Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NOW
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Extra Strength Policosanol 40 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
Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart failure symptoms, high blood pressure, chest pain (angina).Based on those ingredients, 279 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Policosanol, Hawthorn. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg by NOW
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg 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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This capsule contains 3 active ingredients: hawthorn, pine phytosterol powder, and policosanol. Hawthorn is a plant extract used traditionally for heart and circulation support.
Policosanol is a plant-derived compound studied for blood flow and cholesterol concerns. Pine phytosterol powder is a plant-derived ingredient.
The capsule itself contains hypromellose, stearic acid, and silicon dioxide as inactive ingredients (binders and capsule material).
Does it work?
Strong evidence
For policosanol, the evidence shows it is likely effective for intermittent claudication (leg pain with exercise due to poor blood flow). For hawthorn and policosanol together, the evidence for angina, anxiety, heart rhythm problems, hardening of the arteries, general cardiovascular disease, and brain function is insufficient — meaning the data we hold does not establish that they work for these uses.
Coronary heart disease and familial high cholesterol also lack enough reliable evidence for hawthorn.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Hawthorn is generally well tolerated in studies but can rarely cause serious reactions like multiorgan hypersensitivity and acute kidney failure. Palpitations and heart rhythm changes have been reported in small numbers of people with heart failure.
Policosanol is usually well tolerated; the most common side effects reported in trials are headache, dizziness, sleepiness, skin rash, and upset stomach — each occurring in a small number of participants — and uncommonly, weight loss. Because hawthorn can affect heart function and hawthorn and policosanol both affect blood pressure, anyone with a heart condition needs medical supervision.
There is not enough safety information for either ingredient during pregnancy or while breastfeeding; the data advises against use in both situations.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Check before starting if you take nitrates or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (Major severity). Also double-check blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diabetes medications, and any other blood-pressure medications — these all carry Moderate-severity interactions with one or both ingredients.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product is worth a conversation with your pharmacist if you're interested in blood flow support, especially for leg pain with exercise. If you take any heart, blood pressure, blood thinner, diabetes, or erectile dysfunction medication, run your exact drugs through the checker on this page first — the interactions are real and can be serious.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about whether it's right for you.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2024.
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 Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 733739018250 |
| Net contents | 90 Veg Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jul 25, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 314315 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn | 150 mg | -- |
| Pine Phytosterol powder | 200 mg | -- |
| Policosanol | 40 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide
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
Suggested usage: Take 1 capsule daily, preferably with a meal.
Formula
Policosanol is a blend of long-chain fatty alcohols (LCFAs) derived from plant waxes that is comprised primarily of naturally occurring octacosanol. This formula also includes plant sterols (from pine) and hawthorn berry for cardiovascular support.
Naturally occurring octacosanol Plus pine plant sterols & hawthorn
This extra strength product has four times the policosanol (40 mg per capsule) than our regular strength product (10 mg per capsule).
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: For adults only.
Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication (especially antiplatelet, anticoagulant drugs, aspirin, or NSAIDs), or have a medical condition.
Keep out of reach of children.
Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that process other ingredients containing these allergens.
Formulation
Natural color variation may occur in this product.
Cardiovascular support
Non-GMO
Vegetarian/vegan
Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients.
Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
General Statements
This bottle is made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin.
General health Family owned since 1968.
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
GMP Quality Assured
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg by NOW 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 Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg by NOW
These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 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.
Hawthorn
Interacts with191 drugs
Hawthorn is a plant traditionally used for heart-related complaints, and some studies suggest it may modestly help symptoms of mild heart failure when...
Hawthorn monograph & interactionsPine Phytosterol powder
Policosanol
Interacts with242 drugs
Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols (mostly octacosanol) made from sugar cane or other plant waxes, and it is often marketed as a natural way to low...
Policosanol monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg by NOW Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
NOW's Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg contains two ingredients with documented interactions: hawthorn and policosanol.
The most serious concerns are Major-severity interactions with nitrates (chest pain medications) and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (erectile dysfunction drugs like sildenafil). Hawthorn can add to their blood-pressure-lowering and vessel-widening effects, potentially causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Both hawthorn and policosanol interact with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin and aspirin) — each carrying Moderate severity. Hawthorn may raise bleeding risk through effects on platelet function, and policosanol can inhibit platelet clumping.
Both also lower blood pressure and interact with beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers (Moderate severity). Policosanol alone interacts with diabetes medications — theoretically raising the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) — and with nitroprusside, a blood-pressure medication.
We could not check pine phytosterol powder for interactions.
