Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Guggal Extra Strength Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by R-U-Ved

Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Guggal Extra Strength is a dietary supplement by R-U-Ved with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for preventing neural tube birth defects, treating or preventing folate deficiency, supporting pregnancy health.Based on those ingredients, 1,056 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Guggul, Magnesium aspartate, Vitamin B-6. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Guggal Extra Strength by R-U-Ved

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 6 active ingredients.

Guggal Extra Strength contains 6 ingredients, including the active ones folic acid, vitamin B-6, magnesium aspartate, guggul, and triphala. Folic acid supports normal cell division and DNA synthesis, particularly important when you're deficient or pregnant.

Vitamin B-6 helps your body process amino acids and supports nervous system health. Magnesium aspartate provides magnesium, a mineral involved in muscle function, energy production, and hundreds of enzyme reactions.

Guggul is a plant resin traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. Triphala is an Ayurvedic blend of three dried fruits.

The capsule itself (a vegetarian capsule) is the only inactive ingredient listed.

Does it work?

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

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Healthy cholesterol, metabolism and weight management.
  • We looked for evidence on: Acne, Anemia, Anxiety, Constipation, Coronary heart disease (CHD), Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Vitamin B6 is rated "Effective" for Sideroblastic anemia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Magnesium is rated "Effective" for Constipation.
  • Also on file: Folic Acid is rated "Effective" for Folate deficiency.

Folic acid in this product has solid evidence for preventing folate deficiency and neural tube birth defects, and is likely effective for reducing methotrexate toxicity. It's also possibly effective for depression, gingival overgrowth from phenytoin, and cognitive problems.

Vitamin B-6 is effective for sideroblastic anemia and B-6 deficiency, and likely effective for high homocysteine levels; it's possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea. Magnesium aspartate is effective for indigestion, constipation, and low magnesium levels, and likely effective for pre-eclampsia in pregnancy.

For guggul, the evidence we hold shows it is possibly ineffective for weight loss and lacks reliable evidence for acne, hemorrhoids, or high cholesterol. We hold no established effectiveness ratings for triphala.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Folic Acid Vitamin B6 Magnesium Guggul

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Folic acid is generally safe at recommended doses and considered safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding—in fact, it's recommended during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects. However, at high doses (15 mg daily), it can cause confusion, sleep problems, and nausea, and may worsen a hidden vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Vitamin B-6 is well tolerated at doses under 100 mg daily but can cause nerve damage (sensory neuropathy) at very high doses, especially over time; it's likely safe in pregnancy at recommended levels but possibly unsafe at high doses, and likely safe while breastfeeding. Magnesium aspartate is generally safe at recommended amounts from food and supplements, though it commonly causes diarrhea or upset stomach; it's needed in pregnancy but only use supplements under your doctor's guidance, and check with your doctor before supplementing while breastfeeding.

Guggul may cause bloating, nausea, headache, diarrhea, and skin reactions (dose-related); it should be avoided in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus, and not enough safety data exists for breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Folic Acid Vitamin B6 Magnesium Guggul

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Guggul, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Folic Acid.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 1,057 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet), do not use this product without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first—magnesium can significantly reduce its effectiveness. Also double-check before taking this if you use seizure medications (phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), cancer drugs (methotrexate, capecitabine), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, birth control or estrogens, thyroid hormone, or skeletal muscle relaxants.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines nutrients with established uses—folic acid for deficiency and birth-defect prevention, magnesium and vitamin B-6 for various metabolic roles—alongside guggul, an ingredient with limited evidence. Because it carries multiple Moderate interactions and one Major interaction with Parkinson's medications, anyone taking seizure drugs, blood thinners, birth control, thyroid hormone, or levodopa/carbidopa should talk with their own doctor or pharmacist before using it.

Guggul should be avoided in pregnancy. If you're considering this supplement, run your full medication list through the checker on this page.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 21, 2012.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Guggal Extra Strength, straight from the product label.

Brand R-U-Ved
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 21, 2012
DSLD ID 16604
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Guggal Extra Strength by R-U-Ved, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Folic Acid400 mcg100%
Vitamin B-620 mg1000%
Magnesium aspartate50 mg6%
In a base of the following extracts0 NP--
Guggul300 mg--
Triphala120 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Call us toll free at: 1-800-925-1371

Metabolic Support

Nutritional support for: • Healthy Cholesterol • Metabolism • Maintenance of Healthy Weight • Liver Health

Naturally Grown Himalayan Herbs In-house Manufactured to ensure Purity Third Party Tested for Heavy Metals

Millions of Americans suffer with cholesterol related issues. If one eats healthy natural foods and maintains a healthy exercise routine, one shall have healthy cholesterol. The American food chain has been polluted with processed foods as well as the modification of natural foods, causing food to become stripped of its basic nutrition. Sedentary lifestyles, use of over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, alcohol as well as environmental pollution adds stress to the liver, which is the clearing house for one’s cholesterol. With so many factors, it is no wonder millions of Americans have cholesterol issues. Guggal has been used for centuries for fat metabolism. It promotes healthy cholesterol levels while maintaining adrenal function. It is considered a Rasayana in Ayurvedic medicine. This combination is considered digestive aidassisting with fat metabolism, and promoting immune function.

