Hawaiian Kava Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Hawaiian Kava 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
Hawaiian Kava is a dietary supplement by Maui Medicinal with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, restlessness, trouble sleeping.Based on those ingredients, 1,166 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are dried Kava. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Hawaiian Kava by Maui Medicinal
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Hawaiian Kava by Maui Medicinal — 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 Hawaiian Kava by Maui Medicinal
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 product contains one active ingredient: dried kava. Kava is a plant native to the South Pacific, and the root has been used traditionally to promote relaxation.
The product has no other inactive ingredients listed.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for kava's effectiveness is limited. For generalized anxiety, the data we hold rates it as possibly ineffective.
For insomnia and sexual arousal, there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate whether it works. So while kava has a long history of traditional use, we don't have solid proof it delivers the results people often seek from it.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Kava is generally well tolerated at usual doses, with the most common side effects being drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, memory problems, and tremor. The serious concern is liver damage — over 100 cases have been reported worldwide, though some experts question a few of them.
In people at risk, liver injury can show up after just 3 to 4 weeks of use, with signs like yellowed skin and eyes. Kava is not safe in pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding due to lack of safety data and the chance it could pass to the infant.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use CNS depressants (such as sleep aids, sedatives, anxiety medications, or opioids) — kava adds to their drowsy, reflex-slowing effects and this is a serious concern. Also double-check if you take any drugs that strain the liver, or medications metabolized through CYP2E1, CYP2C19, or CYP2C9 pathways, haloperidol, ropinirole, or P-glycoprotein substrates like digoxin.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Kava might appeal to you if you're looking for a traditional calming aid, but the evidence it actually works is weak, and the liver-damage risk is real — especially over time or at higher doses. If you take any medications, particularly sedatives or drugs that affect the liver, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.
This isn't a product to use on your own without that conversation.
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 Oct 23, 2020.
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 Hawaiian Kava, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Maui Medicinal |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 8 oz; 227 Gram(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Oct 23, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 236749 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Other (e.g. Tea Bag) |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, 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 Hawaiian Kava by Maui Medicinal, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| dried Kava | 0.5 oz | -- |
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
Brew or chew
Brewing suggestions: Mix cool fresh water with a generous portion of kava in a bowl, strain 10-12 times. Strain off kava debris, serve, drink and enjoy. Chewing suggestions: Chew like gum. A small pinch is quickly effective.
Formulation
Gluten free GMO free
Vegan
Precautions
Caution: May cause numbness
Keep out of reach of children
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Hawaiian Kava by Maui Medicinal 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 Hawaiian Kava by Maui Medicinal
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size0.5 Ounce(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container8 Amounts shown are per serving.
Dried Kava
Interacts with1,166 drugs
Kava is a Pacific Island plant traditionally used to promote relaxation and ease anxiety, and some studies suggest it may help mild anxiety. However,...
Dried Kava monograph & interactionsHawaiian Kava by Maui Medicinal Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Hawaiian Kava by Maui Medicinal contains dried kava, which does interact with medications — most seriously with CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, anxiety medications, and opioids), where the risk is Major.
Combining kava with these drugs can add up and cause excessive drowsiness and slowed reflexes.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Kava also has Moderate interactions with several other drug categories. It may slow how your body clears CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 substrates, potentially raising their levels.
It theoretically affects CYP2C9 substrates and P-glycoprotein substrates (like digoxin), though in-human evidence is limited or mixed. Additionally, there are case reports of kava combined with haloperidol or ropinirole causing serious cardiovascular and neurological side effects.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,167 individual medications.
Kava has also been linked to liver damage, especially with long-term or heavy use — so combining it with other drugs that stress the liver adds to that concern. If you take any prescription or over-the-counter medication, use the checker on this page to see your specific drugs before starting this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Hawaiian Kava?
