Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Nitric Oxide Maximizer Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Men's

Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Nitric Oxide Maximizer is a dietary supplement by GNC Men's with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, athletic performance.Based on those ingredients, 1,255 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are MegaNatural-BP Grape seed extract, Cinnamon bark powder, L-Arginine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Nitric Oxide Maximizer by GNC Men's

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

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “whole Apple (Malus sp.) & Grape extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (50 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

GNC Men's Nitric Oxide Maximizer has 5 active ingredients. L-arginine is an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide production in your blood vessels, helping them relax and dilate.

The product also contains cinnamon bark powder, MegaNatural-BP grape seed extract, and whole apple and grape extracts — all plant-based ingredients. The capsule itself is made from gelatin and cellulose, which are inactive 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: Nitric oxide support and blood flow.
  • We looked for evidence on: Angina, Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Hypertension, Dyslipidemia — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Grape is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Grape is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertension.
  • Also on file: Cassia Cinnamon is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Angina, Dyslipidemia.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish how well this product works for any specific condition. L-arginine has no effectiveness rating in our data.

Cinnamon bark shows insufficient evidence for amenorrhea, angina, common cold, diabetes, diarrhea, and dyslipidemia. Grape extract is rated possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency (swelling in the legs from weak veins) but possibly ineffective for chemotherapy-induced nausea, hay fever, and obesity.

Apple extract has insufficient evidence for Alzheimer's disease, cancer, dental plaque, diabetes, and diarrhea. In short, what this product is claimed to do — maximize nitric oxide — isn't rated in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient L-arginine Cassia Cinnamon Grape Apple

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-arginine is often well tolerated short-term, but it can lower blood pressure and isn't safe for everyone — use only under medical supervision. The most common side effects from L-arginine are abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, and flushing.

Cinnamon bark appears safe in food amounts, though medicinal doses high in coumarin (a natural compound it contains) may harm the liver over time; in one trial, a rash occurred in one person taking 1 gram daily. Grape extract is generally well tolerated; rare serious effects include anaphylaxis to grape skin.

Common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, joint pain, and nausea. Apple extract is well tolerated as food; rare serious effects include allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, and ingesting large amounts of apple seeds may cause cyanide poisoning.

Most common side effects are bloating and flatulence.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient L-arginine Cassia Cinnamon Grape Apple

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?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Apple, Grape, L-arginine, Cassia Cinnamon.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,256 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 your medications against this product if you take blood pressure drugs (especially ACE inhibitors or ARBs), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications, OATP substrates (atenolol, fexofenadine, aliskiren), potassium-sparing diuretics, sildenafil, cyclosporine, midazolam, drugs that stress the liver, or any medication metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4 enzymes. Use the medication search tool on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially 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 any blood pressure medication, blood thinner, diabetes drug, heart medication, or potassium-sparing diuretic, or if you're on cyclosporine or sildenafil, run this product and your exact medications through our checker before you start. The evidence doesn't clearly show this product works for any condition, and it requires medical supervision because it affects blood pressure.

Talk to your pharmacist about whether it's right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2019.

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 Nitric Oxide Maximizer, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Men's
Net contents 30 Vitapaks
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2019
DSLD ID 191085
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult Male (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 Nitric Oxide Maximizer by GNC Men's, 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:
2 Beige Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Beige Capsule(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Arginine1 Gram(s)--
Cinnamon bark powder1 mg--
MegaNatural-BP Grape seed extract100 mg--
whole Apple (Malus sp.) & Grape extract50 mg--
whole Apple extract0 NP--
whole Grape extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Cellulose

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.
General

CODE 336311 AJG

Precautions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take the contents of one packet daily with food.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Keep out of reach of children.

General Statements

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

Actual size

GNC quality commitment GNC, the leader in the development and manufacture of dietary supplements, is committed to producing the highest quality products available. This commitment begins with quality designed supplement formulation. Every raw material that goes into a GNC supplement is guaranteed as to quality and potency. Each product is dated and the shipped immediately to our stores, so you can be sure you are purchasing the freshest supplements available. At GNC, we extend out quality commitment to you by offering our money-back guarantee.

