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Dietary supplement

Policosanol 20 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Bluebonnet

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

Policosanol 20 mg is a dietary supplement by Bluebonnet with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, heart and blood vessel health, leg pain from poor circulation (intermittent claudication).Based on those ingredients, 242 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Policosanol. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Policosanol 20 mg by Bluebonnet

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.

Bluebonnet Policosanol 20 mg contains a single active ingredient: policosanol, a compound derived from plant waxes. The product also contains inactive ingredients (vegetable cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate, and a vegetable capsule) that serve as fillers and the capsule shell.

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 Policosanol's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support healthy cholesterol levels.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hypercholesterolemia, Familial hypercholesterolemia.
  • The closest evidence on file: Policosanol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Familial hypercholesterolemia (Natural Medicines).

Policosanol is likely effective for intermittent claudication (leg pain or cramping when walking due to poor blood flow). For coronary heart disease and familial high cholesterol, the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate its effectiveness.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work—it means the research data available to us isn't conclusive enough to say either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Policosanol

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.

Policosanol is generally well tolerated in studies. A small number of trial participants reported mild headache, dizziness, insomnia, or upset stomach, and some experienced weight loss, though these events were uncommon.

The product's real-world benefit and quality vary between manufacturers, so sourcing matters. There isn't enough safety information to know whether policosanol is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The safety data advises against use in both situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Policosanol

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 — Policosanol.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 242 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 this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take beta-blockers or propranolol (blood pressure medications), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, diabetes medications, or nitroprusside. All carry Moderate-severity interaction risks with policosanol.

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.

Policosanol may help with leg pain from poor circulation, though evidence for heart disease and cholesterol is still being studied. If you take blood pressure medications, blood thinners, or diabetes drugs, you'll need to clear this with your doctor or pharmacist first—the interactions are real and require dose adjustments or closer monitoring.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are reasons to avoid it without medical guidance.

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 Jul 25, 2018.

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 Policosanol 20 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Bluebonnet
Barcode (UPC) 743715011748
Net contents 60 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2018
DSLD ID 179276
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, 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 Policosanol 20 mg by Bluebonnet, 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
743715011748
IngredientAmount% DV
Policosanol20 mg--

Other ingredients: Kosher Vegetable Capsules, Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable 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

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Formula

Bluebonnet’s Policosanol 20 mg Capsules contain a mixture of 85% aliphatic alcohols derived from non-GMO sugarcane wax that support healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.

Bluebonnet’s KOF-K Certification #K-0000700.

General Statements

Available in easy-to-swallow vegetable capsules for maximum assimilation and absorption.

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.

General

1174C

Seals/Symbols

Made with non GMO ingredients

Vegan K Parve Gluten free

Formulation

Made with non GMO ingredients

Vegan

Free of milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. Also free of corn, yeast, gluten, barley, rice, sodium and sugar.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Policosanol 20 mg by Bluebonnet label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Policosanol 20 mg by Bluebonnet

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.

Policosanol

Interacts with
242 drugs
20 mg per serving

Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols (mostly octacosanol) made from sugar cane or other plant waxes, and it is often marketed as a natural way to low...

Policosanol monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Policosanol 20 mg by Bluebonnet Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Policosanol 20 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
242Drugs
242 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Policosanol 20 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.

Policosanol6 drug types · 242 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking policosanol with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Some clinical research shows that taking policosanol 10-50 mg daily for 7-15 days can inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy patients. Although, 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. 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. Until more is known, use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, policosanol might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that policosanol can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Beta-Blockers

Concomitant use of policosanol with beta-blockers can cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
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 blood-pressure lowering effects of propranolol.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Nitroprusside (Nitropress)

Theoretically, concomitant use of policosanol with nitroprusside might cause additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with nitroprusside can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of nitroprusside.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Propranolol (Inderal)

Animal research shows that taking policosanol along with propranolol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, taking policosanol with warfarin might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
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 warfarin dosing does not affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or warfarin response.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Policosanol 20 mg, from the product label.

Bluebonnet

Name
Bluebonnet Nutrition Corporation
Street Address
12915 Dairy Ashford
City
Sugar Land
State
TX
ZipCode
77478
Web Address
www.bluebonnetnutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Policosanol 20 mg by Bluebonnet: Common Questions

Does Policosanol 20 mg by Bluebonnet interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Policosanol 20 mg has a known interaction with 242 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Policosanol 20 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.
What is policosanol, and where does it come from?
Policosanol is a compound extracted from plant waxes. It's been studied for its effects on circulation and cholesterol, though the source and quality vary between products.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Not without checking first. Policosanol can lower blood pressure, and combining it with beta-blockers or propranolol may cause too much of a drop. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—they may need to adjust your medication dose.
What side effects might I notice?
Most people tolerate it well. A small number of trial participants reported mild headache, dizziness, insomnia, or upset stomach. Some people experienced weight loss, though this was uncommon in the studies.
Is policosanol safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know. The safety information advises against use in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Does policosanol work for high cholesterol?
The evidence we hold on policosanol for familial high cholesterol and coronary heart disease is insufficient to say. It is likely effective for leg pain from poor circulation, though.
Can I take this with blood thinners like warfarin?
Not without medical clearance. Policosanol may increase bruising and bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

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

Not sure if Policosanol 20 mg is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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.

Policosanol 20 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Policosanol 20 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 15 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.

Policosanol 15 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. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. Fernandez L, Mas R, Illnait J, Fernandez JC. Policosanol: results of a postmarketing surveillance study of 27,879 patients. Curr Ther Res 1998;59(10):717-22. DOI
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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 Policosanol 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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