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

Cranberry 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by up&up

Cranberry 500 mg label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cranberry 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Cranberry 500 mg is a dietary supplement by up&up with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis prevention, dietary calcium deficiency, heartburn relief (calcium carbonate antacids).Based on those ingredients, 843 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cranberry fruit extract, Calcium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Cranberry 500 mg by up&up

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cranberry 500 mg by up&up — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cranberry 500 mg by up&up

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 23, 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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: calcium and cranberry fruit extract. Calcium is a mineral essential for bone health, muscle function, and dozens of cellular processes; it's used in supplements primarily for bone strength and to treat low blood calcium.

Cranberry fruit extract concentrates the compounds from cranberries, traditionally used to support urinary tract health. The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients—microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, caramel color, carmine color, and glycerin—which are fillers, binders, and capsule materials that have no therapeutic effect.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

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

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Support urinary tract and women's health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), Overactive bladder, Radiation-induced cystitis, bladder health, cystitis.
  • 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 Overactive bladder, Radiation-induced cystitis.

For calcium, the evidence is strongest for preventing bone loss in osteoporosis (likely effective), treating low blood calcium (effective), and managing kidney failure, indigestion, and high potassium levels (all effective). For cranberry fruit extract, the evidence supports use in urinary tract infections (possibly effective).

Evidence for cranberry in age-related cognitive decline, benign prostate enlargement, cancer, fatty liver disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome is insufficient—we don't have reliable data to say whether it works for these.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calcium 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 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.

Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though high amounts can cause problems. Most common side effects from oral calcium are mild: belching, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach upset.

Serious side effects are rare but can include kidney stones and a concerning condition called calciphylaxis. Some research has raised questions about whether very high calcium intake (over 1,500–2,000 mg daily) may be linked to increased prostate cancer risk and cardiovascular disease, though this remains debated.

Cranberry fruit extract is generally well tolerated, with diarrhea and stomach upset as the most common effects. In very large doses, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe digestive upset.

Skin redness and itching have been reported rarely. The safety of concentrated supplement doses hasn't been well studied, so check with your provider before starting.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Cranberry

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 — Calcium, Cranberry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 844 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 pharmacist or doctor if you take HIV integrase inhibitors like dolutegravir or elvitegravir (calcium dramatically lowers their levels), intravenous antibiotics like ceftriaxone (can cause a dangerous reaction), thyroid medication like levothyroxine, heart or blood pressure drugs like diltiazem or sotalol, blood thinners like warfarin, cholesterol drugs like atorvastatin, or calcium-containing vitamin D supplements. The interaction data spans 844 medications across these categories.

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.

Calcium and cranberry fruit extract are useful for bone health and urinary tract support respectively, but this product carries significant medication interactions—especially with HIV drugs, blood thinners, thyroid medication, and heart drugs. If you take prescription medications, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before taking this supplement; they can help you decide if it's right for you or suggest timing adjustments to keep your medications working.

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 Mar 22, 2023.

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 Cranberry 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand up&up
Barcode (UPC) 079524876712
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 22, 2023
DSLD ID 273679
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult Female (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 Cranberry 500 mg by up&up, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
079524876712
IngredientAmount% DV
Calcium165 mg13%
Cranberry fruit extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Caramel color, Carmine color, Glycerin

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

Questions? Call 1-800-910-6874

Formulation

Helps support urinary tract health

Soy & gluten free

Made in U.S.A.

Formula

Women's health

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Directions: Adults - Take one tablet daily, preferably with food, as a dietary supplement.

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.

Precautions

Caution: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication, consult your physician before use. Discontinue use and consult your physician if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper-evident seal: do not use if seal appears tampered.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place under controlled room temperature: 20 degrees - 25 degrees Celsius (68 degrees - 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Brand IP Statement(s)

TM & Copyright 2021 Target Brands, Inc.

