Kava Kava Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Hawaii Pharm
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Kava 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
Kava Kava is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm 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 wildcrafted Kava Kava extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Kava Kava by Hawaii Pharm
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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 Kava Kava by Hawaii Pharm
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
Hawaii Pharm Kava Kava is a liquid extract containing one active ingredient: wildcrafted Kava Kava extract. The other components are vegetable palm glycerin, pharmaceutical grade alcohol, and artesian Hawaiian purified water—these are inactive ingredients that serve as the base and preservative for the extract.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
The evidence for kava is mixed and limited. For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), kava is rated possibly ineffective—meaning the current data do not support its use for anxiety relief.
For insomnia and sexual arousal, there is insufficient reliable evidence to rate effectiveness either way; we simply don't have enough quality studies to say whether it works. For epilepsy, the evidence is also insufficient.
If you're considering kava for any of these purposes, talk with your doctor about what the science actually supports.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Kava is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, but the safety picture comes with important caveats. The most serious concern is liver injury: kava has been linked to over 100 reported cases of hepatotoxicity (liver damage), especially with long-term or heavy use; in susceptible people, symptoms can appear after just 3–4 weeks.
Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, memory problems, and tremor—a small number of trial participants experienced tremors at notably higher rates than placebo. Rare but serious adverse effects include muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) and involuntary movements resembling Parkinson's symptoms.
Kava is not considered safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. While breastfeeding, kava should also be avoided due to insufficient safety data and the possibility 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 any of these: CNS depressants like sedatives or sleep aids (Major severity); any drug that is toxic to the liver; medications broken down by liver enzymes CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1 (these include blood thinners, heart drugs, and many others); haloperidol (an antipsychotic); or ropinirole (a Parkinson's medication). No interactions are documented for the inactive ingredients.
If you're unsure whether your medications fall into these categories, use the checker on this page or ask your pharmacist.
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 Kava may appeal to someone looking for a natural calming agent, but the evidence that it actually works for anxiety is weak, and the risk of liver injury—especially with regular use—is real and documented. If you take any sedating medications, blood-thinning drugs, antipsychotics, or medications metabolized by the liver, this product poses a significant interaction risk.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting kava to weigh whether the uncertain benefit is worth the documented risks.
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 Kava Kava, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Hawaii Pharm |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 650905460784 |
| Net contents | 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Oct 23, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 237437 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Kava Kava by Hawaii Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| wildcrafted Kava Kava extract | 970 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, pharmaceutical grade Alcohol, artesian Hawaiian purified Water
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements
Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008
Made with Aloha!
Formulation
Contains no GMO, gluten, artificial colors, heavy metals, preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers.
Super concentrated liquid herbal extract. Dry herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3.
Manufactured in an FDA registered facility.
Non GMO Gluten free
Made in USA, Hawaii
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions for use: Shake well before using. Take about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 ml, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to 2-4 oz of juice or water up to 4 times per day.
Precautions
Warning: Keep out of the reach of children.
May have contraindications. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.
Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.
Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing or taking any medications.
Do not use if seal is broken or missing.
Storage
Store in a cool dry place.
Formula
(Piper methysticum)
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Dietary Supplement
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Seals/Symbols
FDA Registered Facility Made in United States of America USA
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Kava Kava by Hawaii Pharm 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 Kava Kava by Hawaii Pharm
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.
Wildcrafted Kava Kava extract
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,...
Wildcrafted Kava Kava extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, Pharmaceutical grade Alcohol, Artesian Hawaiian purified Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Kava Kava by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Hawaii Pharm Kava Kava is a single-ingredient extract with substantial interaction potential—1,167 individual medications are affected across several drug categories.
The most serious concern is with CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications), where kava's own sedative effects can combine with these drugs to worsen drowsiness and impair motor control; this is rated Major severity.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Kava also inhibits multiple liver enzymes (CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2E1) that break down many prescription drugs, potentially raising their blood levels—a Moderate concern affecting numerous medications in those categories. Additionally, there is a Moderate risk with drugs toxic to the liver; kava itself has been linked to over 100 cases of liver injury, and combining it with other hepatotoxic drugs may increase that risk.
Two specific medications carry Moderate warnings: haloperidol (an antipsychotic) and ropinirole (a Parkinson's medication), each with reported cases of serious side effects when combined with kava.
Also rated Moderate is a theoretical interaction with P-glycoprotein substrates, though a clinical study of digoxin (a heart medication and P-glycoprotein substrate) found no effect—the picture remains unclear. We could not check for interactions on any other ingredients because no data is on file for vegetable palm glycerin, pharmaceutical grade alcohol, or artesian Hawaiian purified water as active components.
Before you take this product, use the medication checker on this page to search your exact drugs, or talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether kava is appropriate for you.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Kava 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 Kava Kava interact with 1,166 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Kava Kava interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. wildcrafted Kava Kava extract
AcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome 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 Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractHepatotoxic 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 Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome 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 Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome 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 Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Codeine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome 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 Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome 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 Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractHepatotoxic 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 Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interactionAcetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interactionAcetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractHepatotoxic 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 Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
How Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
How Acetaminophen, Meperidine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Meperidine interactionAcetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractHepatotoxic 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 Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interactionAcetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic
How Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome 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 Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Acetazolamide interactionAlfentanilAlfenta
How Alfentanil interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Alfentanil interactionAlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
How Alprazolam interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Alprazolam interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAminoglutethimideCytadren
How Aminoglutethimide interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Aminoglutethimide interactionAminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
How Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Wildcrafted Kava Kava ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Wildcrafted Kava Kava Extract + Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Kava 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.
wildcrafted Kava Kava extract
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 Kava Kava, from the product label.
Hawaii Pharm
See all Hawaii Pharm products- Name
- Hawaii Pharm LLC
- City
- Honolulu
- State
- HI
- ZipCode
- 96815
- Web Address
- www.hawaiipharm.com
Kava Kava by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions
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The Full Monographs Behind Kava Kava’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Kava 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
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- 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
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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.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC