Garcinia HCA Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Garcinia HCA 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
Garcinia HCA is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for weight loss, appetite suppression, curbing sugar and carb cravings.Based on those ingredients, 704 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Garcinia cambogia Fruit Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Garcinia HCA by Life Extension
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Garcinia HCA by Life Extension — 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 Garcinia HCA by Life Extension
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 supplement contains one active ingredient: garcinia cambogia fruit extract, which is the source of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the compound believed to be responsible for the product's effects. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, gum acacia, and ascorbyl palmitate — which are fillers and binders.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for garcinia's effectiveness isn't established in the data we hold. For obesity, athletic performance, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and fatty liver disease, the ratings are all insufficient reliable evidence to rate, meaning clinical trials haven't yet provided strong enough proof that it works for these purposes.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Garcinia is generally well tolerated in short-term use, though we do need to flag some real concerns. The most common side effects in studies are diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, and nausea.
Rare but serious reports exist of liver injury (hepatotoxicity), liver failure, mania (especially if you have bipolar disorder), pancreatitis, and in one case, severe heart inflammation. Don't use this during pregnancy — there isn't enough safety data to know whether it's safe for your baby.
The same goes for breastfeeding: we don't have enough information, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before you take Garcinia HCA, check your medications against these types: serotonergic drugs like SSRIs or SNRIs (antidepressants), blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs), medications that could stress your liver, and diabetes drugs. All carry Moderate severity interactions with the garcinia in this product.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Garcinia HCA may appeal to someone looking to manage weight or cholesterol, but the evidence that it actually works isn't clear. If you take an antidepressant, blood thinner, diabetes medication, or anything that affects your liver, you need to check with us before starting this.
Even short-term use carries a small risk of serious liver or heart problems, so it's worth a conversation with your pharmacist.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 2025.
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 Garcinia HCA, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 737870173809 |
| Net contents | 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Feb 23, 2025 |
| DSLD ID | 328462 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | 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 Garcinia HCA by Life Extension, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Garcinia cambogia Fruit Extract | 500 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gum Acacia, Ascorbyl Palmitate
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements
Scan for product info
Precautions
Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use.
Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.
Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.
When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.
Warning: Reproductive harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Take one (1) capsule three times daily, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. Best taken 45 minutes before meals. This supplement should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise program. Results may vary.
Formulation
Gluten Free Non GMO LE Certified
Weight management support
Seals/Symbols
Non GMO LE Certified
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Storage
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Garcinia HCA by Life Extension 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 Garcinia HCA by Life Extension
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.
Garcinia cambogia Fruit Extract
Interacts with704 drugs
Garcinia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), widely marketed for weight loss and appetite control. The scientific eviden...
Garcinia cambogia Fruit Extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gum Acacia, Ascorbyl Palmitate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Garcinia HCA by Life Extension Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Garcinia HCA by Life Extension contains garcinia cambogia fruit extract, which has documented interactions with several medication types.
The most serious concern is serotonergic drugs (antidepressants like SSRIs) — there's a case report of a patient on escitalopram who developed serotonin syndrome after adding garcinia, so combining them theoretically raises the risk of serotonergic side effects.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
You'll also want to check if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), drugs for liver health or other conditions that stress the liver (hepatotoxic drugs), or diabetes medications. The main ingredient, hydroxycitric acid, may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants, raise the chance of liver damage when paired with other hepatotoxic substances, and potentially lower your blood sugar too much if you're already on diabetes drugs.
Altogether, these interactions span 687 individual medications. Use the interaction 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 Garcinia HCA?
