Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 2 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Kava Kava Extract 50 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Botanic Choice

Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Kava Kava Extract 50 mg is a dietary supplement by Botanic Choice with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis prevention, dietary calcium deficiency, heartburn relief (calcium carbonate antacids).Based on those ingredients, 1,253 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Kava kava extract, Calcium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kava Kava Extract 50 mg by Botanic Choice

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This tablet contains three ingredients: calcium, phosphorus, and kava kava extract at 50 mg. Calcium supports bone health and is used to treat deficiency, while phosphorus works alongside calcium to maintain strong bones and teeth.

Kava kava extract is derived from the kava plant and is used traditionally to promote relaxation. The tablet also contains inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and an aqueous film coating — which are standard binders and fillers.

Does it work?

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

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: stress relief.
  • We looked for evidence on: Stress, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia, Menopausal symptoms, Restlessness, Anxiety — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Kava is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Kava is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Insomnia, Menopausal symptoms, Stress.

The calcium in this product is effective for preventing and treating low calcium (hypocalcemia), supporting bone health in osteoporosis, and managing certain kidney and heart conditions. However, evidence for kava kava extract's ability to reduce anxiety is considered possibly ineffective based on available data.

There isn't enough reliable evidence to rate whether kava helps with insomnia, sexual arousal, or epilepsy.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Kava

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

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

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though high amounts can cause problems. Common side effects from oral calcium are belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset.

Rare serious concerns with very high doses include kidney stones and calciphylaxis. Some research suggests that calcium intake above 1,500–2,000 mg daily may be linked to increased prostate cancer risk and cardiovascular disease, though this remains debated.

Kava kava extract is of concern — it's linked to over 100 cases of liver injury worldwide, especially with heavy or prolonged use, and it commonly causes drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, memory problems, and tremor. Rare serious side effects include hepatotoxicity and rhabdomyolysis.

The safety data advises against kava in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Kava

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

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

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calcium, Kava.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,254 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're on HIV integrase inhibitors (dolutegravir, elvitegravir, raltegravir), antibiotics like ceftriaxone, heart or blood pressure medications (diltiazem, sotalol), thyroid hormone (levothyroxine), CNS depressants (sedatives, benzodiazepines, opioids), antipsychotics (haloperidol), Parkinson's drugs (ropinirole), psoriasis cream (calcipotriene), or any drug metabolized through liver enzymes — the interactions range from Major to Moderate severity. We could not check phosphorus for interactions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you take HIV medications, heart drugs, antibiotics, thyroid hormone, or CNS depressants, you need to check this product with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interactions are serious. Even if you don't take those, the kava component carries a real risk of liver injury with regular use, and the calcium can interfere with several other common medications.

Talk it over with your own healthcare provider to see if this product is right for you and how to time it safely with any prescriptions.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 22, 2017.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Kava Kava Extract 50 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Botanic Choice
Barcode (UPC) 703308040418
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2017
DSLD ID 77533
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Kava Kava Extract 50 mg by Botanic Choice, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
703308040418
IngredientAmount% DV
Calcium127 mg13%
Phosphorus98 mg10%
Kava kava extract50 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Aqueous Film Coating

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

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

Natural Quality Since 1910

IBG Indiana Botanic Gardens

General Statements

Stress relief

Guaranteed for effectiveness & potency

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 1 tablet three times daily, as a dietary supplement, or as directed by a physician.

Best if used by date on bottle.

Precautions

Caution: US FDA advises that a potential risk of rare, but severe, liver injury may be associated with kava-containing dietary supplements. Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have or have had liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any medication.

Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have or have had liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any medication.

Stop use and see a doctor if you develop symptoms that may signal liver problems (e.g., unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, yellow eyes or skin.)

Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, or by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, or by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Not for use with alcoholic beverages. Excessive use, or use with products that cause drowsiness, may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or dangerous equipment.

For your protection, this container has an outer safety seal. (Do not accept if missing or broken.)

Keep out of reach of children

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place.

General

C-105430

See for yourself

Kava Kava Extract 50 mg by Botanic Choice label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Kava Kava Extract 50 mg by Botanic Choice

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.

