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Dietary supplement

Octacosanol 5000 mcg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW Sports

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Octacosanol 5000 mcg is a dietary supplement by NOW Sports with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for physical performance and endurance, cholesterol support, parkinson's and movement concerns.Based on those ingredients, 248 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Octacosanol. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Octacosanol 5000 mcg by NOW Sports

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

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This supplement contains one active ingredient: octacosanol 5000 mcg per capsule. Octacosanol is a waxy substance derived from plant oils and is the main component of policosanol, which is studied for its potential effects on cholesterol and athletic performance.

The inactive ingredients are cellulose, gelatin, silica, and magnesium stearate — the standard capsule fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Octacosanol product and its label doesn't state a use — see Octacosanol's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for octacosanol isn't established in the data we hold. The studies reviewed classify its effectiveness for athletic performance, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), ALS, and Parkinson disease as having insufficient reliable evidence to rate — meaning there isn't enough solid research yet to confirm it works for these uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Octacosanol

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.

Octacosanol is generally well tolerated in the amounts that have been studied, but long-term safety data are limited. Uncommon side effects from the research include headache, mild dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, insomnia, and skin rash or itching — though it's not entirely clear if octacosanol itself is responsible for these.

There isn't enough safety information to recommend octacosanol during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Octacosanol

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 — Octacosanol.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 248 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 taking NOW Sports Octacosanol, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood pressure medications (especially beta-blockers or propranolol), diabetes medications, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin), or levodopa/carbidopa for Parkinson disease — octacosanol may enhance or add to their effects in ways that need monitoring.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Octacosanol may be worth considering if you're interested in its potential effects, but it does interact with several common medication types — particularly blood pressure drugs and diabetes medications. If you take any prescription medications, especially for high blood pressure, diabetes, or Parkinson disease, or if you take blood thinners, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this supplement.

Long-term safety data are limited, so this is something to discuss with your healthcare provider for your individual 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 Dec 24, 2013.

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 Octacosanol 5000 mcg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW Sports
Barcode (UPC) 733739018205
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 24, 2013
DSLD ID 28389
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) 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 Octacosanol 5000 mcg by NOW Sports, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
733739018205
IngredientAmount% DV
Octacosanol5 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Gelatin, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

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: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily with food. Consider taking this product in combination with NOW(R) ENERGY, B-12 and L-Carnitine.

General Statements

Octacosanol is a naturally occurring substance found in sugar cane, wheat germ oil, spinach and other natural sources. Our Octacosanol is derived from spinach.

Please Recycle.

CAPSULE SIZE

Made in the USA

For more product information visit www.nowfoods.com/1820

Formula

Our Octacosanol is derived from spinach.

from Spinach Extract

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

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 wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

GMP QUALITY ASSURED

Formulation

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

General

CODE 1820B V4

See for yourself

Octacosanol 5000 mcg by NOW Sports label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Octacosanol 5000 mcg by NOW Sports

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

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

Octacosanol

Interacts with
248 drugs
5 mg per serving Form: Spinach extract

Octacosanol is a waxy long-chain alcohol from plant sources that is most often promoted for exercise endurance and cholesterol support, but solid huma...

Octacosanol monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Octacosanol 5000 mcg by NOW Sports Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Octacosanol 5000 mcg?

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
248Drugs
248 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Octacosanol 5000 mcg 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.

Octacosanol7 drug types · 248 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, octacosanol might inhibit platelet aggregation; however, clinical research suggests that this effect may not be clinically significant.
Octacosanol is the main component of policosanol. Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. However, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to initiating warfarin does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response. Furthermore, a study in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent found that taking policosanol 40 mg plus clopidogrel and aspirin daily for 30 days modestly reduced the risk for minor bleeding events when compared with taking clopidogrel and aspirin alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, octacosanol might have additive effects when used in combination with antidiabetes drugs.
Octacosanol is the main component of policosanol. In humans, policosanol can decrease blood glucose. It is not clear if these effects occur with the use of octacosanol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Beta-Blockers

Theoretically, concomitant use of octacosanol with beta-blockers might result in additive hypotensive effects.
Octacosanol is the main component of policosanol. Clinical research shows that policosanol 5 mg daily can have additive blood pressure-lowering effects in patients with hypertension who are taking beta-blockers. Also, animal research shows that policosanol can increase the hypotensive effects of propranolol. It is not clear if these effects occur with the use of octacosanol.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet)

Concomitant use may worsen symptoms of Parkinson disease.
One small clinical study suggests that octacosanol might worsen dyskinesias and increase nervous tension in some patients being treated with levodopa/carbidopa.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Nitroprusside (Nitropress)

Theoretically, octacosanol might enhance the hypotensive effects of nitroprusside.
Octacosanol is the main component of policosanol. Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with nitroprusside can increase the hypotensive effects of nitroprusside. It is not clear if these effects occur with the use of octacosanol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Propranolol (Inderal)

