Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Lozenge Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) is a dietary supplement by NOW with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for replacing fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration during exercise or illness, treating low blood sodium (under medical care).Based on those ingredients, 1,113 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are DGL, Stevia extract, Sodium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) by NOW

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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This lozenge contains 4 active ingredients. Sodium is a mineral your body needs in small amounts to regulate fluid balance and nerve function.

Glycine is an amino acid (a protein building block) that plays roles in nervous system function and connective tissue. Stevia extract is a plant-derived sweetener.

DGL (de-glycyrrhizinated licorice extract) is licorice root with most of the glycyrrhizin removed — a compound that can cause serious side effects at high doses. The product also contains inactive ingredients including cellulose, stearic acid, sea salt, rice dextrin, natural flavors, silica, and BetterStevia.

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: Licorice extract for digestive and throat health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Peptic ulcers, Pharyngitis, Canker sores, Oral mucositis, Helicobacter pylori — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Licorice is rated "Possibly Effective" for Canker sores (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Licorice is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia, Helicobacter pylori, Oral mucositis, Peptic ulcers.
  • Also on file: Sodium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Pharyngitis, Canker sores.

The evidence for what this product actually does is limited. DGL is possibly effective for canker sores and atopic dermatitis (eczema) — meaning small studies hint at benefit, but more rigorous research is needed.

Sodium is likely effective for cystic fibrosis and possibly effective for preventing kidney damage from the drug amphotericin B, but those uses don't apply to most people taking a lozenge for everyday wellness. For other conditions listed — schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight loss — the evidence we hold either isn't established or isn't strong enough to rate.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Sodium Glycine Stevia Licorice

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Sodium is generally well tolerated in normal dietary amounts, but too much is linked to high blood pressure, heart strain, and worsened kidney disease in vulnerable people. Avoid sodium supplements or very high intake without medical advice.

Glycine is generally well tolerated at typical doses, though long-term safety data are limited. Rare side effects include mild sedation, irritability, insomnia, soft stools, nausea, and dry mouth — most resolve quickly if you stop taking it.

Purified stevia (the amount in food) is generally recognized as safe, but whole-leaf or supplement doses are less well studied, so use caution. Stevia may cause abdominal bloating, dizziness, headache, muscle pain, nausea, numbness, or rarely allergic reactions.

DGL is generally well tolerated in small amounts, but licorice supplements carry risks: headache, nausea, vomiting, and rarely contact dermatitis or allergic reactions. The data advises against licorice in pregnancy due to links to harmful effects.

There isn't enough reliable safety data to recommend it while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Sodium Glycine Stevia Licorice

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?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Stevia, Licorice, Glycine, Sodium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,114 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, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take lithium (mood stabilizer), blood pressure medications, blood thinners like warfarin, corticosteroids, didanosine (HIV drug), loop diuretics (water pills), digoxin (heart medication), cancer drugs like paclitaxel or cisplatin, midazolam (sedative), or sodium phosphate bowel prep. Also flag it if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.

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.

This lozenge is most likely useful for canker sores or eczema, though the evidence is preliminary. The real concern is the sodium and DGL content — if you take any blood pressure medication, lithium, a blood thinner, a cancer drug, or a sedative, or if you have heart or kidney disease, you need to check this with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding both warrant a conversation with your healthcare provider first.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2015.

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 DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract), straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739046529
Net contents 100 Lozenge(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2015
DSLD ID 42881
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Lozenge
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) by NOW, 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 Lozenge(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Lozenge(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
733739046529
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories15 {Calories}--
Total Carbohydrates4 Gram(s)1%
Sugar0 Gram(s)--
Sodium60 mg3%
Glycine400 mg--
Stevia extract12 mg--
Sugar Alcohols3 Gram(s)--
DGL800 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Sea Salt, Rice Dextrin, Natural Flavors, Silica, BetterStevia

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

Suggested Usage: Chew 1 to 2 lozenges daily as needed. Chew slowly between or 20 minutes before a meal, or as advised by your healthcare practitioner.