GNC guarantee Use any GNC supplement for as little as 10 days. If you are not 100% completely satisfied, return the unused portion of the product with proof of purchase to your GNC store for a complete refund of your purchase price. No questions asked.

Made in the USA

Multivitamin support Increases energy levels Supports muscle and protein synthesis Boosts nitric oxide

Dr. Frank J. Costa, M.D., an internationally acclaimed urological surgeon and men's health expert, is part of the GNC Medical Advisory Board. One of "America's Top Physicians," Dr. Costa lectures nationally and internationally on men's health topics. Dr. Costa is regularly featured in television, radio and newspaper interviews and has published articles in both professional journals and popular magazines. "Proper nutrition is essential for optimal athletic performance. I recommend the Mega Men Sport Vitapak. It provides a strategic combination of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to fuel performance while supporting good health."

Adequate nutrition is essential for both optimal health and athletic performance. In fact, proper nutrition during training is one of the keys to success. Strenuous workouts can deplete the body of important nutrients, particularly minerals and water soluble vitamins. Exercise can also increase oxidation that, in turn, increases the production of harmful free radicals.

This complete nutritional plan provides a convenient way to achieve your daily nutritional goals. Each packet is easy to take with you to the gym, to work or when traveling.

Formulation

No artificial colors, no wheat, no gluten, no dairy, yeast free.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

MegaNatural-BP and MegaNatural Gold and their logos are trademarks of Constellation Wines U.S., Inc.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Performance program for active men

Nitric Oxide Maximizer - Features ingredients shown to exhibit powerful nitric oxide boosting properties. Includes antioxidants with L-arginine, an amino acid and building block of nitric oxide which helps maintain blood vessel tone.

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.

See for yourself

Nitric Oxide Maximizer by GNC Men's label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Nitric Oxide Maximizer by GNC Men's

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Beige Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

L-Arginine

Interacts with
403 drugs
1 Gram(s) per serving

L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide, a substance that helps blood vessels relax and widen. It is popularly used for bl...

L-Arginine monograph & interactions

Cinnamon bark powder

Interacts with
442 drugs
1 mg per serving

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evi...

Cinnamon bark powder monograph & interactions

MegaNatural-BP Grape seed extract

Interacts with
910 drugs
100 mg per serving

Grapes and grape products like grape seed extract contain antioxidant compounds such as resveratrol and proanthocyanidins that may support heart and b...

MegaNatural-BP Grape seed extract monograph & interactions

Whole Apple (Malus sp.) & Grape extract

50 mg per serving

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

Interaction report

Nitric Oxide Maximizer by GNC Men's Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Nitric Oxide Maximizer?

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
1,255Drugs
47 Major 1,197 Moderate 11 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Nitric Oxide Maximizer 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.

MegaNatural-BP Grape seed extract9 drug types · 910 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, grape extracts may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro evidence suggests that grape extracts might decrease platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Ingesting grape juice with cyclosporine can reduce cyclosporine absorption.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy young adults shows that intake of purple grape juice 200 mL along with cyclosporine can decrease the absorption of cyclosporine by up to 30% when compared with water. Separate doses of grape juice and cyclosporine by at least 2 hours to avoid this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, grape juice might reduce the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that ingestion of 200 mL of grape juice decreases phenacetin plasma levels. This is thought to be due to induction of CYP1A2.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, grape seed extract may increase the levels of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro evidence suggests that grape seed extract might inhibit CYP2D6 enzymes. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Theoretically, grape seed extract might increase the levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
In vitro and animal research suggests that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract inhibits CYP2E1 enzymes. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

It is unclear if grape seed extract inhibits or induces CYP3A4; research is conflicting.
In vitro evidence suggests that grape seed extract might inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes. However, evidence from animal research shows that grape seed extract may induce CYP3A4 in the liver. So far, these interactions have not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, long-term intake of grape seed extract might decrease the effects of midazolam.
Animal research shows that subchronic ingestions of grape seed extract can increase the elimination of intravenous midazolam by increasing hepatic CYP3A4 activity. Single doses of grape seed extract do not appear to affect midazolam elimination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenacetin

Grape juice might decrease phenacetin absorption.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that ingestion of 200 mL of grape juice decreases phenacetin plasma levels. This is thought to be due to induction of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2).

