Elder-C Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by North American Herb & Spice
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Elder-C 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
Elder-C is a dietary supplement by North American Herb & Spice with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and immune support, antioxidant support, skin health and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 326 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin C, Elderberry powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Elder-C by North American Herb & Spice
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Elder-C by North American Herb & Spice
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
Low disclosure
Elder-C contains three active ingredients: vitamin C, elderberry powder, and wild Amazon Camu Camu berry powder. Vitamin C supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.
Elderberry is traditionally used for respiratory and immune support. Camu Camu berry is included for additional vitamin C content and antioxidant benefits.
There are no inactive ingredients listed for this product.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Vitamin C is effective for preventing and treating vitamin C deficiency and is possibly effective for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections. For elderberry, the evidence we hold does not establish effectiveness for hay fever, heart disease, chronic fatigue, COPD, brain function, or respiratory infections.
For Camu Camu berry, effectiveness data is not established in the information we have.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal dietary and supplement doses. However, very high doses can cause abdominal cramps, heartburn, osmotic diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headache—especially above 2 grams daily.
Kidney stones have been reported in people prone to them. Properly cooked elderberry products are generally well tolerated; raw or unripe berries, seeds, leaves, and bark can be toxic due to cyanogenic glycosides and may cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and stupor.
Regarding pregnancy and lactation: normal amounts of vitamin C from food and prenatal vitamins are fine, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise. Elderberry should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information.
Camu Camu berry in supplement form should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking Elder-C, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these: estrogen-based birth control or hormone replacement therapy; warfarin or other blood thinners; levothyroxine or other thyroid medications; alkylating agent or antitumor antibiotic chemotherapy drugs; immunosuppressants; pazopanib; fluphenazine; or indinavir. All of these have documented Moderate interactions with ingredients in this product.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product may be right for you if you're looking for vitamin C and immune support, but it carries interaction risks with estrogen-based birth control, blood thinners, thyroid medication, cancer drugs, and immunosuppressants. If you take any prescription medications—especially blood thinners, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or drugs for transplant or autoimmune disease—check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Elder-C.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Elder-C, straight from the product label.
| Brand | North American Herb & Spice |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 635824007029 |
| Net contents | 3 Ounce(s); 85 Gram(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jun 16, 2022 |
| DSLD ID | 269334 |
| Product type | Botanical With Nutrients |
| Supplement form | Powder |
| Dietary claims / uses | Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free |
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 Elder-C by North American Herb & Spice, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 110 mgs | 150% |
| Elderberry powder | 0 NP | -- |
| wild Amazon Camu Camu berry powder | 0 NP | -- |
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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Take one teaspoon or add to water, juices, smoothies, or favorite recipes. One heaping teaspoonful is equivalent to about 1/4 cup of berries.
Use daily to support a healthy immune system.
Formulation
Feel the power of real, unaltered berries—the power of trapped sunlight.
Healthy immune support
Non-GMO Gluten-free No additives No added sugar Nothing artificial
Formula
Elder-C is the potency of air-dried elderberries plus wild, raw camu camu powder. Each serving of Elder-C contains over 110 mgs of vitamin C, 150% of the RDI. Elder-C is ideal for supporting a healthy immune and respiratory response. These elderberries are a top source of flavonoids and anthocyanins in their most potent form.
Elderberry anthocyanins plus wild vitamin C
FDA Statement of Identity
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.
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Elder-C by North American Herb & Spice 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 Elder-C by North American Herb & Spice
These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container42 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.
Vitamin C
Interacts with207 drugs
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...
Vitamin C monograph & interactionsElderberry powder
Interacts with121 drugs
Elderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu sym...
Elderberry powder monograph & interactionsWild Amazon Camu Camu berry powder
No knowninteractions
Camu camu is an Amazonian berry that is very high in vitamin C and plant antioxidants, which is why it is popular as an immune and antioxidant supplem...