General Statements

De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) Extract from NOW is in a chewable form that delivers 400 mg of Licorice per lozenge. Licorice has a long history of use and is one of the most widely known herbs today. It has been extensively researched for its ability to support healthy digestive function.* De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice is a milder form of Licorice that is more appropriate for a chewable lozenge.

Caution: For adults only.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Digestive System Support*

Botanicals/Herbs

Please Recycle.

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

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do Not Eat Freshness Packet. Keep in Bottle.

Contains Xylitol, do not feed to pets.

Family owned since 1968.

Not manufactured with wheat, soy protein, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

General

CODE 4652B V6

Formulation

~ 400 mg Lozenges, Fructose-Free

Not manufactured with wheat, soy protein, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

Vegetarian/Vegan

Formula

~ Sweetened with BetterStevia(R)

Contains Xylitol, do not feed to pets.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

Seals/Symbols

QUALITY GMP ASSURED

See for yourself

DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) by NOW label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) by NOW

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Lozenge(s) Dosage formLozenge Servings per container50 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.

Sugar

0 Gram(s) per serving

Sodium

Interacts with
205 drugs
60 mg per serving

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte your body needs to balance fluids, support nerves, and help muscles work. Most people in modern diets g...

Sodium monograph & interactions

Glycine

Interacts with
1 drug
400 mg per serving

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid your body makes on its own and that also appears in protein-rich foods. It is most studied for improving sleep q...

Glycine monograph & interactions

Stevia extract

Interacts with
259 drugs
12 mg per serving

Stevia is a plant-based, calorie-free sweetener that is widely used as a sugar alternative and is considered safe in normal food amounts by major regu...

Stevia extract monograph & interactions

DGL

Interacts with
1,040 drugs
800 mg per serving Form: De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice extract

Licorice root is a traditional remedy used for sore throats, coughs, and digestive complaints, but solid human evidence is limited for most uses. Regu...

DGL monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Sea Salt, Rice Dextrin, Natural Flavors, Silica, BetterStevia. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract)?

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
1,113Drugs
987 Moderate 126 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

DGL 1,040
Sodium 205

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) 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.

DGL18 drug types · 1,040 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
In human research, licorice increases blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of cisplatin.
In animal research, licorice diminished the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Corticosteroids

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice and corticosteroids might increase the side effects of corticosteroids.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of licorice and oral corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, can potentiate the duration of activity and increase blood levels of corticosteroids. Additionally, in one case report, a patient with neurogenic orthostatic hypertension stabilized on fludrocortisone 0.1 mg twice daily developed pseudohyperaldosteronism after recent consumption of large amounts of black licorice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that licorice extract and glabridin, a licorice constituent, inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes. Licorice extract from the species G. uralensis seems to inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes to a greater degree than G. glabra extract in vitro. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6; however, these interactions have not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro, licorice extracts from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibit CYP2C19 isoenzymes in vitro. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8.
In vitro, licorice extract from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibits CYP2C8 isoenzymes. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
There is conflicting evidence about the effect of licorice on CYP2C9 enzyme activity. In vitro research shows that extracts from the licorice species G. glabra and G. uralensis moderately inhibit CYP2C9 isoenzymes. However, evidence from an animal model shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis can induce hepatic CYP2C9 activity. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP2C9 substrates.

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

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin, taken in a dosage of 150 mg orally twice daily for 14 days, modestly decreases the area under the concentration-time curve of midazolam by about 20%. Midazolam is a substrate of CYP3A4, suggesting that glycyrrhizin modestly induces CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis induces CYP3A4 activity. However, licorice extract from G. glabra species appear to inhibit CYP3A4-induced metabolism of testosterone in vitro. It is thought that the G. glabra inhibits CYP3A4 due to its constituent glabridin, which is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor in vitro and not present in other licorice species. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP3A4 substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
Overuse or misuse of licorice with cardiac glycoside therapy might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity due to potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Overuse of licorice might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. In one case report, a 72-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arrhythmia, stroke, and hepatic dysfunction was hospitalized with severe hypokalemia and uncontrolled hypertension due to pseudohyperaldosteronism. This was thought to be provoked by concomitant daily consumption of a product containing 225 mg of glycyrrhizin, a constituent of licorice, and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg for 1 month.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease the effects of estrogen therapy.
Theoretically, licorice might interfere with estrogen therapy due to estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Loop Diuretics