For more information on these herbs and research, please visit our website at www.ruved.net

Seals/Symbols

R-U-VED(R) ancient wisdom, modern lifestyle

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Statements herein have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 Capsule three times daily or as directed by you physician.

See for yourself

Guggal Extra Strength by R-U-Ved label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Guggal Extra Strength by R-U-Ved

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Folic Acid

Interacts with
40 drugs
400 mcg per serving

Folic acid is the man-made form of vitamin B9 and is one of the most well-studied supplements, especially for preventing serious birth defects when ta...

Folic Acid monograph & interactions

Vitamin B-6

Interacts with
210 drugs
20 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B-6 monograph & interactions

Magnesium aspartate

Interacts with
295 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Magnesium Aspartate

Magnesium is an essential mineral your body needs for muscles, nerves, blood pressure, and many other functions, and supplements are useful for preven...

Magnesium aspartate monograph & interactions

In a base of the following extracts

0 NP per serving

Guggul

Interacts with
757 drugs
300 mg per serving Form: Guggulsterones

Guggul is a gum resin from the Commiphora wightii tree, long used in Ayurvedic medicine for cholesterol, joint, and skin problems. Modern studies are...

Guggul monograph & interactions

Triphala

120 mg per serving Form: Amla, Bahera, Haritaki

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Guggal Extra Strength by R-U-Ved Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Guggal Extra Strength?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,056Drugs
6 Major 1,048 Moderate 2 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Guggul 757

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Guggal Extra Strength 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.

Guggul9 drug types · 757 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical studies suggest that guggul might have antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with contraceptive drugs.
In vitro research shows that guggul has estrogen-alpha receptor agonist activity.

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

Theoretically, guggul might reduce the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that guggul constituents known as guggulsterones can induce CYP3A4.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Guggul might reduce the effects of diltiazem.
A small pharmacokinetic study shows that concomitant use of guggul with diltiazem reduces the bioavailability of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Estrogens

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with estrogens.
In vitro research shows that guggul constituents known as guggulsterones have estrogen-alpha receptor agonist activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Propranolol (Inderal)

Guggul might reduce the effects of propranolol.
A small pharmacokinetic study shows that concomitant use of guggul with propranolol reduces the bioavailability of propranolol.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Theoretically, guggul might increase the effects and adverse effects of rosuvastatin.
Animal research shows that guggul increases the bioavailability and hypolipidemic effects of rosuvastatin. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, guggul might interfere with tamoxifen therapy.
In vitro research shows that guggul has estrogen-alpha receptor agonist activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk for adverse effects when taken with thyroid hormone therapy.
Animal research suggests that guggul has thyroid-stimulating effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B

Magnesium aspartate15 drug types · 295 drugs

Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet)

Magnesium can reduce the bioavailability of levodopa/carbidopa.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking magnesium oxide 1000 mg with levodopa 100 mg/carbidopa 10 mg reduces the area under the curve (AUC) of levodopa by 35% and of carbidopa by 81%. In vitro and animal research shows that magnesium produces an alkaline environment in the digestive tract, which might lead to degradation and reduced bioavailability of levodopa/carbidopa.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics

Concomitant use of aminoglycoside antibiotics and magnesium can increase the risk for neuromuscular weakness.
Both aminoglycosides and magnesium reduce presynaptic acetylcholine release, which can lead to neuromuscular blockade and possible paralysis. This is most likely to occur with high doses of magnesium given intravenously.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antacids

Use of acid reducers may reduce the laxative effect of magnesium oxide.
A retrospective analysis shows that, in the presence of H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a higher dose of magnesium oxide is needed for a laxative effect. This may also occur with antacids. Under acidic conditions, magnesium oxide is converted to magnesium chloride and then to magnesium bicarbonate, which has an osmotic laxative effect. By reducing acidity, antacids may reduce the conversion of magnesium oxide to the active bicarbonate salt.

