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Dietary supplement

Mega Hoodia 250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Mega Hoodia 250 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Mega Hoodia 250 mg 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Mega Hoodia 250 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for appetite suppression, weight loss, reducing food cravings.Based on those ingredients, 262 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Hoodia. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Mega Hoodia 250 mg by NOW

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Mega Hoodia 250 mg by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Mega Hoodia 250 mg 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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 20, 2026

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: hoodia, 250 mg per capsule. Hoodia is a plant extract used traditionally as an appetite suppressant.

The capsule itself is filled with inactive ingredients—cellulose, cellulose powder, magnesium stearate, and silica—which help form and stabilize the capsule.

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 — see Hoodia's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: appetite suppression and weight management.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, overweight, food cravings, satiety.
  • The closest evidence on file: Hoodia is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that hoodia works for obesity. We have insufficient reliable evidence to rate its effectiveness for this use.

If you're considering hoodia for weight management, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current research actually shows and whether it's the right choice for you.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Hoodia

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Hoodia comes with limited safety data and some reported side effects. Users have reported minor issues like skin sensation changes, headache, dizziness, giddiness, and nausea.

There's also concern that hoodia may raise blood pressure and heart rate. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe in those situations.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Hoodia

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Hoodia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 262 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.

Before you take this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood pressure medications, beta-blockers (heart rate or heart protection drugs), diabetes medications, or insulin. Hoodia may reduce how well blood pressure and heart drugs work, and it may strengthen the blood glucose-lowering effect of diabetes drugs and insulin, raising your low blood sugar risk.

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. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Mega Hoodia might appeal to someone looking for an appetite suppressant, but the evidence for weight loss is insufficient, and safety data are limited. If you take blood pressure medications, heart drugs, diabetes medications, or insulin, this product poses real interaction risks—your blood glucose or blood pressure could shift unexpectedly.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it to weigh the unknowns against any potential benefit for your situation.

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 Apr 24, 2015.

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 Mega Hoodia 250 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739033338
Net contents 60 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 24, 2015
DSLD ID 44669
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
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 Mega Hoodia 250 mg by NOW, 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 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
733739033338
IngredientAmount% DV
Hoodia500 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Cellulose powder, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 1 to 2 capsules daily before mealtime.

Brand IP Statement(s)

NOW(R) Mega Hoodia delivers the natural nutrient profile found in Genuine Whole Foods.

Formula

NOW(R) Mega Hoodia delivers the herbal power of Hoodia gordonii, with nothing removed except water.

General Statements

Hoodia was originally consumed as food by indigenous tribes to help endure long, exhausting hunting expeditions. This legally harvested South African Hoodia benefits the environment and the San tribes, and is CITES certified.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

CAPSULE SIZE

Herbal Diet Support

Botanicals/Herbs Family owned since 1968.

Please Recycle.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

General

CODE 3333 V7

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Vegetarian/Vegan

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

Seals/Symbols

GMP QUALITY ASSURED

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Mega Hoodia 250 mg by NOW label

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

Mega Hoodia 250 mg label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Mega Hoodia 250 mg by NOW

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Hoodia

Interacts with
262 drugs
500 mg per serving

Hoodia is a succulent plant from southern Africa that is marketed as an appetite suppressant for weight loss, but solid human evidence that it actuall...

Hoodia monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Cellulose powder, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Mega Hoodia 250 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Mega Hoodia 250 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
262Drugs
262 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Hoodia 262

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Mega Hoodia 250 mg interact with 262 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Mega Hoodia 250 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Hoodia

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Mega Hoodia 250 mg 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.

Hoodia4 drug types · 262 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that a steroid glycoside of hoodia, gordonoside F, increases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by activating GPR119. This effect enhances glucose disposal. Theoretically, concomitant use of hoodia with antidiabetes medications may enhance blood glucose-lowering effects and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Some antidiabetes medications include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Clinical research shows that hoodia can increase blood pressure. Theoretically, concomitant use of hoodia with antihypertensive drugs might decrease the effectiveness of the antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypertension. Some antihypertensive drugs include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beta-Blockers

Evidence from in vitro research shows that hoodia may stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors. Also, clinical research shows that hoodia can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Theoretically, using hoodia with beta-blockers might decrease the effects of these medications. Some beta-blocker drugs include atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Insulin

Animal research shows that a steroid glycoside of hoodia, gordonoside F, increases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by activating GPR119. Theoretically, concomitant use of hoodia with insulin may enhance the blood glucose-lowering effects of insulin. Blood glucose levels should be monitored.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hoodia full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Mega Hoodia 250 mg, 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
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Mega Hoodia 250 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Mega Hoodia 250 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Mega Hoodia 250 mg has a known interaction with 262 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Mega Hoodia 250 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Will Mega Hoodia help me lose weight?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish that hoodia is effective for weight loss—we have insufficient reliable evidence to rate it. If you're thinking about trying it, ask your doctor or pharmacist what the research actually supports and whether it fits your needs.
Can I take Mega Hoodia if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance if you're in either situation.
What side effects has hoodia reported?
Users have reported minor side effects including headache, dizziness, giddiness, nausea, and disturbances in skin sensation. There's also concern that hoodia may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Limited safety data exist overall, and product quality concerns have been flagged.
Is Mega Hoodia safe for someone with high blood pressure?
Hoodia can raise blood pressure and may reduce how well blood pressure medications work. If you have high blood pressure or take blood pressure drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product—they can advise whether it's right for you.
Can I take Mega Hoodia if I'm diabetic or on insulin?
Hoodia may enhance the blood glucose-lowering effect of diabetes medications and insulin, which could increase your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you're diabetic or take insulin, check with your doctor or pharmacist first and plan to monitor your blood glucose closely if you do use it.

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

Not sure if Mega Hoodia 250 mg is safe with your meds?

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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.

Mega Hoodia 250 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Mega Hoodia 250 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Hoodia

Interacts with 262 drugs

Hoodia is a succulent plant from southern Africa that is marketed as an appetite suppressant for weight loss, but solid human evidence that it actually works is lacking. The few quality stud...

Read the full Hoodia monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Mega Hoodia 250 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 3 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.

Hoodia 3 references
  1. Blom WAM, Abrahamse SL, Bradford R, et al. Effects of 15-d repeated consumption of Hoodia gordonii purified extract on safety, ad libitum energy intake, and body weight in healthy, overweight women: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94(5) PubMed
  2. Roza O, Lovász N, Zupkó I, Hohmann J, Csupor D. Sympathomimetic activity of a Hoodia gordonii product: a possible mechanism of cardiovascular side effects. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:171059.
  3. Zhang S, Ma Y, Li J, et al. Molecular matchmaking between the popular weight-loss herb Hoodia gordonii and GPR119, a potential drug target for metabolic disorder. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014;111(40):14571-6.

See these in context on the Hoodia monograph →

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

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