Wild Amazon Camu Camu berry powder monograph & interactionsElder-C by North American Herb & Spice Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Elder-C by North American Herb & Spice interacts with medications through its vitamin C and elderberry powder content.
The most serious interactions are Moderate in severity. Vitamin C can affect estrogens (including birth control and hormone replacement therapy), chemotherapy drugs like alkylating agents and antitumor antibiotics, warfarin (a blood thinner), levothyroxine (thyroid medication), and several others.
Elderberry may interfere with immunosuppressants and pazopanib (a cancer drug).
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Vitamin C's effects vary by drug type. It might increase estrogen blood levels by up to 55% when taken with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.
High doses may reduce warfarin absorption and effectiveness, lower indinavir (an HIV medication) levels, and increase levothyroxine absorption—potentially changing your thyroid hormone levels. It could theoretically reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs that work by generating free radicals.
Vitamin C may also increase aluminum absorption from aluminum-containing compounds.
Elderberry's main concerns are with immunosuppressants (drugs that suppress your immune system after transplant or for autoimmune conditions) and pazopanib, where it could theoretically reduce drug effectiveness or increase side effects. We could not check wild Amazon Camu Camu berry powder for interactions—no data is on file for it.
Altogether, these interactions span 326 individual medications. Use the medication checker on this page to see if any of yours are affected, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product if you take any prescription drugs.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
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Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Elder-C interact with 326 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 3 ingredients in Elder-C interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin C Elderberry powder
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Abrocitinib interactionAdalimumabHumira
How Adalimumab interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Adalimumab interactionAdalimumab-adazHyrimoz
How Adalimumab-adaz interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Adalimumab-adaz interactionAdalimumab-adbmCyltezo
How Adalimumab-adbm interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Adalimumab-adbm interactionAdalimumab-afzbAbrilada
How Adalimumab-afzb interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Adalimumab-afzb interactionAdalimumab-attoAmjevita
How Adalimumab-atto interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Adalimumab-atto interactionAdalimumab-bwwdHadlima
How Adalimumab-bwwd interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Adalimumab-bwwd interactionAdalimumab-fkjpHulio
How Adalimumab-fkjp interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Adalimumab-fkjp interactionAlefaceptAmevive
How Alefacept interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Alefacept interactionAlemtuzumabCampath
How Alemtuzumab interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Alemtuzumab interactionAlginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton
How Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAltretamineHexalen
How Altretamine interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Altretamine interactionAluminum Acetate, Benzethonium ChlorideBuro-Sol Otic Solution
How Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interactionAluminum ChlorideAluminum Chloride, Anhydrol Forte, Driclor, Drysol
How Aluminum Chloride interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Chloride interactionAluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon
How Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Maalox, Mucogel
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug)Mylanta
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, CalciumDomeboro
How Aluminum, Calcium interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Calcium interactionAluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug)Almagel
How Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Wingel
How Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAnifrolumab-fniaSaphnelo
How Anifrolumab-fnia interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Anifrolumab-fnia interactionAntithymocyte GlobulinThymoglobulin
How Antithymocyte Globulin interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Antithymocyte Globulin interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAtezolizumabTecentriq
How Atezolizumab interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Atezolizumab interactionAzamuneImmunoprin
How Azamune interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Azamune interactionAzathioprineAzamune, Imuran
How Azathioprine interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Azathioprine interactionBasiliximabSimulect
How Basiliximab interacts with Elder-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry PowderImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Powder + Basiliximab interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Elder-C 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.
Vitamin C
Alkylating Agents
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Aluminum
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.
Antitumor Antibiotics
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Estrogens
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)
Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.
Aspirin
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
Niacin
Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.
Salsalate (Disalcid)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
Elderberry powder
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Elderberry has immunostimulant activity, increasing the production of cytokines, including interleukin and tumor necrosis factor.
Pazopanib (Votrient)
Theoretically, elderberry might interact with pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Elder-C, from the product label.