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

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
127 mg per serving Form: Dicalcium Phosphate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Phosphorus

98 mg per serving Form: Dicalcium Phosphate

Kava kava extract

Interacts with
1,166 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Kavalactones

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 extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Aqueous Film Coating. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Kava Kava Extract 50 mg by Botanic Choice Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Kava Kava Extract 50 mg?

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

Go to the checker
1,253Drugs
255 Major 666 Moderate 332 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Calcium 168

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Kava Kava Extract 50 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Kava kava extract12 drug types · 1,166 drugs

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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

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

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Kava Kava Extract 50 mg, from the product label.

Botanic Choice

See all Botanic Choice products
Name
Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.
Street Address
3401 W. 37th Ave.
City
Hobart
State
IN
ZipCode
46342
Phone Number
1-800-644-8327
Web Address
www.botanicchoice.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Kava Kava Extract 50 mg by Botanic Choice: Common Questions

Does Kava Kava Extract 50 mg by Botanic Choice interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Kava Kava Extract 50 mg has a known interaction with 1,253 medications, including 255 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Kava Kava Extract 50 mg contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Calcium at recommended amounts is safe in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. However, kava is not 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 the infant. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're pregnant or nursing.
What are the most common side effects?
From the calcium: belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset. From the kava: drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, memory problems, and tremor. Most people tolerate it well, but these effects are possible.
Is this product safe for long-term use?
Calcium is safe long-term at recommended doses, though very high amounts over time carry theoretical concerns about kidney stones and cardiovascular risk. Kava is linked to liver injury, especially with excessive or prolonged use — over 100 cases have been reported worldwide. If you're thinking of using this regularly, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Will this help my anxiety?
The kava extract in this product is rated possibly ineffective for anxiety based on available evidence, so it may not work for that purpose. There isn't enough reliable data to say whether it helps with sleep or other conditions either.
Why does this product have kava if there's a liver risk?
Kava has a history in traditional use and some people find it helpful, but the safety data shows a real concern — over 100 cases of liver injury have been reported, particularly with heavy or long-term use. If you use it, keep doses and duration moderate and watch for yellowing of the skin or eyes, which could signal liver problems — stop and call your doctor right away if that happens.

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

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

Kava Kava Extract 50 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Kava Kava Extract 50 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

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

The 133 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.

Calcium 62 references
  1. Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
  2. Hernandez-Avila M, Gonzalez-Cossio T, Hernandez-Avila JE, et al. Dietary calcium supplements to lower blood lead levels in lactating women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Epidemiology 2003;14:206-12.. PubMed
  3. Thys-Jacobs S, Ceccarelli S, Bierman A, et al. Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J Gen Intern Med 1989;4:183-9. PubMed
  4. Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
  5. Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
  6. Saunders D, Sillery J, Chapman R. Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:409-13. PubMed
  7. Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
  8. Koo WK, Walters JC, Esterlitz J, et al. Maternal calcium supplementation and fetal bone mineralization. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:577-82. DOI
  9. Raman L, Rajalakshmi K, Krishnamachari KAVR, et al. Effect of calcium supplementation to undernourished mothers during pregnancy on the bone density of the neonates. Am J Clin Nutr 1978; 31:466-9. DOI
  10. Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
  11. Chan JM, Giovannucci E, Andersson SO, et al. Dairy products, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1998;9:559-66.
  12. Butner LE, Fulco PP, Feldman G, et al. Calcium carbonate-induced hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med 2000:132:595. PubMed
  13. Schneyer CR. Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy. JAMA 1998;279:750. PubMed
  14. Moser LR, Smythe MA, Tisdale JE. The use of calcium salts in the prevention and management of verapamil-induced hypotension. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:622-9. PubMed
  15. Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM. Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine. JAMA 2000;283:2822-5. PubMed
  16. Kahela P, Anttila M, Tikkanen R, Sundquist H. Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1979;44:7-12.. PubMed
  17. Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen A, et al. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003;47:2158-60.. PubMed
  18. Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
  19. Decktor DL, Robinson M, Maton PN, et al. Effects of aluminum/magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate on esophageal and gastric pH in subjects with heartburn. Am J Ther 1995;2:546-52. PubMed
  20. Simoneau G. Absence of rebound effect with calcium carbonate. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1996;21:351-7. 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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