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

It is unclear if grape juice or grape seed extract inhibits CYP2C9; research is conflicting.
In vitro evidence shows that grape seed extract or grape juice might inhibit CYP2C9 enzymes. However, a small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that drinking 8 ounces of grape juice once does not affect the clearance of flurbiprofen, a probe-drug for CYP2C9 metabolism. The effects of continued grape juice consumption are unclear.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Cinnamon bark powder2 drug types · 442 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, cassia cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Cassia cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels, and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, large doses of cassia cinnamon might cause additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is some concern that ingesting large amounts of cassia cinnamon for an extended duration might cause hepatotoxicity in some people. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause hepatotoxicity in animal models. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg/day can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin use is discontinued. Lower amounts might also cause liver problems in sensitive people, such as those with liver disease or those taking potentially hepatotoxic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

L-Arginine9 drug types · 403 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and ACE inhibitors may increase the risk for hypotension and hyperkalemia.
Combining L-arginine with some antihypertensive drugs, especially ACE inhibitors, seems to have additive vasodilating and blood pressure-lowering effects. Furthermore, ACE inhibitors can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (Arbs)

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and ARBs may increase the risk of hypotension and hyperkalemia.
L-arginine increases nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation. Combining L-arginine with ARBs seems to increase L-arginine-induced vasodilation. Furthermore, ARBs can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of ARBs with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of bleeding.
Preliminary research suggests that L-arginine infusions reduce platelet aggregation in humans. The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Preliminary clinical research shows that L-arginine decreases blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and antihypertensive drugs may increase the risk of hypotension.
L-arginine increases nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation. Clinical evidence shows that L-arginine can reduce blood pressure in some individuals with hypertension. Furthermore, combining L-arginine with some antihypertensive drugs seems to have additive vasodilating and blood pressure-lowering effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Isoproterenol (Isuprel)

Theoretically, concurrent use of isoproterenol and L-arginine might result in additive effects and hypotension.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that L-arginine enhances isoproterenol-induced vasodilation in patients with essential hypertension or a family history of essential hypertension.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics with L-arginine may increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
Potassium-sparing diuretics can increase potassium levels. Use of L-arginine has been associated with hyperkalemia in some patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, concurrent use of sildenafil and L-arginine might increase the risk for hypotension.
In vivo, concurrent use of L-arginine and sildenafil has resulted in increased vasodilation. Theoretically, concurrent use might have additive vasodilatory and hypotensive effects. However, in studies evaluating the combined use of L-arginine and sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, hypotension was not reported.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Testosterone

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-arginine and testosterone might have additive effects.
In clinical research, L-arginine increases the level of testosterone in male patients with erectile dysfunction. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

whole Apple extract7 drug types · 300 drugs

Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Concomitant consumption of apple juice can significantly decrease oral absorption and blood levels of OATP substrates.
Research shows that consuming apple juice inhibits OATP, which reduces bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP. Fexofenadine, atenolol, and aliskiren are substrates of OATP. Clinical research shows that coadministration of apple juice decreases bioavailability of fexofenadine by up to 78%, aliskiren by 63%, and atenolol by up to 82%. These effects appear to increase with larger quantities of apple juice. It is thought that apple juice might affect OATP for only a short time. Therefore, separating drug administration and consumption of apple juice by at least 4 hours might avoid this interaction.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Aliskiren (Tekturna, Rasilez)

