentanLetairis, Volibris
How Ambrisentan interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Ambrisentan interactionAmiodaroneCordarone, Pacerone
How Amiodarone interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amiodarone interactionAmitriptylineElavil
How Amitriptyline interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amitriptyline interactionAmitriptyline, ChlordiazepoxideLimbitrol DS
How Amitriptyline, Chlordiazepoxide interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amitriptyline, Chlordiazepoxide interactionAmitriptyline, PerphenazineEtrafon, Etrafon-A, Etrafon-Forte, Triavil
How Amitriptyline, Perphenazine interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amitriptyline, Perphenazine interactionAmlodipineNorliqva
How Amlodipine interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amlodipine interactionAmlodipine BenzoateKaterzia
How Amlodipine Benzoate interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amlodipine Benzoate interactionAmlodipine BesilateIstin
How Amlodipine Besilate interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amlodipine Besilate interactionAmlodipine BesylateNorvasc
How Amlodipine Besylate interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amlodipine Besylate interactionAmlodipine Besylate, BenazeprilLotrel
How Amlodipine Besylate, Benazepril interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amlodipine Besylate, Benazepril interactionAmlodipine, CelecoxibConsensi
How Amlodipine, Celecoxib interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amlodipine, Celecoxib interactionAmoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, RifabutinTalicia
How Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amoxicillin, Omeprazole Magnesium, Rifabutin interactionAmprenavirAgenerase
How Amprenavir interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Amprenavir interactionApalutamideErleada
How Apalutamide interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Apalutamide interactionApixabanEliquis
How Apixaban interacts with Cran-Max 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cran-max Cranberry PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Cran-max Cranberry Powder + Apixaban interactionEach 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.
Cran-Max Cranberry powder
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Cran-Max 500 mg, from the product label.
Swanson
See all Swanson products- Name
- Swanson Health Products
- City
- Fargo
- State
- ND
- ZipCode
- 58104
- Phone Number
- 1-800-437-4148
- Web Address
- www.swansonvitamins.com
Cran-Max 500 mg by Swanson: Common Questions
Does Cran-Max 500 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Does cranberry actually work for urinary tract infections?
What are the side effects I should expect?
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Why does this interact with so many medications?
Can I take this with my statin or blood pressure medication?
What if I take warfarin (a blood thinner)?
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.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Cran-Max 500 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 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
- Anon. Possible interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice. Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance 2003;29:8. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- Grant P. Warfarin and cranberry juice: An interaction? J Heart Valve Dis 2004;13:25-6.
- Suvarna R, Pirmohamed M, Henderson L. Possible interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice. BMJ 2003;327:1454. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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