Altogether, these interactions span 277 individual medications. Use the medication checker below with your exact prescriptions before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg interact with 279 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 3 ingredients in Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Policosanol Hawthorn
AvanafilStendra
How Avanafil interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Avanafil interactionFinasteride, TadalafilEntadfi
How Finasteride, Tadalafil interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Finasteride, Tadalafil interactionGlyceryl TrinitrateNitronal
How Glyceryl Trinitrate interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Glyceryl Trinitrate interactionIsosorbide DinitrateAngitak, Cedocard Retard, Isoket, Isoket Retard, Isordil
How Isosorbide Dinitrate interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Isosorbide Dinitrate interactionIsosorbide Dinitrate, HydralazineBiDil
How Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Isosorbide Dinitrate, Hydralazine interactionIsosorbide MononitrateAngeze, Angeze SR, Chemydur 60XL, Dynamin, Elantan, Elantan LA +13 more
How Isosorbide Mononitrate interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Isosorbide Mononitrate interactionMacitentan, TadalafilOpsynvi
How Macitentan, Tadalafil interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Macitentan, Tadalafil interactionNicorandilAprior, Dancor, Ikorel, Sigmart, Zynicor
How Nicorandil interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Nicorandil interactionNitroglycerinGonitro, Nitro Time, Nitro-Bid, Nitrocine Timecaps, Nitrogard, Nitrogard SR +7 more
How Nitroglycerin interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Nitroglycerin interactionPentaerythritol TetranitratePeritrate, Peritrate SA
How Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornNitrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Read the full Hawthorn + Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate interactionSildenafilRevatio
How Sildenafil interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Sildenafil interactionSildenafil CitrateViagra
How Sildenafil Citrate interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Sildenafil Citrate interactionTadalafilCialis, Tadliq
How Tadalafil interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Tadalafil interactionVardenafilLevitra, Staxyn
How Vardenafil interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornPhosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Read the full Hawthorn + Vardenafil interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Abciximab interactionPolicosanolAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Read the full Policosanol + Abciximab interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Read the full Policosanol + Abrocitinib interactionHawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Abrocitinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Policosanol + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolBeta-blockers Moderate
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of policosanol with beta-blockers can cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Read the full Policosanol + Acebutolol interactionHawthornBeta-blockers Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive effects on blood pressure and heart rate.
Read the full Hawthorn + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Acenocoumarol interactionPolicosanolAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Read the full Policosanol + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Read the full Policosanol + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionHawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionPolicosanolAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Read the full Policosanol + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
How Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Read the full Policosanol + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionHawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Policosanol + Acetohexamide interactionAcetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
How Acetylsalicylic Acid interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Read the full Policosanol + Acetylsalicylic Acid interactionHawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Acetylsalicylic Acid interactionAlbiglutideTanzeum
How Albiglutide interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Policosanol + Albiglutide interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Policosanol + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
How Alogliptin, Metformin interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Policosanol + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Policosanol + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAlteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
How Alteplase, Tpa interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
PolicosanolAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Read the full Policosanol + Alteplase, Tpa interactionHawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Alteplase, Tpa interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
HawthornAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Hawthorn + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionPolicosanolAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Read the full Policosanol + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Extra Strength Policosanol 40 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.
Policosanol
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. Although, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response. Furthermore, a study in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent found that taking policosanol 40 mg plus clopidogrel and aspirin daily for 30 days modestly reduced the risk for minor bleeding events when compared with taking clopidogrel and aspirin alone. Until more is known, use with caution.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that policosanol can lower blood glucose levels.
Beta-Blockers
Concomitant use of policosanol with beta-blockers can cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Clinical research shows that policosanol 5 mg daily can have additive blood pressure-lowering effects in patients with hypertension who are taking beta-blockers. Also, animal research shows that policosanol can increase the blood-pressure lowering effects of propranolol.
Nitroprusside (Nitropress)
Theoretically, concomitant use of policosanol with nitroprusside might cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with nitroprusside can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of nitroprusside.
Propranolol (Inderal)
Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with propranolol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of propranolol.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, taking policosanol with warfarin might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. However, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response.
Hawthorn
Nitrates
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors
Theoretically, concomitant use might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension.
Hawthorn might inhibit PDE-5 and cause vasodilation.
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, hawthorn may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research shows that hawthorn can inhibit platelet aggregation. However, its effect in humans is unclear. One observational study shows that patients taking hawthorn shortly before undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or valve replacement surgery have a 10% incidence of postoperative bleeding, compared with 1% in those who never consumed hawthorn extract. However, clinical research shows that taking a specific preparation of dried hawthorn leaves and flowers (Crataesor, Soria Natural Lab) 800 mg three times daily for 15 days does not affect platelet aggregation or levels of thromboxane B2, the metabolite of thromboxane A2, in healthy humans.