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

Magnesium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after magnesium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Magnesium can decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.
Cations, including magnesium, can decrease bisphosphonate absorption. Advise patients to separate doses of magnesium and these drugs by at least 2 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Calcium Channel Blockers

Magnesium can have additive effects with calcium channel blockers, although evidence is conflicting.
Magnesium inhibits calcium entry into smooth muscle cells and may therefore have additive effects with calcium channel blockers. Severe hypotension and neuromuscular blockades may occur when nifedipine is used with intravenous magnesium, although some contradictory evidence suggests that concurrent use of magnesium with nifedipine does not increase the risk of neuromuscular weakness. High doses of magnesium could theoretically have additive effects with other calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin

Magnesium salts may reduce absorption of digoxin.
Clinical evidence suggests that treatment with oral magnesium hydroxide or magnesium trisilicate reduces absorption of digoxin from the intestines. This may reduce the blood levels of digoxin and decrease its therapeutic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Potassium-sparing diuretics decrease excretion of magnesium, possibly increasing magnesium levels.
Potassium-sparing diuretics also have magnesium-sparing properties, which can counteract the magnesium losses associated with loop and thiazide diuretics. Theoretically, increased magnesium levels could result from concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics and magnesium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Magnesium decreases absorption of quinolones.
Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with quinolones and decrease their absorption. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, magnesium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Parenteral magnesium alters the pharmacokinetics of skeletal muscle relaxants, increasing their effects and accelerating the onset of effect.
Parenteral magnesium shortens the time to onset of skeletal muscle relaxants by about 1 minute and prolongs the duration of action by about 2 minutes. Magnesium potentiates the effects of skeletal muscle relaxants by decreasing calcium-mediated release of acetylcholine from presynaptic nerve terminals, reducing postsynaptic sensitivity to acetylcholine, and having a direct effect on the membrane potential of myocytes. Magnesium also has vasodilatory actions and increases cardiac output, allowing a greater amount of muscle relaxant to reach the motor end plate. A clinical study found that low-dose rocuronium (0.45 mg/kg), when given after administration of magnesium 30 mg/kg over 10 minutes, has an accelerated onset of effect, which matches the onset of effect seen with a full-dose rocuronium regimen (0.6 mg/kg). In another clinical study, onset times for rocuronium doses of 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg/kg were 86, 76, and 50 seconds, respectively, when given alone, but were reduced to 66, 44, and 38 seconds, respectively, when the doses were given after a 15-minute infusion of magnesium sulfate 60 mg/kg. Giving intraoperative intravenous magnesium sulfate, 50 mg/kg loading dose followed by 15 mg/kg/hour, reduces the onset time of rocuronium, enhances its clinical effects, reduces the dose of intraoperative opiates, and prolongs the spontaneous recovery time. It does not affect the activity of subsequently administered neostigmine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Sulfonylureas

Magnesium increases the systemic absorption of sulfonylureas, increasing their effects and side effects.
Clinical research shows that administration of magnesium hydroxide with glyburide increases glyburide absorption, increases maximal insulin response by 35-fold, and increases the risk of hypoglycemia, when compared with glyburide alone. A similar interaction occurs between magnesium hydroxide and glipizide. The mechanism of this effect appears to be related to the elevation of gastrointestinal pH by magnesium-based antacids, increasing solubility and enhancing absorption of sulfonylureas.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Magnesium decreases absorption of tetracyclines.
Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with tetracyclines in the gut and decrease their absorption and antibacterial activity. Advise patients to take these drugs 1 hour before or 2 hours after magnesium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, magnesium may have antiplatelet effects, but the evidence is conflicting.
In vitro evidence shows that magnesium sulfate inhibits platelet aggregation, even at low concentrations. Some preliminary clinical evidence shows that infusion of magnesium sulfate increases bleeding time by 48% and reduces platelet activity. However, other clinical research shows that magnesium does not affect platelet aggregation, although inhibition of platelet-dependent thrombosis can occur.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Gabapentin absorption can be decreased by magnesium.
Clinical research shows that giving magnesium oxide orally along with gabapentin decreases the maximum plasma concentration of gabapentin by 33%, time to maximum concentration by 36%, and area under the curve by 43%. Advise patients to take gabapentin at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, magnesium supplements.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Sevelamer (Renagel, Renvela)

Sevelamer may increase serum magnesium levels.
In patients on hemodialysis, sevelamer use was associated with a 0.28 mg/dL increase in serum magnesium. The mechanism of this interaction remains unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Vitamin B-65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Folic Acid7 drug types · 40 drugs

5-Fluorouracil

Theoretically, high doses of folic acid might increase the toxicity of 5-fluorouracil.
Increases in gastrointestinal side effects of 5-fluorouracil, such as stomatitis and diarrhea, have been described in two clinical studies when leucovorin, a form of folic acid, was administered with 5-fluorouracil.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Capecitabine (Xeloda)