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 Garcinia HCA interact with 704 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Garcinia HCA interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Garcinia cambogia Fruit Extract
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
How Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interactionAbacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
How Abacavir, Lamivudine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Abacavir, Lamivudine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Abciximab interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Abrocitinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractSerotonergic Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractSerotonergic Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Garcinia HCA — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit ExtractSerotonergic Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Garcinia HCA with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Garcinia cambogia Fruit Extract
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
HCA inhibits platelet aggregation in vitro. The inhibitory effect seems to be greater in platelets extracted from diabetic subjects than non-diabetic subjects.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
HCA reduces fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in animal models, theoretically by delaying glucose absorption. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
There have been reports of acute hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes associated with garcinia, when taken alone or in combination with other ingredients. Case reports collected from the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network suggest this risk may be greater in people who carry the HLA B*35:01 allele.
Serotonergic Drugs
Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
In one report, a patient experienced serotonin syndrome after taking garcinia extract (60% hydroxycitric acid) 1000 mg daily in combination with escitalopram 20 mg, which had been taken for a year. The patient was switched to sertraline 50 mg daily and again experienced serotonin syndrome.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Garcinia HCA, from the product label.
Life Extension
See all Life Extension products- Name
- Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
- City
- Ft. Lauderdale
- State
- FL
- ZipCode
- 33309
- Phone Number
- 1-866-280-2852
- Web Address
- LifeExtension.com
Garcinia HCA by Life Extension: Common Questions
Does Garcinia HCA by Life Extension interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm on an antidepressant?
What's the most common side effect?
Does garcinia actually help with weight loss?
Is it safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What is hydroxycitric acid, and why is it in this product?
Can this hurt my liver?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Garcinia HCA 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 Garcinia HCA’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Garcinia HCA'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 44 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.
Garcinia 44 references
- Heymsfield SB, Allison DB, Vasselli JR, et al. Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) as a potential antiobesity agent: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 1998;280:1596-600. PubMed
- Soni MG, Burdock GA, Preuss HG, et al. Safety assessment of (-)-hydroxycitric acid and Super CitriMax, a novel calcium/potassium salt. Food Chem Toxicol 2004;42:1513-29. PubMed
- Stevens T, Qadri A, Zein NN. Two patients with acute liver injury associated with use of the herbal weight-loss supplement hydroxycut. Ann Intern Med 2005;142:477-8. PubMed
- Willis SL, Moawad FJ, Hartzell JD, et al. Hypertensive retinopathy associated with use of the ephedra-free weight-loss herbal supplement Hydroxycut. MedGenMed 2006;8:82.
- Preuss HG, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, et al. Effects of a natural extract of (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA-SX) and a combination of HCA-SX plus niacin-bound chromium and Gymnema sylvestre extract on weight loss. Diabetes Obes Metab 2004;6:171-180.
- Mansi IA, Huang J. Rhabdomyolysis in response to weight-loss herbal medicine. Am J Med Sci 2004;327:356-357. PubMed
- Lopez AM, Kornegay J, Hendrickson RG. Serotonin Toxicity Associated with Garcinia cambogia Over-the-counter Supplement. J Med Toxicol. 2014 Apr 4. [Epub ahead of print]. PubMed
- Michno A, Skibowska A, Raszeja-Specht A, Cwikowska J, Szutowicz A. The role of adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase in the metabolism of acetyl coenzyme a and function of blood platelets in diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 2004;53(1):66-72. PubMed
- Asghar M, Monjok E, Kouamou G, et al. Super CitriMax (HCA-SX) attenuates increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and body weight in developing obese Zucker rats. Mol Cell Biochem 2007;304(1-2):93-99. PubMed
- Wielinga PY, Wachters-Hagedoorn RE, Bouter B, et al. Hydroxycitric acid delays intestinal glucose absorption in rats. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2005;288(6):G1144-G1149. PubMed
- Leonhardt M, Balkan B, Langhans W. Effect of hydroxycitrate on respiratory quotient, energy expenditure, and glucose tolerance in male rats after a period of restrictive feeding. Nutrition 2004;20(10):911-915. PubMed
- Bunchorntavakul, C. and Reddy, K. R. Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther 2013;37(1):3-17. PubMed
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