Concomitant consumption of apple juice can significantly decrease oral absorption and blood levels of aliskiren.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that coadministration of apple juice 200 mL along with aliskiren 150 mg decreases the bioavailability of aliskiren by 63%. Apple juice seems to inhibit organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP), which is involved in drug uptake in the gut, liver, and kidney. It is thought that apple juice might affect OATP for only a short time. Therefore, separating drug administration and consumption of apple juice by at least 4 hours might avoid this interaction.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, consuming apple juice with antidiabetes drugs might interfere with blood glucose control.
Clinical research suggests that consuming apples or drinking apple juice can raise blood glucose levels, with the effects of drinking apple juice being more significant than consuming apples.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Consuming apple juice with antihypertensive drugs might interfere with blood pressure control.
Some clinical evidence suggests that consuming apple and cherry juice can increase blood pressure in elderly patients.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atenolol (Tenormin)

Concomitant consumption of apple juice can significantly decrease oral absorption and blood levels of atenolol.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that coadministration of apple juice 600-1200 mL decreases levels of atenolol by 58% to 82% in a dose-dependent manner. Apple juice seems to inhibit organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP), which is involved in drug uptake in the gut, liver, and kidney. It is thought that apple juice might affect OATP for only a short time. Therefore, separating drug administration and consumption of apple juice by at least 4 hours might avoid this interaction.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fexofenadine (Allegra)

Concomitant consumption of apple juice can significantly decrease oral absorption and blood levels of fexofenadine.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that coadministration of apple juice 400-1200 mL along with fexofenadine 60-120 mg decreases bioavailability of fexofenadine by up to 78%. Coadministration with smaller quantities of apple juice (150 mL or less) does not appear to affect the bioavailability of fexofenadine. Apple juice seems to inhibit organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP), which is involved in drug uptake in the gut, liver, and kidney. It is thought that apple juice might affect OATP for only a short time. Therefore, separating drug administration and consumption of apple juice by at least 4 hours might avoid this interaction.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Lithium

There is some concern that concomitant consumption of apple juice might decrease oral absorption and blood levels of lithium.
In one case report, a patient had an undetectable serum lithium level when lithium citrate was administered with apple juice. When lithium was administered with an alternative beverage, the lithium level became detectable and the patient demonstrated clinical improvement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Nitric Oxide Maximizer, from the product label.

GNC Men's

See all GNC Men's products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Nitric Oxide Maximizer by GNC Men's: Common Questions

Does Nitric Oxide Maximizer by GNC Men's interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Nitric Oxide Maximizer has a known interaction with 1,255 medications, including 47 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Nitric Oxide Maximizer contains 5 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.
What does L-arginine do in this product?
L-arginine is an amino acid that increases nitric oxide in your blood vessels, which makes them relax and widen. This is why the product is called a nitric oxide maximizer. However, this effect can also lower blood pressure, which is why it needs medical supervision.
Is this safe to take if I have high blood pressure?
Not without talking to your doctor first. L-arginine in this product lowers blood pressure, so if you're already on blood pressure medication, combining them could cause your pressure to drop too much. You need medical supervision before taking this.
Does this product have any proven benefits?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish that this product works for any specific condition. Some individual ingredients like grape extract show promise for chronic venous insufficiency (leg swelling), but the product as a whole hasn't been studied that way.
What are the most common side effects?
From L-arginine, you might experience abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, or flushing. Grape and apple extracts may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, joint pain, or nausea. Most people tolerate it, but these are the ones to watch for.
Is this okay to take while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough data on concentrated supplements of these ingredients during breastfeeding. Cinnamon and grape extracts are rated likely safe, but apple extract and L-arginine don't have safety information on file for breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Can I take this with my blood thinner?
Probably not safely. Both L-arginine and grape extract can increase the risk of bleeding, so combining either with a blood thinner like warfarin or aspirin could be risky. Check with your pharmacist before starting this product.

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.

