Kava Kava Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NOW
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 NOW 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 Extract by NOW
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Kava Kava Extract by NOW — 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 NOW
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: kava kava root extract, a liquid form. The inactive ingredients are glycerin and grain alcohol, which are used to preserve and deliver the kava extract.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for kava is limited. For generalized anxiety disorder, the data we hold rates it as possibly ineffective — meaning it's not looking promising for that use.
For insomnia and sexual arousal, we don't have enough reliable evidence to rate whether it works or not. If you're thinking about kava for one of those reasons, it's worth discussing with your pharmacist whether the evidence (or lack of it) makes sense for your situation.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Orally, kava is generally well tolerated, but adverse effects do occur. Common ones include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, stomach upset, headache, memory problems, and tremor.
A small number of people in clinical trials experienced tremors — at a rate 3.2 times higher than placebo in one study. The serious concern is liver injury (hepatotoxicity).
Over 100 cases have been reported worldwide, mostly with heavy and long-term use, though symptoms can appear after just 3 to 4 weeks in susceptible people. Because of this risk, kava is banned or restricted in some countries.
Kava is not safe during pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding — there isn't enough safety data, and it may pass into breast milk.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Double-check this product with your pharmacist if you take CNS depressants — sedatives, sleep aids, tranquilizers, or opioids (Major interaction). Also flag it if you're on antipsychotics, Parkinson's medications, blood pressure drugs, or any medication cleared by your liver.
Kava can raise levels of many drugs and increase drowsiness and reflex impairment.
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.
Kava may appeal to you if you're seeking a natural approach to relaxation, but the liver-injury risk and extensive medication interactions make it one to discuss carefully with your pharmacist before starting. It's not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If you're on any sedating medication, psychiatric drug, or medication for Parkinson's disease, check with us first.
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 Dec 21, 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 | NOW |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 733739048936 |
| Net contents | 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 59 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 21, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 314402 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Kava Kava Extract by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Kava Kava root extract | 1.6 mL | -- |
Other ingredients: Glycerin, Grain Alcohol
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 Usage: Take 2 droppersful in juice, water or herbal tea 1 to 3 times daily as needed.
Precautions
Daily usage not to exceed 4 weeks.
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.
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 heavy equipment.
Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Formulation
Natural color variation may occur in this product.
Relaxation Herbal Peacefulness
Vegetarian/Vegan
Non-GMO Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients.
Formula
Kava Kava Extract with Glycerin
Triangle K (Kosher)
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
General Statements
Botanicals/Herbs Family owned since 1968.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Seals/Symbols
GMP QUALITY ASSURED Triangle K (Kosher)
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Kava Kava Extract by NOW 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 NOW
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1.6 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container37 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: Glycerin, Grain Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Kava Kava Extract by NOW Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Kava Kava Extract by NOW is a single-ingredient liquid that carries significant interaction potential — primarily with sedating medications.
The most serious concern is with CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, tranquilizers, opioids), which have a Major severity rating. Kava itself is sedating, and combining it with these drugs can compound drowsiness and slow your reflexes dangerously.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Moderate interactions are documented with several other drug types. Kava may inhibit liver enzymes (CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and CYP2E1) that clear many medications, potentially raising their levels in your blood.
It also carries a theoretical risk with hepatotoxic drugs — medications that can stress the liver — since kava itself has been linked with liver injury in over 100 reported cases. Two specific medications — haloperidol (an antipsychotic) and ropinirole (a Parkinson's drug) — have case reports of serious side effects when combined with kava.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,146 individual medications.
Before you start kava, run your exact medications through the checker on this page. If you're on any sedating drug, blood pressure medication, antidepressant, or medication for Parkinson's or psychiatric conditions, you'll want to talk with us first.
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. Kava Kava root extract
AcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Kava Kava Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 Extract — 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 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.
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 Extract, from the product label.
NOW
See all NOW products- Name
- NOW FOODS
- Street Address
- 395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
- City
- Bloomingdale
- State
- IL
- ZipCode
- 60108
- Web Address
- nowfoods.com
Kava Kava Extract by NOW: Common Questions
Does Kava Kava Extract by NOW 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?
Does kava actually help with anxiety?
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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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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