Hawaiian Kava Root Powder Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Hawaiian Kava Root Powder 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 Root Powder 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 root powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Hawaiian Kava Root Powder by Maui Medicinal
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder 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 Root Powder 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 root powder. Kava is a plant used traditionally in the South Pacific, and its active compounds — called kavalactones — are thought to affect how your brain and nervous system work.
There are no inactive ingredients listed for this powder.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
The evidence for kava's uses is mixed. For generalized anxiety disorder, it's rated as possibly ineffective — meaning the research doesn't support that it works well for everyday worry and tension.
For insomnia and sexual arousal, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it helps or not. There's also insufficient evidence for epilepsy.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Kava seems to be generally well tolerated at usual doses, but side effects do happen: drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, memory problems, and tremors are the most common. Serious side effects are rare but real — over 100 cases of liver damage have been reported, usually with heavy, prolonged use.
In people at higher risk, liver problems can show up within 3 to 4 weeks. Kava is not considered safe in pregnancy and should be avoided.
It should also be avoided while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety data and it may pass to your baby.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this kava product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on any CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, some pain relievers, or alcohol). Also double-check if you take medications processed by your liver (especially CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1 substrates), drugs that can harm the liver, haloperidol (Haldol), ropinirole (Requip), or digoxin.
The interaction checker on this page can help you sort through your exact medications.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Kava may help with anxiety, but the liver risk and number of medication interactions mean it's not a straightforward choice. If you take any CNS depressants, medications processed by your liver, or drugs that are hard on your liver already, you'll need to talk this through with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Same goes if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding — kava is not safe in those situations. Check your medications before you start, and if you do use it, keep an eye out for yellowing skin, dark urine, or unusual fatigue, which can signal liver trouble.
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 Jul 18, 2023.
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 Root Powder, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Maui Medicinal |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 8 Ounce(s); 227 Gram(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jul 18, 2023 |
| DSLD ID | 288642 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Powder |
| 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 Root Powder by Maui Medicinal, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| dried Kava root powder | 0.5 Ounce(s) | -- |
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.
Formulation
Gluten free GMO free
Vegan
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
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.
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 Root Powder 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 Root Powder 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 formPowder Servings per container16 Amounts shown are per serving.
Dried Kava root powder
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 root powder monograph & interactionsHawaiian Kava Root Powder by Maui Medicinal Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Maui Medicinal's Hawaiian Kava Root Powder contains kava, which has documented interactions with several medication types.
The most serious concern is with CNS depressants (drugs that slow your brain and nervous system, like sedatives, sleep aids, and some pain relievers) — combining them with kava can add up to dangerous drowsiness and reduced motor control.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Kava also may interfere with how your liver breaks down a number of other medications. In lab studies, it inhibits three major liver enzyme systems (CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP2E1 substrates), which could raise the blood levels of drugs processed through those pathways and increase their effects — though human evidence is limited.
There's also a theoretical concern with drugs that use P-glycoprotein transporters, though a clinical trial on digoxin showed no effect. Two specific medications — haloperidol (Haldol, an antipsychotic) and ropinirole (Requip, a Parkinson's drug) — have case reports of serious adverse events when combined with kava.
Kava has been linked with over 100 cases of liver damage, most with heavy, long-term use. Because of this risk, there's additional caution if you're taking any drug that can itself harm the liver.
Always check your exact medications with the search tool on this page before starting kava. Altogether, these interactions span 1,167 individual medications.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Hawaiian Kava Root Powder?
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 Root Powder interact with 1,166 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Hawaiian Kava Root Powder interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. dried Kava root powder
AcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderHepatotoxic 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + 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 Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Codeine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCns 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderHepatotoxic 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interactionAcetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interactionAcetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderHepatotoxic 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
How Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
How Acetaminophen, Meperidine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Meperidine interactionAcetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderHepatotoxic 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interactionAcetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic
How Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome 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 Root Powder + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Acetazolamide interactionAlfentanilAlfenta
How Alfentanil interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Alfentanil interactionAlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
How Alprazolam interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Alprazolam interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAminoglutethimideCytadren
How Aminoglutethimide interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Aminoglutethimide interactionAminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
How Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interacts with Hawaiian Kava Root Powder — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Dried Kava Root PowderCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Dried Kava Root Powder + Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Hawaiian Kava Root Powder 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 root powder
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 Root Powder, 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 Root Powder by Maui Medicinal: Common Questions
Does Hawaiian Kava Root Powder 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 work for anxiety?
Can I take kava if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What are the side effects I might actually experience?
Is kava banned or restricted?
How much kavalactone is in this powder?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Hawaiian Kava Root Powder is safe with your meds?
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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.
The Full Monographs Behind Hawaiian Kava Root Powder’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 Root Powder'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
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- Consultation letter MLX 286: Proposals to prohibit the herbal ingredient Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum) in unlicensed medicines. Medicines Control Agency, United Kingdom, July 19, 2002.
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- Aporosa S', Ballard H, Pandey R, McCarthy MJ. The impact of traditional kava (Piper methysticum) use on cognition: Implications for driver fitness. J Ethnopharmacol 2022;291:115080. PubMed
- Savage K, Sarris J, Hughes M, et al. Neuroimaging insights: Kava's (Piper methysticum) effect on dorsal anterior cingulate cortex GABA in generalized anxiety disorder. Nutrients 2023;15(21):4586. PubMed
- du Plessis Nisbet J, Xie D, Thompson R, Wark K, Lamrock E, Scurry J. Kava-induced dermatitis: A detailed histopathological analysis. Australas J Dermatol 2024. PubMed
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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