Beta-Blockers
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive effects on blood pressure and heart rate.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Theoretically, concomitant use might cause additive coronary vasodilation and hypotensive effects.
Some evidence shows that hawthorn might lower blood pressure due to vasodilatory effects.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Theoretically, hawthorn might potentiate the effects and adverse effects of digoxin.
Hawthorn appears to improve cardiac output; however, hawthorn does not appear to affect digoxin pharmacokinetics. Case reports suggest that at least one species of hawthorn root extract (Crataegus mexicana) may produce adverse effects similar to digoxin and can cross-react with digoxin assays, leading to falsely elevated plasma digoxin levels.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg, 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
Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg by NOW: Common Questions
Does Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Does policosanol actually work for high cholesterol?
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
What side effects might I notice?
Is this safe to take with my blood pressure medication?
What is hawthorn in here for?
Can I take this with aspirin or warfarin?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Hawthorn
Interacts with 191 drugsHawthorn is a plant traditionally used for heart-related complaints, and some studies suggest it may modestly help symptoms of mild heart failure when added to standard care. However, the ev...
Read the full Hawthorn monograph → Herb & supplement monographPolicosanol
Interacts with 242 drugsPolicosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols (mostly octacosanol) made from sugar cane or other plant waxes, and it is often marketed as a natural way to lower cholesterol. Early studies from Cuba...
Read the full Policosanol monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Extra Strength Policosanol 40 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 40 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.
Hawthorn 25 references
- Tauchert M. Efficacy and safety of crataegus extract WS 1442 in comparison with placebo in patients with chronic stable New York Heart Association class-III heart failure. Am Heart J 2002;143:910-5. PubMed
- Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med 2003;114:665-74.. PubMed
- Chang Q, Zuo Z, Harrison F, Chow MS. Hawthorn. J Clin Pharmacol 2002;42:605-12.
- Holubarsch CJ, Colucci WS, Meinertz T, et al. The efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in patients with heart failure: the SPICE trial. Eur J Heart Fail 2008;10:1255-63. PubMed
- Pittler MH, Guo R, and Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure. Cochrane.Database.Syst Rev 2008:CD005312. PubMed
- Zick SM, Vautaw BM, Gillespie B, Aaronson KD. Hawthorn Extract Randomized Blinded Chronic Heart Failure (HERB CHF) trial. Eur J Heart Fail. 2009;11:990-99. PubMed
- Werner NS, Duschek S, and Schandry R. D-camphor-crataegus berry extract combination increases blood pressure and cognitive functioning in the elderly - a randomized, placebo controlled double blind study. Phytomedicine. 2009;16:1077-82. PubMed
- Dalli E, Colomer E, Tormos MC, et al. Crataegus laevigata decreases neutrophil elastase and has hypolipidemic effect: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 6-15-2011;18:769-75. PubMed
- Maek-a-nantawat W, Phonrat B, Dhitavat J, et al. Safety and efficacy of CKBM-A01, a Chinese herbal medicine, among asymptomatic HIV patients. Southeast Asian J Trop.Med Public Health 2009;40:494-501.
- Asher GN, Viera AJ, Weaver MA, et al. Effect of hawthorn standardized extract on flow mediated dilation in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults: a randomized, controlled cross-over trial. BMC.Complement Altern.Med 2012;12:26. PubMed
- Walker AF, Marakis G, Simpson E, et al. Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Gen.Pract 2006;56:437-43.
- Daniele C, Mazzanti G, Pittler MH, et al. Adverse-event profile of Crataegus spp.: a systematic review. Drug Saf 2006;29:523-35. PubMed
- Tankanow R, Tamer HR, Streetman DS, et al. Interaction study between digoxin and a preparation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha). J.Clin.Pharmacol. 2003;43:637-42. DOI
- Tauchert, M., Gildor, A., and Lipinski, J. [High-dose Crataegus extract WS 1442 in the treatment of NYHA stage II heart failure]. Herz 1999;24(6):465-474.
- Horoz, M., Gok, E., Genctoy, G., Ozcan, T., Olmaz, R., Akca, M., Kiykim, A., and Gurses, I. Crataegus orientalis associated multiorgan hypersensitivity reaction and acute renal failure. Intern.Med 2008;47(23):2039-2042. PubMed
- Dalli, E., Valles, J., Cosin-Sales, J., Santos, M. T., Moscardo, A., Milara, J., and Sotillo, J. F. Effects of hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Thromb.Res 2011;128(4):398-400. PubMed
- Rogov VD. [Toxiderma due to the fruits of the hawthorn]. Vestn Dermatol Venerol 1984;7(7):46-47.
- Loew D, Albrecht M, and Podzuweit H. Efficacy and tolerability of a Hawthorn preparation in patients with heart failure Stage I and II according to NYHA - a surveillance study. Phytomedicine 1996;3(Suppl 1):92.