North American Herb & Spice
See all North American Herb & Spice products- Name
- North American Herb & Spice
- Street Address
- 13900 W. Polo Trail Drive
- City
- Lake Forest
- State
- IL
- ZipCode
- 60045
- Phone Number
- 1-800-243-5242
- Web Address
- www.oreganol.com
Elder-C by North American Herb & Spice: Common Questions
Does Elder-C by North American Herb & Spice interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take Elder-C if I'm on birth control?
Is Elder-C safe during pregnancy?
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What are the side effects of Elder-C?
Can I take Elder-C with my blood thinner?
Does Elder-C work for colds and flu?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Elder-C 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 Elder-C’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Vitamin C
Interacts with 207 drugsVitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...
Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monographElderberry
Interacts with 121 drugsElderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu symptoms, but the evidence is limited and n...
Read the full Elderberry monograph → Herb & supplement monographCamu Camu
Camu camu is an Amazonian berry that is very high in vitamin C and plant antioxidants, which is why it is popular as an immune and antioxidant supplement. Human research is still limited, so...
Read the full Camu Camu monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Elder-C'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 59 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.
Vitamin C 51 references
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
- Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
- Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
- Dwyer JH, Merz NB, Shirocre AM, et al. Progression of early atherosclerosis and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from supplements and food. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study. 41st Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevent
- Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
- Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
- Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
- Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
- Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
- Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
- Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
- Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
- Traxer O, Huet B, Poindexter J, et al. Effect of ascorbic acid consumption on urinary stone risk factors. J Urol 2003;170:397-401.. PubMed
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Richart C. Effect of ascorbic acid on gastrointestinal aluminum absorption (letter). Lancet 1991;338:1467.
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Corbella J. Influence of some dietary constituents on aluminum absorption and retention in rats. Kidney Int 1991;39:598-601. PubMed
- Partridge NA, Regnier FE, White JL, Hem SL. Influence of dietary constituents on intestinal absorption of aluminum. Kidney Int 1989;35:1413-7. PubMed
- Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
- Hansten PD, Hayton WL. Effect of antacid and ascorbic acid on serum salicylate concentration. J Clin Pharmacol 1980;20:326-31. PubMed
- Dysken MW, Cumming RJ, Channon RA, Davis JM. Drug interaction between ascorbic acid and fluphenazine. JAMA 1979;241:2008. DOI
- Vihtamaki T, Parantainen J, Koivisto AM, et al. Oral ascorbic acid increases plasma oestradiol during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2002;42:129-35. PubMed
- Slain D, Amsden JR, Khakoo RA, et al. Effect of high-dose vitamin C on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the protease inhibitor indinavir in healthy volunteers. Pharmacotherapy 2005;25:165-70. PubMed
- Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
- Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544-7. PubMed
- Weintraub M, Griner PF. Warfarin and ascorbic acid: lack of evidence for a drug interaction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1974;28:53-6. PubMed
- Lee DH, Folsom AR, Harnack L, et al. Does supplemental vitamin C increase cardiovascular disease risk in women with diabetes? Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:1194-200. PubMed
- Taylor EN, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Dietary factors and the risk of incident kidney stones in men: new insights after 14 years of follow-up. J Am Soc Nephrol 2004;15:3225-32. PubMed
- Ward NC, Hodgson JM, Croft KD, et al. The combination of vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols increases blood pressure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Hypertens 2005;23:427-34.. PubMed
- Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
- Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
- Fairweather-Tait S, Hickson K, McGaw B, et al. Orange juice enhances aluminium absorption from antacid preparation. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1994;48(1):71-3.
- Gruenwald, J., Graubaum, H. J., Busch, R., and Bentley, C. Safety and tolerance of ester-C compared with regular ascorbic acid. Adv.Ther. 2006;23(1):171-178.
- Rahimi, R., Nikfar, S., Rezaie, A., and Abdollahi, M. A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of combined vitamin C and E supplementation in preeclamptic women. Hypertens.Pregnancy. 2009;28(4):417-434. PubMed
- Einerson, B., Nathorn, C., Kitiyakara, C., Sirada, M., and Thamlikitkul, V. The efficacy of ascorbic acid in suboptimal responsive anemic hemodialysis patients receiving erythropoietin: a meta-analysis. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 2011;94 Suppl 1:S134-S146.