Theoretically, loop diuretics might increase the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice.
Theoretically, loop diuretics might enhance the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice by inhibiting the enzyme that converts cortisol to cortisone; however, bumetanide (Bumex) does not appear to have this effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease levels of midazolam.
In humans, the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin appears to moderately induce the metabolism of midazolam. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 by licorice. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might decrease the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that licorice can increase P-glycoprotein activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Paclitaxel (Abraxane, Onxol)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of paclitaxel.
Multiple doses of licorice taken concomitantly with paclitaxel might reduce the effectiveness of paclitaxel. Animal research shows that licorice 3 grams/kg given orally for 14 days before intravenous administration of paclitaxel decreases the exposure to paclitaxel and increases its clearance. Theoretically, this occurs because licorice induces cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes, which metabolize paclitaxel. Notably, a single dose of licorice did not affect exposure or clearance of paclitaxel.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of warfarin.
Licorice seems to increase metabolism and decrease levels of warfarin in animal models. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolism by licorice. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid taking licorice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that licorice induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of methotrexate.
Animal research suggests that intravenous administration of glycyrrhizin, a licorice constituent, and high-dose methotrexate may delay methotrexate excretion and increase systemic exposure, leading to transient elevations in liver enzymes and total bilirubin. This interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Stevia extract3 drug types · 259 drugs

Lithium

Theoretically, stevia might decrease clearance and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that stevia extracts might have diuretic activity. Theoretically, increased reabsorption of lithium along with sodium might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, stevia might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when combined with antidiabetes drugs.
Preliminary clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes suggests that taking a single dose of stevia extract 1000 mg reduces postprandial blood glucose levels when taken with a meal. However, other clinical research in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes suggests that taking stevioside 250 mg three times daily does not significantly affect blood glucose levels or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) after three months of treatment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining stevia or stevia constituents with antihypertensive agents might increase the risk of hypotension.
Stevia extract and stevioside might lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. However, other clinical research suggests that stevioside does not significantly lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Sodium7 drug types · 205 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, a high intake of dietary sodium might reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.
High intake of dietary sodium can increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Also, high intake of sodium may necessitate increased use of antihypertensive medications to achieve blood pressure control in some patients, such as those with chronic kidney disease.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Corticosteroids

Concomitant use of mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) cause sodium retention. This effect is dose-related and depends on mineralocorticoid potency. It is most common with hydrocortisone, cortisone, and fludrocortisone, followed by prednisone and prednisolone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Didanosine (Videx)

Concomitant use of didanosine with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Didanosine formulations contain a significant amount of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Lithium

Altering dietary intake of sodium might alter the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
High sodium intake can reduce plasma concentrations of lithium by increasing lithium excretion. Reducing sodium intake can significantly increase plasma concentrations of lithium and cause lithium toxicity in patients being treated with lithium carbonate. Stabilizing sodium intake is shown to reduce the percentage of patients with lithium level fluctuations above 0.8 mEq/L. Patients taking lithium should avoid significant alterations in their dietary intake of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Sodium Phosphates

Theoretically, concomitant use of sodium phosphate with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Use of high doses (> 45 mL in 24 hours) of sodium phosphate, such as those used for bowel cleansing before surgery, can lead to serious electrolyte disturbances, including hypernatremia. The risk of hypernatremia is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sodium-Containing Drugs

Concomitant use of sodium-containing drugs with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia and long-term sodium-related complications.
The Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake level of 2.3 grams of sodium daily indicates the intake at which it is believed that chronic disease risk increases for the apparently healthy population. Some medications contain high quantities of sodium. When used in conjunction with sodium supplements or high-sodium diets, the CDRR may be exceeded. Additionally, concomitant use may increase the risk for hypernatremia; this risk is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolvaptan (Samsca)

