Kava Kava Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Kava Kava Extract 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 Extract is a dietary supplement by Earthborn Elements 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 Piper methysticum. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Kava Kava Extract by Earthborn Elements
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Kava Kava Extract by Earthborn Elements — 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 Extract by Earthborn Elements
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: Piper methysticum, the plant commonly called kava. Kava is traditionally used for relaxation and anxiety.
The capsule itself is made with gelatin as an inactive ingredient to hold the extract together.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
The evidence for kava's effectiveness is mixed and limited. For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)—one of its common uses—the data rates it as possibly ineffective, which means studies haven't supported its use for this condition.
For insomnia and sexual arousal, there isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether it works or doesn't. The same goes for epilepsy.
If you're considering kava for anxiety or another condition, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the current research actually shows.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Kava is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, and most people don't report serious side effects. The most common ones are drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, memory problems, and tremor.
However, kava carries a rare but serious risk: it's been linked to over 100 reported cases of liver injury (hepatotoxicity). In people who are susceptible, liver damage can show up after as little as 3–4 weeks of use, with yellowing of the skin as a warning sign.
Kava should not be used during pregnancy—the safety data advises against it. It should also be avoided while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety data and kava components might pass to the infant.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before you take kava, check your medications against these drug types: CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs) are the most serious concern—Major severity. Also double-check any medications that go through liver enzyme systems (CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1), any drugs known to be hard on the liver, haloperidol (an antipsychotic), ropinirole (a Parkinson's drug), and digoxin (a heart medication).
Use the search tool on this page to look up your exact prescriptions.
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 might appeal to you if you're looking for a natural option for anxiety, but the evidence doesn't strongly support it for that use, and the liver-damage risk is a real concern, especially with long-term or heavy use. If you take any CNS depressants—sedatives, sleep aids, or certain pain relievers—or medications that stress the liver, kava isn't a good fit.
Talk with your pharmacist before starting, and if you do use it, keep an eye out for yellowing skin or other signs of liver trouble.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2024.
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 Extract, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Earthborn Elements |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 200 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Nov 22, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 319598 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 by Earthborn Elements, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use: as a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily, preferably with meals. Take with at least 8 oz of liquid.
Precautions
Disclaimer: If pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, consult your physician.
General Statements
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FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Kava Kava Extract by Earthborn Elements 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 Extract by Earthborn Elements
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 container200 Amounts shown are per serving.
Piper methysticum
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,...
Piper methysticum monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Kava Kava Extract by Earthborn Elements Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Kava Kava Extract by Earthborn Elements has documented interactions with a number of medication types.
The most serious concern is with CNS depressants—drugs like sedatives, sleep aids, and some pain relievers. Combining kava with these can add up to stronger drowsiness and impaired reflexes, which is why this is flagged as a Major interaction.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Beyond that, the moderate interactions are wider-ranging. Kava appears to inhibit several liver enzymes (CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP2E1) in ways that could theoretically raise the levels of medications that depend on these enzymes to break down—though human studies are limited or conflicting.
Kava also carries a documented risk when combined with hepatotoxic drugs (medications that can stress the liver on their own), since kava itself has been linked to over 100 reported cases of liver injury. There are also case reports of problems when kava was used with haloperidol (an antipsychotic) and ropinirole (a Parkinson's medication), both tied to enzyme inhibition.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,146 individual medications. Since the scope is large and includes theoretical mechanisms not yet confirmed in humans, checking your exact medications with the search tool on this page before you start kava is especially important.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Kava Kava Extract?
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 Extract interact with 1,166 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Kava Kava Extract interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Piper methysticum
AcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome 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 Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumHepatotoxic 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 Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + 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 Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome 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 Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome 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 Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Codeine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome 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 Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome 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 Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumHepatotoxic 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 Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCns Depressants, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interactionAcetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interactionAcetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumHepatotoxic 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 Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
How Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Cns Depressants +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
How Acetaminophen, Meperidine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants +3 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Meperidine interactionAcetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumHepatotoxic 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 Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interactionAcetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic
How Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome 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 Piper Methysticum + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Acetazolamide interactionAlfentanilAlfenta
How Alfentanil interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Alfentanil interactionAlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
How Alprazolam interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Alprazolam interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAminoglutethimideCytadren
How Aminoglutethimide interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Aminoglutethimide interactionAminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
How Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Piper MethysticumCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Piper Methysticum + Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Kava Kava Extract 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.
Piper methysticum
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 Extract, from the product label.
Earthborn Elements
See all Earthborn Elements products- Name
- Earthborn Elements
- Street Address
- 9450 SW Gemini Dr #49936
- City
- Beaverton
- State
- Oregon
- ZipCode
- 97008
- Web Address
- Earthbornelements.com
Kava Kava Extract by Earthborn Elements: Common Questions
Does Kava Kava Extract by Earthborn Elements 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 of kava?
Is kava safe for my liver?
Does kava actually work for anxiety?
Why is kava banned or restricted in some countries?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Kava Kava Extract is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Kava Kava Extract’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 Extract'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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- Aporosa S', Ballard H, Pandey R, McCarthy MJ. The impact of traditional kava (Piper methysticum) use on cognition: Implications for driver fitness. J Ethnopharmacol 2022;291:115080. PubMed
- Savage K, Sarris J, Hughes M, et al. Neuroimaging insights: Kava's (Piper methysticum) effect on dorsal anterior cingulate cortex GABA in generalized anxiety disorder. Nutrients 2023;15(21):4586. PubMed
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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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