Kava Kava Ingredients & Drug Interactions
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 Nature's Sunshine 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 Kava Kava root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Kava Kava by Nature's Sunshine
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Kava Kava by Nature's Sunshine — 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 Kava Kava by Nature's Sunshine
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 is a single-ingredient supplement: kava kava root extract. Kava is a plant used traditionally for relaxation and social purposes, and it contains compounds called kavalactones that are thought to be responsible for its effects.
The capsule itself contains inactive ingredients — cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — which are standard binders and fillers.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
The evidence for kava's effectiveness is mixed and limited. For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the data we hold rates it as possibly ineffective — meaning it may not work for that use.
For insomnia and sexual arousal, there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate either way. The data we hold does not establish effectiveness for epilepsy.
If you're considering kava for a specific condition, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current evidence suggests for your situation.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Kava is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, but it comes with important cautions. The most serious concern is liver injury — there have been over 100 reported cases of hepatotoxicity (liver damage) linked to kava, especially with long-term or excessive use.
Symptoms can show up in as little as 3–4 weeks and include yellowed skin and eyes. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, stomach upset, headache, memory problems, and tremor.
Rare but serious adverse effects include rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and involuntary movements resembling Parkinson's symptoms. Kava is not safe during pregnancy and should be avoided.
It should also be avoided while breastfeeding because of insufficient safety data and the possibility that it could pass to the infant.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before you take kava, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on any CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, pain relievers, alcohol) — the combination raises drowsiness and motor impairment risk. Also flag any medications processed through CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1 pathways, P-glycoprotein substrates, haloperidol, ropinirole, or any drugs that can damage the liver, since kava may affect how these work or increase their side effects.
Use the interaction checker below with 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 appeal to you if you're looking for a natural way to relax, but the risks — especially liver injury and interactions with many medications — mean it's not a casual choice. If you take any prescription medication, especially sedatives, sleep aids, antipsychotics, or medications processed by your liver, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting kava.
Pregnant people and those breastfeeding should not use it.
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 24, 2022.
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 | Nature's Sunshine |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 099904004054 |
| Net contents | 60 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Oct 24, 2022 |
| DSLD ID | 278131 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher |
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 Nature's Sunshine, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Kava Kava root extract | 400 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Cellulose, Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide
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.
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.
General Statements
Bottle made from 100% post consumer recycled material. We are committed to you and our planet. Scan to learn more.
A traditional herbal remedy from the islands of the South Pacific.
New look! Same great product
Precautions
Caution: Do not use while driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.
Not intended for use by pregnant or lactating women.
Not for use by persons under the age of 18.
Consult a health-care professional prior to use if you have liver problems, frequently use alcohol, or take any medication.
Stop use if you develop symptoms that may signal liver problems. Do not exceed recommended dose.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not use if inner seal is missing or damaged.
Seals/Symbols
Ko Pareve (Kosher)
Formula
Ko Pareve (Kosher)
Formulation
Traditional natural calming Concentrated Nervous system support Support emotional balance
Guaranteed pure
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Brand IP Statement(s)
Natures Sunshine Herbal experts since 1972
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Recommended Use: Take 1 capsule with a meal twice daily. Bedtime dose: 1-2 capsules 30 minutes before bedtime.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Kava Kava by Nature's Sunshine 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 Nature's Sunshine
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.
Kava Kava root 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,...
Kava Kava root extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Kava Kava by Nature's Sunshine Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Kava Kava by Nature's Sunshine can interact with a number of medications, and the most serious concern is with central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants) — drugs that slow brain activity like sedatives, sleep aids, and some pain relievers.
Combining kava with these can add up to dangerous drowsiness and impaired motor reflexes.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Kava also affects how your body breaks down several other drug types. It may increase levels of medications processed through CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2E1 enzyme pathways, and P-glycoprotein substrates — meaning these drugs could build up in your system.
It can also interact with haloperidol (an antipsychotic) and ropinirole (a Parkinson's drug), raising the risk of serious side effects. There's also a Moderate concern with hepatotoxic drugs — ones that can harm the liver — because kava itself has been linked to liver injury, and combining them could raise that risk further.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,167 individual medications. Before you start kava, run it through the checker below with your exact prescriptions, and talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist — especially if you take anything for anxiety, sleep, pain, blood pressure, heart rhythm, or neurological conditions.
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. Kava Kava root extract
AcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root 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 Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root 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 Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root 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 Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root 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 Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root 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 Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root 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 Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root 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 Kava Kava Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root 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 Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Kava Kava Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
How Acetaminophen, Meperidine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root 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 Kava Kava Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root 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 Kava Kava Root Extract + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava Root Extract + Acetazolamide interactionAlfentanilAlfenta
How Alfentanil interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava Root Extract + Alfentanil interactionAlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
How Alprazolam interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava Root Extract + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAminoglutethimideCytadren
How Aminoglutethimide interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava Root Extract + Aminoglutethimide interactionAminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
How Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava Kava Root ExtractCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava Root 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.
Kava Kava root 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.
Nature's Sunshine
See all Nature's Sunshine products- Name
- Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc.
- City
- Spanish Fork
- State
- Utah
- ZipCode
- 84660
- Phone Number
- 1-800-223-8225
- Web Address
- www.naturessunshine.com
Kava Kava by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions
Does Kava Kava by Nature's Sunshine interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take kava if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What are the most common side effects?
Is liver damage really a concern with kava?
Does kava actually work for anxiety?
Why does kava interact with so many medications?
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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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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