Nitric Oxide Maximizer label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Nitric Oxide Maximizer'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 136 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.

L-arginine 66 references
  1. Sapienza MA, Kharitonov SA, Horvath I, et al. Effect of inhaled L-arginine on exhaled nitric oxide in normal and asthmatic subjects. Thorax 1998;53:172-5.
  2. Clarkson P, Adams MR, Powe AJ, et al. Oral L-arginine improves endothelium-dependent dilation in hypercholesterolemic young adults. J Clin Invest 1996;97:1989-94. PubMed
  3. Tenenbaum A, Fisman EZ, Motro M. L-arginine: Rediscovery in progress. Cardiology 1998;90:153-9.
  4. Brittenden J, Park KGM, Heys SD, et al. L-Arginine stimulates host defenses in patients with breast cancer. Surgery 1994;115:205-12.
  5. Korting GE, Smith SD, Wheeler MA, et al. A randomized double-blind trial of oral L-arginine for treatment of interstitial cystitis. J Urol 1999;161:558-65. DOI
  6. Rector TS, Bank AJ, Mullen KA, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of supplemental oral L-arginine in patients with heart failure. Circulation 1996;93:2135-41.
  7. Siani A, Pagano E, Iacone R, et al. Blood pressure and metabolic changes during dietary L-arginine supplementation in humans. Am J Hypertens 2000;13:547-51. PubMed
  8. Cheng JW, Balwin SN. L-arginine in the management of cardiovascular diseases. Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:755-64. PubMed
  9. Wallace AW, Tom WL. Interaction of L-arginine and phosphodiesterase inhibitors in vasodilation of the porcine internal mammary artery. Anesth Analg 2000;90:840-6. DOI
  10. Huynh NT, Tayek JA. Oral arginine reduces systemic blood pressure in type 2 diabetes: its potential role in nitric oxide generation. J Am Coll Nutr 2002;21:422-7.. PubMed
  11. Staff AC, Berge L, Haugen G, et al. Dietary supplementation with L-arginine or placebo in women with pre-eclampsia. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2004;83:103-7.
  12. Resnick DJ, Softness B, Murphy AR, et al. Case report of an anaphylactoid reaction to arginine. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002;88:67-8. PubMed
  13. Anon. Arginine hydrochloride injection (marketed as R-Gene 10). FDA Drug Safety Newsletter 2009;2(2):16-18. Available at: www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugSafetyNewsletter/default.htm.
  14. Higashi Y, Oshima T, Sasaki S, et. al. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, but not calcium antagonism, improves a response of the renal vasculature to L-arginine in patients with essential hypertension. Hypertension. 1998 Jul;32(1):16-24.
  15. Facchinetti, F., Longo, M., Piccinini, F., Neri, I., and Volpe, A. L-arginine infusion reduces blood pressure in preeclamptic women through nitric oxide release. J Soc Gynecol.Investig. 1999;6(4):202-207. DOI
  16. de Gouw, H. W., Verbruggen, M. B., Twiss, I. M., and Sterk, P. J. Effect of oral L-arginine on airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine in asthma. Thorax 1999;54(11):1033-1035. PubMed
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Grape 34 references
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See these in context on the Grape monograph →

Apple 16 references
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  14. Rubido S, García-Caballero L, Abeleira MT, Limeres J, García M, Diz P. Effect of chewing an apple on dental plaque removal and on salivary bacterial viability. PLoS One. 2018;13(7):e0199812. PubMed
  15. Krishnasamy S, Lomer MCE, Marciani L, et al. Processing apples to puree or juice speeds gastric emptying and reduces postprandial intestinal volumes and satiety in healthy adults. J Nutr 2020;150(11):2890-9. PubMed
  16. Awan S, Abelleira A, Khehra L, Hieber R. Undetectable serum lithium concentrations after coadministration of liquid lithium citrate and apple juice: A case report. Ment Health Clin. 2021;11(1):27-30. PubMed

See these in context on the Apple 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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