- Rababa'h AM, Altarabsheh SE, Haddad O, Deo SV, Obeidat Y, Al-Azzam S. Hawthorn Herb Increases the Risk of Bleeding after Cardiac Surgery: An Evidence-Based Approach. Heart Surg Forum 2016;19(4):E175-9. PubMed
- Shatoor AS, Soliman H, Al-Hashem F, Gamal BE, Othman A, El-Menshaw N. Effect of hawthorn (Crataegus aronia syn. Azarolus (L)) on platelet function in albino wistar rats. Thromb Res 2012;130(1):75-80. PubMed
- Vibes J, Lasserre B, Gleye J, Declume C. Inhibition of thromboxane A2 biosynthesis in vitro by the main components of Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn) flower heads. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1994;50(4):173-5. PubMed
- Rogers KL, Grice ID, Griffiths LR. Inhibition of platelet aggregation and 5-HT release by extracts of Australian plants used traditionally as headache treatments. Eur J Pharm Sci 2000;9(4):355-63. PubMed
- Zhou CC, Huang XX, Gao PY, et al. Two new compounds from Crataegus pinnatifida and their antithrombotic activities. J Asian Nat Prod Res 2014;16(2):169-74.
- Palmer KG, Lebin JA, Cronin MT, Mazor SS, Burns RA. Crataegus mexicana (Tejocote) Exposure Associated with Cardiotoxicity and a Falsely Elevated Digoxin Level. J Med Toxicol. 2019;15(4):295-298. PubMed
- Espinosa J, Bassett R, Lucerna A, Finn D. Hawthorne root (Crataegus mexicana) toxicity. Am J Emerg Med. 2024;78:242.e5-242.e6. PubMed
Policosanol 15 references
- Carbajal D, Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation and serum levels of arachidonic acid metabolites in healthy volunteers. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1998;58:61-4.
- Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R, et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res 1997;36:293-7. PubMed
- Valdes S, Arruzazabala ML, Fernandez L. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1996;16:67-72.
- Greyling A, De Witt C, Oosthuizen W, Jerling JC. Effects of a policosanol supplement on serum lipid concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Br J Nutr 2006;95:968-75. PubMed
- Abdul MI, Jiang X, Williams KM, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of echinacea and policosanol with warfarin in healthy subjects. Br J Clin.Pharmacol. 2010;69:508-15. PubMed
- Molina, Cuevas, V, Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, Quintana D., Mas, Ferreiro R., and Valdes, Garcia S. Effect of policosanol on arterial blood pressure in rats. Study of the pharmacological interaction with nifedipine and propranolol. Arch Med Res 1998;29
- Castano G, Fernandez L, Mas R, et al. Comparison of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of original policosanol versus other mixtures of higher aliphatic primary alcohols in patients with type II hypercholesterolemia. Int.J.Clin.Pharmacol.Res. 2002;22:5
- Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, D., Mas, R., Valdes, S., and Molina, V. Pharmacological Interaction Between Policosanol and Nitroprusside in Rats. J Med Food 2001;4(2):67-70. PubMed
- Castano G, Mas R, Gamez R, et al. Concomitant use of policosanol and beta-blockers in older patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol.Res 2004;24:65-77.
- Francini-Pesenti F, Brocadello F, Beltramolli D, et al. Sugar cane policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in primitive, diet-resistant hypercholesterolaemia: A double blind, controlled study. Complement Ther Med 2008;16:61-65. PubMed
- Castaño G, Fernández L, Mas R, Illnait J, Mesa M, Fernández JC. Comparison of the effects of policosanol and atorvastatin on lipid profile and platelet aggregation in patients with dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clin Drug Investig. 2003;23(10 PubMed
- Fernandez L, Mas R, Illnait J, Fernandez JC. Policosanol: results of a postmarketing surveillance study of 27,879 patients. Curr Ther Res 1998;59(10):717-22. DOI
- Wang HY, Jiao QP, Chen SY, et al. Efficacy and safety of policosanol plus fenofibrate combination therapy in elderly patients with mixed dyslipidemia: A randomized, controlled clinical study. Am J Med Sci. 2018;356(3):254-261. PubMed
- Xu K, Liu X, Li Y, Wang Y, Zang H, Guo L, et al. Safety and efficacy of policosanol in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity after drug-eluting stent implantation: two-year follow-up results. Cardiovasc Ther. 2016 Oct;34(5):337-42. doi: 10.1 PubMed
- Li C, Ding Y, Si Q, Li K, Xu K. Multiple functions of policosanol in elderly patients with dyslipidemia. J Int Med Res. 2020;48(7):300060520936082. PubMed
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.
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