Theoretically, octacosanol might enhance the hypotensive effects of propranolol.
Octacosanol is the main component of policosanol. Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with propranolol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of propranolol. It is not clear if these effects occur with the use of octacosanol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, octacosanol might inhibit platelet aggregation; however, clinical research suggests that this effect may not be clinically significant.
Octacosanol is the main component of policosanol. Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. Therefore, there is concern that taking policosanol with warfarin might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. However, one clinical trial shows that taking policosanol 10 mg twice daily for 2 weeks prior to warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response. It is not clear if these effects occur with the use of octacosanol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Octacosanol 5000 mcg, from the product label.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Octacosanol 5000 mcg by NOW Sports: Common Questions

Does Octacosanol 5000 mcg by NOW Sports interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Octacosanol 5000 mcg has a known interaction with 248 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Octacosanol 5000 mcg 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.
What is octacosanol, and what is it supposed to do?
Octacosanol is a waxy substance from plant oils and the main component of policosanol. It's been studied for potential effects on cholesterol, athletic performance, and certain neurological conditions, but the evidence we hold doesn't yet confirm it's effective for any of these.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Octacosanol might add to the blood-pressure-lowering effects of your medication, which could cause your blood pressure to drop too far. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you take any blood pressure drug.
What side effects might I experience?
Uncommon side effects reported in studies include headache, mild dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, insomnia, and skin rash or itching — though it's unclear whether octacosanol itself causes them. Long-term safety data are limited.
Is this safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information to know either way. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes — the capsule contains cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate, and gelatin as inactive ingredients. These are standard binders and fillers that help hold the capsule together.

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

Not sure if Octacosanol 5000 mcg 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.

Octacosanol 5000 mcg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Octacosanol 5000 mcg'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 16 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.

Octacosanol 16 references
  1. Carbajal D, Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation and serum levels of arachidonic acid metabolites in healthy volunteers. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1998;58:61-4.
  2. Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R, et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res 1997;36:293-7. PubMed
  3. Valdes S, Arruzazabala ML, Fernandez L. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1996;16:67-72.
  4. Snider S. Octacosanol in parkinsonism. Ann Neurol 1984;16:723. PubMed
  5. Greyling A, De Witt C, Oosthuizen W, Jerling JC. Effects of a policosanol supplement on serum lipid concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Br J Nutr 2006;95:968-75. PubMed
  6. Abdul MI, Jiang X, Williams KM, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of echinacea and policosanol with warfarin in healthy subjects. Br J Clin.Pharmacol. 2010;69:508-15. PubMed
  7. Molina, Cuevas, V, Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, Quintana D., Mas, Ferreiro R., and Valdes, Garcia S. Effect of policosanol on arterial blood pressure in rats. Study of the pharmacological interaction with nifedipine and propranolol. Arch Med Res 1998;29
  8. Menendez, R., Mas, R., Amor, A. M., Gonzalez, R. M., Fernandez, J. C., Rodeiro, I., Zayas, M., and Jimenez, S. Effects of policosanol treatment on the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein (LDL) isolated from healthy volunteers to oxidative modificat
  9. Castano G, Fernandez L, Mas R, et al. Comparison of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of original policosanol versus other mixtures of higher aliphatic primary alcohols in patients with type II hypercholesterolemia. Int.J.Clin.Pharmacol.Res. 2002;22:5
  10. Arruzazabala, M. L., Carbajal, D., Mas, R., Valdes, S., and Molina, V. Pharmacological Interaction Between Policosanol and Nitroprusside in Rats. J Med Food 2001;4(2):67-70. PubMed
  11. Castano G, Mas R, Gamez R, et al. Concomitant use of policosanol and beta-blockers in older patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol.Res 2004;24:65-77.
  12. Francini-Pesenti F, Brocadello F, Beltramolli D, et al. Sugar cane policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in primitive, diet-resistant hypercholesterolaemia: A double blind, controlled study. Complement Ther Med 2008;16:61-65. PubMed
  13. Castaño G, Fernández L, Mas R, Illnait J, Mesa M, Fernández JC. Comparison of the effects of policosanol and atorvastatin on lipid profile and platelet aggregation in patients with dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clin Drug Investig. 2003;23(10 PubMed
  14. Wang HY, Jiao QP, Chen SY, et al. Efficacy and safety of policosanol plus fenofibrate combination therapy in elderly patients with mixed dyslipidemia: A randomized, controlled clinical study. Am J Med Sci. 2018;356(3):254-261. PubMed
  15. Xu K, Liu X, Li Y, Wang Y, Zang H, Guo L, et al. Safety and efficacy of policosanol in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity after drug-eluting stent implantation: two-year follow-up results. Cardiovasc Ther. 2016 Oct;34(5):337-42. doi: 10.1 PubMed
  16. Li C, Ding Y, Si Q, Li K, Xu K. Multiple functions of policosanol in elderly patients with dyslipidemia. J Int Med Res. 2020;48(7):300060520936082. PubMed

See these in context on the Octacosanol 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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