Use of high-dose folic acid might contribute to capecitabine toxicity.
Clinical research suggests that higher serum folate levels are associated with an increased risk for moderate or severe toxicity during capecitabine-based treatment for colorectal cancer. Additionally, in one case report, taking folic acid 15 mg daily might have contributed to increased toxicity, including severe diarrhea, vomiting, edema, hand-foot syndrome, and eventually death, in a patient prescribed capecitabine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Folic acid might reduce the efficacy of methotrexate as a cancer treatment when given concurrently.
Methotrexate exerts its cytotoxic effects by preventing conversion of folic acid to the active form needed by cells. There is some evidence that folic acid supplements reduce the efficacy of methotrexate in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and theoretically they could reduce its efficacy in the treatment of other cancers. Advise cancer patients to consult their oncologist before using folic acid supplements. In patients treated with long-term, low-dose methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriasis, folic acid supplements can reduce the incidence of side effects, without reducing efficacy.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

Folic acid might have antagonistic effects on phenobarbital and increase the risk for seizures.
Folic acid can have direct convulsant activity in some people, reversing the effects of phenobarbital and worsening seizure control. Monitor closely for increased seizure activity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Folic acid might reduce serum levels of phenytoin in some patients.
Folic acid may be a cofactor in phenytoin metabolism. Folic acid, in doses of 1 mg daily or more, can reduce serum levels of phenytoin in some patients. Increases in seizure frequency have been reported. If folic acid supplements are added to established phenytoin therapy, monitor serum phenytoin levels closely. If phenytoin and folic acid are started at the same time and continued together, adverse changes in phenytoin pharmacokinetics are avoided. Note that phenytoin also reduces serum folate levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Primidone (Mysoline)

Folic acid might have antagonistic effects on primidone and increase the risk for seizures.
Folic acid can have direct convulsant activity in some people, reversing the effects of primidone and worsening seizure control. Monitor closely for increased seizure activity. Note that primidone also reduces serum folate levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Pyrimethamine (Daraprim)

Folic acid might antagonize the effects of pyrimethamine.
Folic acid can antagonize the antiparasitic effects of pyrimethamine against toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Folic acid doesn't antagonize the effects of pyrimethamine in the treatment of malaria, because malarial parasites cannot use exogenous folic acid. Use folinic acid as an alternative to folic acid when indicated.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Guggal Extra Strength, from the product label.

R-U-Ved

See all R-U-Ved products
Phone Number
1-800-925-1371
Web Address
www.ruved.net
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Guggal Extra Strength by R-U-Ved: Common Questions

Does Guggal Extra Strength by R-U-Ved interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Guggal Extra Strength has a known interaction with 1,056 medications, including 6 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Guggal Extra Strength contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Folic acid is recommended and safe during pregnancy at standard prenatal doses. However, guggul should be avoided because it may stimulate the uterus and its safety in pregnancy isn't established. Magnesium is needed during pregnancy but only use supplements under your doctor's guidance. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this specific product is right for you in pregnancy.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking this?
Folic acid and vitamin B-6 are considered safe at recommended doses while breastfeeding. Magnesium at normal amounts is appropriate, but check with your doctor before supplementing. Guggul doesn't have enough safety data, so it's best avoided while breastfeeding. Your own doctor or pharmacist can advise on the product as a whole for your situation.
What are the most common side effects?
Folic acid is well tolerated at doses under 1 mg daily but can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea at 5 mg daily. Magnesium commonly causes diarrhea, nausea, or upset stomach. Guggul may cause belching, bloating, nausea, headache, diarrhea, or skin reactions. Vitamin B-6 at normal doses typically causes no problems.
Will this help with weight loss?
Guggul is listed as possibly ineffective for obesity in the data we hold, so there's no established evidence this product will help you lose weight.
What is triphala?
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic blend of three dried fruits. We don't hold interaction or effectiveness data for it, so we can't tell you what it does in this product or how it might interact with your medications.
Should I take this if I have a vitamin B-12 deficiency?
Be cautious. High-dose folic acid can mask the symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency (pernicious anemia) and allow serious nerve damage to develop undetected. If you think you have a B-12 deficiency, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement.

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

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Guggal Extra Strength label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Guggal Extra Strength's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 191 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.

Folic Acid 56 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Duhra P. Treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with methotrexate therapy for psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1993;28:466-9. PubMed
  3. Morgan SL, Baggott JE, Vaughn WH, et al. Supplementation with folic acid during methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 1994;121:833-41. PubMed
  4. Froscher W, Maier V, Laage M, et al. Folate deficiency, anticonvulsant drugs, and psychiatric morbidity. Clin Neuropharmacol 1995;18:165-82. PubMed
  5. Lewis DP, Van Dyke DC, Willhite LA, et al. Phenytoin-folic acid interaction. Ann Pharmacother 1995;29:726-35. PubMed
  6. Berg MJ, Stumbo PJ, Chenard CA, et al. Folic acid improves phenytoin pharmacokinetics. J Am Diet Assoc 1995;95:352-6. PubMed
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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