- Li, G., Li, L., Yu, C., and Chen, L. Effect of vitamins C and E supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis. Br.J Nutr 2011;106(11):1632-1637.
- Chen X, Shen L, Gu X, et al. High-dose supplementation with vitamin C--induced pediatric urolithiasis: the first case report in a child and literature review. Urology. 2014;84(4):922-4. PubMed
- Sattar A, Willman JE, Kolluri R. Possible warfarin resistance due to interaction with ascorbic acid: case report and literature review. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2013;70(9):782-6. PubMed
- Yaich S, Chaabouni Y, Charfeddine K, et al. Secondary oxalosis due to excess vitamin C intake: a cause of graft loss in a renal transplant recipient. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2014;25(1):113-6. PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Rumbold A, Ota E, Nagata C, Shahrook S, Crowther CA. Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD004072. PubMed
- Seo MS, Kim JK, Shim JY. High-dose vitamin C promotes regression of multiple pulmonary metastases originating from hepatocellular carcinoma. Yonsei Med J. 2015;56(5):1449-52. PubMed
- Skelin M, Lucijanic T, Amidzic Klaric D, et al. Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review. Clin Ther. 2017 Feb;39(2):378-403. PubMed
- Jiang K, Tang K, Liu H, Xu H, Ye Z, Chen Z. Ascorbic acid supplements and kidney stones incidence among men and women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol J. 2019;16(2):115-120.
- Thomas S, Patel D, Bittel B, et al. Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2 PubMed
- Giffen MA, McLemore JL. Hyperoxalosis Secondary to Intravenous Vitamin C Administration as a Non-Allopathic Treatment for Cancer. Acad Forensic Pathol 2019;9(1-2):118-126. PubMed
- Maike A, Sturgill D, Gallan A. Oxalate Nephropathy in a Renal Transplant Recipient After Receiving High Dose Ascorbic Acid. Am J Med Sci 2021. PubMed
- Shen ZY, Chen YR, Wang MC, Chang SS. High-dose vitamin C-induced acute oxalate nephropathy in a renal transplant recipient: a case report and literature review. Asian J Surg 2022. PubMed
- Yanase F, Spano S, Maeda A, et al. Mega-dose sodium ascorbate: a pilot, single-dose, physiological effect, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Crit Care 2023;27(1):371. PubMed
- Sharma Y, Sumanadasa S, Shahi R, et al. Efficacy and safety of vitamin C supplementation in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Sci Rep 2024;14(1):11846. PubMed
- Pejcic AV, Petrovic NZ, Djordjic MD, Milosavljevic MN. Vitamin C Levels in Pregnant Women and the Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplements in Preventing Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Balkan Med J 2024;41(4):248-260. PubMed
Elderberry 6 references
- Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw 2001;12:290-6..
- Elderberry (Sambucus species). The Poison Plant Patch, Novia Scotia Museum, 2007. Available at: http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/?section=species&id=117 (Accessed 16 October 2009).
- European elder. Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System. Available at: http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.jump?p_null=all&p_psn=121&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px (Accessed 16 October 2009).
- Raus K, Pleschka S, Klein P, Schoop R, Fisher P. Effect of an echinacea-based hot drink versus oseltamivir in Influenza treatment: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, noninferiority clinical trial. . Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2015;20;77:6 PubMed
- Ramachandran A, Antala D, Pudasainee P, Panginikkod S, Gupta H. A Plausible Association Between the Use of Elderberry and Autoimmune Hepatitis. Cureus 2022;14(4):e24250. PubMed
- Agarwal N, Mangla A. Elderberry interaction with pazopanib in a patient with soft-tissue sarcoma: A case report and literature review. Mol Clin Oncol 2024;20(5):36. 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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