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

See for yourself

Cranberry 500 mg by up&up label

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

Cranberry 500 mg 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 Cranberry 500 mg by up&up

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

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 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.

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
165 mg per serving Form: Dicalcium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Cranberry fruit extract

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 fruit extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Caramel color, Carmine color, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cranberry 500 mg by up&up Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cranberry 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
843Drugs
7 Major 771 Moderate 65 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Cranberry fruit extract 712
Calcium 168

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cranberry 500 mg interact with 843 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 2 ingredients in Cranberry 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Cranberry fruit extract Calcium

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cranberry 500 mg 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.

Cranberry fruit extract6 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
Cranberry fruit extract full monograph & interactions

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Calcium full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cranberry 500 mg, from the product label.

up&up

See all up&up products
Name
Target Corporation
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
ZipCode
55403
Phone Number
1-800-910-6874
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cranberry 500 mg by up&up: Common Questions

Does Cranberry 500 mg by up&up interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cranberry 500 mg has a known interaction with 843 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cranberry 500 mg 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.
Does this product actually help prevent urinary tract infections?
Cranberry fruit extract is possibly effective for urinary tract infections based on the evidence we hold, but it's not a substitute for medical treatment. If you suspect a UTI, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and antibiotics.
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
From calcium, you may experience belching, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or stomach upset. From cranberry extract, diarrhea and stomach discomfort are most common. These are usually mild and occur in a small number of users.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Calcium is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation at recommended doses—adequate calcium is important during both. Cranberry is also likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. Stay within recommended amounts and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your specific situation.
Is this supplement a substitute for my levothyroxine or blood thinner?
No. This product can interfere with how your body absorbs or processes these medications, potentially making them less effective. Do not replace any prescription medication; talk to your doctor about whether it's safe to take this supplement alongside your drugs.
What's the difference between this and eating fresh cranberries or drinking cranberry juice?
This is a concentrated extract in tablet form. Cranberry in normal food amounts is likely fine, but concentrated supplements like this haven't been studied as thoroughly. Ask your provider before starting a concentrated supplement, especially if you take other medications.

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

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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.

Cranberry 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cranberry 500 mg’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Cranberry

Interacts with 712 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. It is not a reliable treatment for an act...

Read the full Cranberry monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cranberry 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 95 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.

Calcium 62 references
  1. Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
  2. Hernandez-Avila M, Gonzalez-Cossio T, Hernandez-Avila JE, et al. Dietary calcium supplements to lower blood lead levels in lactating women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Epidemiology 2003;14:206-12.. PubMed
  3. Thys-Jacobs S, Ceccarelli S, Bierman A, et al. Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J Gen Intern Med 1989;4:183-9. PubMed
  4. Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
  5. Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
  6. Saunders D, Sillery J, Chapman R. Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:409-13. PubMed
  7. Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
  8. Koo WK, Walters JC, Esterlitz J, et al. Maternal calcium supplementation and fetal bone mineralization. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:577-82. DOI
  9. Raman L, Rajalakshmi K, Krishnamachari KAVR, et al. Effect of calcium supplementation to undernourished mothers during pregnancy on the bone density of the neonates. Am J Clin Nutr 1978; 31:466-9. DOI
  10. Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
  11. Chan JM, Giovannucci E, Andersson SO, et al. Dairy products, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1998;9:559-66.
  12. Butner LE, Fulco PP, Feldman G, et al. Calcium carbonate-induced hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med 2000:132:595. PubMed
  13. Schneyer CR. Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy. JAMA 1998;279:750. PubMed
  14. Moser LR, Smythe MA, Tisdale JE. The use of calcium salts in the prevention and management of verapamil-induced hypotension. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:622-9. PubMed
  15. Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM. Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine. JAMA 2000;283:2822-5. PubMed
  16. Kahela P, Anttila M, Tikkanen R, Sundquist H. Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1979;44:7-12.. PubMed
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Cranberry 33 references
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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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