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 Hawaiian Kava interact with 1,166 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Hawaiian Kava interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. dried Kava
AcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + 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 Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Codeine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interactionAcetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interactionAcetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
How Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
How Acetaminophen, Meperidine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Meperidine interactionAcetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interactionAcetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic
How Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava + Acetazolamide interactionAlfentanilAlfenta
How Alfentanil interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava + Alfentanil interactionAlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
How Alprazolam interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava + Alprazolam interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAminoglutethimideCytadren
How Aminoglutethimide interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava + Aminoglutethimide interactionAminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
How Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interacts with Hawaiian Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava + Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Hawaiian Kava 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.
dried Kava
Cns Depressants
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Kava has CNS depressant effects. Concomitant use of kava with other CNS depressants can increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Clinical practice guidelines from a joint taskforce of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) recommend that CNS depressants, including alcohol and benzodiazepines, not be used with kava.
Alcohol (Ethanol)
Combining kava with alcohol may increase the risk of sedation and/or hepatotoxicity.
Kava has CNS depressant effects. Concomitant use of kava with other CNS depressants can increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Additionally, kava has been associated with over 100 cases of hepatotoxicity. There is some concern that kava can adversely affect the liver, especially when used in combination with hepatotoxic drugs. Clinical practice guidelines from a joint taskforce of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) recommend that alcohol not be used with kava.
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates
Theoretically, kava might increase levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro research shows that kava significantly inhibits CYP2C19 enzymes. This effect has not yet been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, kava might increase levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that kava significantly inhibits CYP2C9 enzymes. This effect has not yet been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days inhibited the metabolism of CYP2E1 substrates.
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Combining kava and haloperidol might increase the risk of cardiovascular adverse effects and hypoxia.
Atrial flutter and hypoxia has been reported for a patient who received intramuscular injections of haloperidol and lorazepam after using kava orally. The side effects were attributed to kava-induced inhibition of CYP2D6, but might also have been related to additive adverse effects with the concomitant use of haloperidol, lorazepam, and kava.
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Kava has been linked with over 100 cases of hepatotoxicity. Most cases occur with excessive and prolonged use. There is some concern that kava can adversely affect the liver, especially when used in combination with hepatotoxic drugs.
P-Glycoprotein Substrates
It is unclear if kava inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp); research is conflicting.
In vitro research shows that kava can inhibit P-gp efflux. However, a clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking kava standardized to provide 225 mg kavalactones daily for 14 days does not affect the pharmacokinetics of digoxin, a P-gp substrate. It is possible that the use of other P-gp substrates or higher doses of kava might still inhibit P-gp.
Ropinirole (Requip)
Taking kava with ropinirole might increase the risk for dopaminergic toxicity.
A case of visual hallucinations and paranoid delusions has been reported for a patient who used kava in combination with ropinirole. The adverse effects were attributed to kava-induced inhibition of CYP1A2, which may have reduced the metabolism of ropinirole, resulting in excessive dopaminergic stimulation.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Although in vitro research and a case report suggest that kava inhibits CYP1A2, more robust clinical evidence shows that kava has no effect on CYP1A2. In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days had no effect on CYP1A2 activity.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
In vitro research shows that kava extract significantly inhibits CYP2D6. However, clinical research shows that kava does not affect the metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates in humans.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Although in vitro research suggests that kava inhibits CYP3A4, more robust clinical evidence shows that kava has no effect on CYP3A4. In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days had no effect on CYP3A4 activity.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Hawaiian Kava, from the product label.
Maui Medicinal
See all Maui Medicinal products- Name
- Maui Medicinal
- Street Address
- 20 Kekaulike Ave.
- City
- Kula
- State
- HI
- ZipCode
- 96768
- Phone Number
- 800.936.6532
- Web Address
- mauimedicinal.com
Hawaiian Kava by Maui Medicinal: Common Questions
Does Hawaiian Kava by Maui Medicinal interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Does kava actually help with anxiety?
What are the most common side effects?
Is kava safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Why is liver damage a concern with kava?
Can I take kava if I also take sleeping pills or anxiety medication?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Hawaiian Kava 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 Hawaiian Kava’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Hawaiian Kava'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 71 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.
Kava 71 references
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Strahl S, Ehret V, Dahm HH, Maier KP. [Necrotizing hepatitis after taking herbal medication]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1998;123:1410-4.
- Spillane PK, et al. Neurological manifestations of kava intoxication. Med J Aust 1997;167:172-3. PubMed
- Swensen JN. Man convicted of driving under the influence of kava. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret News, 1996.
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