Theoretically, concomitant use of tolvaptan with sodium might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Tolvaptan is a vasopressin receptor 2 antagonist that is used to increase sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia. Patients taking tolvaptan should use caution with the use of sodium salts such as sodium chloride.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C

Glycine1 drug type · 1 drug

Clozapine (Clozaril)

Theoretically, glycine might decrease the effectiveness of clozapine.
One small clinical study in patients with schizophrenia shows that adding glycine to clozapine therapy worsens symptoms of schizophrenia when compared with clozapine alone. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract), from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW Foods
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) by NOW: Common Questions

Does DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) has a known interaction with 1,113 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) contains 5 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 DGL have glycyrrhizin in it?
DGL stands for de-glycyrrhizinated licorice, so the glycyrrhizin — the compound in licorice that causes most of the serious side effects — has been removed. That's why DGL is generally safer than plain licorice, especially for longer-term use.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
The licorice in this product is not recommended in pregnancy because glycyrrhizin (even in smaller amounts in DGL) has been linked to harmful effects. Talk with your doctor before taking it — there isn't enough safety data on the other ingredients either.
What is DGL actually used for?
The evidence suggests DGL may help with canker sores and eczema (atopic dermatitis). For other conditions, we don't have strong enough data to say whether it works.
Is there a lot of sodium in each lozenge?
The product facts don't specify the sodium amount per lozenge, so you'd need to check the nutrition label. If you have high blood pressure, take blood pressure medication, or are on a low-sodium diet, ask your pharmacist or doctor whether this product fits your needs.
What are the most common side effects?
Stevia, glycine, and DGL can each cause mild effects like headache, nausea, dizziness, and muscle pain — most resolve on their own quickly. Serious side effects are rare. If you notice something unusual after starting, stop and talk to your pharmacist.
Will this interact with my thyroid medication?
We don't hold documented interactions between the ingredients in this product and thyroid medications, but that doesn't guarantee none exist. Always mention supplements to your doctor or pharmacist when you pick up any new prescription.

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.

DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract) label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract)'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 145 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.

Sodium 38 references
  1. Garabedian-Ruffalo SM, Ruffalo RL. Drug and nutrient interactions. Am Fam Physician 1986;33:165-74.
  2. Food and Drug Administration Science Background: Safety of Sodium Phosphates Oral Solution. September 17, 2001. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/safety/sodiumphospate.htm
  3. Coton T, Mallaret C, Coilliot C, Carre D, Guisset M. Severe acute ulcerated gastritis induced by salt. Presse Med 2009;38(3):499-500. PubMed
  4. Frings-Meuthen P, Buehlmeier J, Baecker N, et al. High sodium chloride intake exacerbates immobilization-induced bone resorption and protein losses. J Appl Physiol 2011;111(2):537-542. PubMed
  5. Frings-Meuthen P, Baecker N, Heer M. Low-grade metabolic acidosis may be the cause of sodium chloride-induced exaggerated bone resorption. J Bone Miner Res 2008;23(4):517-524. PubMed
  6. Alam S, Johnson AG. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) among healthy normotensive and essential hypertensive elderly patients to determine the effect of high salt (NaCl) diet of blood pressure. J Hum Hypertens 1999;13(6):367-74.
  7. Boudville N, Ward S, Benaroia M, House AA. Increased sodium intake correlates with greater use of antihypertensive agents by subjects with chronic kidney disease. Am J Hypertens 2005;18(10):1300-5. PubMed
  8. Bennett WM. Drug interactions and consequences of sodium restriction. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65(2 Suppl):678S-681S. PubMed
  9. Okusa MD, Crystal LJ. Clinical manifestations and management of acute lithium intoxication. Am J Med 1994;97(4):383-9. PubMed
  10. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2005. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10925. DOI
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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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