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Dietary supplement

Policosanol 20 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Puritan's Pride

Policosanol 20 mg label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-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 Policosanol 20 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

Policosanol 20 mg is a dietary supplement by Puritan's Pride 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Policosanol 20 mg by Puritan's Pride

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Policosanol 20 mg by Puritan's Pride — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Policosanol 20 mg by Puritan's Pride

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 Sep 3, 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.

Policosanol 20 mg by Puritan's Pride contains one active ingredient: policosanol, a compound derived from plant waxes. The softgel capsule also contains soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, soy lecithin, yellow beeswax, and natural caramel color as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support cholesterol and heart health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hypercholesterolemia, Familial hypercholesterolemia, Coronary heart disease (CHD), Intermittent claudication, Dyslipidemia, Atherosclerosis.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Policosanol is rated "Likely Effective" for Intermittent claudication (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Policosanol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Coronary heart disease (CHD), Familial hypercholesterolemia.

Policosanol is likely effective for intermittent claudication (leg pain and cramping during walking caused by poor blood flow). For coronary heart disease and familial high cholesterol, the evidence isn't established in the data we hold — there isn't enough reliable research to rate it one way or the other.

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. The most commonly reported side effects are uncommon and include headache, dizziness, insomnia, upset stomach, skin rash, and weight loss — in clinical trials, only a small number of participants experienced these at this dose.

There isn't enough safety information to use policosanol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding; talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.

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're on beta-blockers (like metoprolol or propranolol), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel), diabetes medications, or nitroprusside. All carry moderate 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 clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you have intermittent claudication and want to explore a plant-based option, policosanol may be worth discussing with your doctor. It's not right for you if you take blood thinners, beta-blockers, or diabetes medication without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist — the interaction risks are real.

Quality varies between brands, so talk it over with your own healthcare provider before starting.

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 May 24, 2023.

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 Puritan's Pride
Barcode (UPC) 025077500949
Net contents 60 Rapid Release Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2023
DSLD ID 286078
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Puritan's Pride, 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 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
025077500949
IngredientAmount% DV
Policosanol20 mg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Yellow Beeswax, natural Caramel color

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: For adults, take one (1) softgel daily, preferably with a meal.

Precautions

Contains soy ingredients

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Formulation

No artificial flavor or sweetener, no preservatives, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no lactose, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast, no fish. Sodium free.

General Statements

Puritan's Pride supplements are produced from the finest raw materials under our stringent quality control standards. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging facilities ensure you the highest quality nutritional supplements money can buy. When it comes to your health...choose the best.

To reorder item # 50094 www.puritan.com 1-800-645-1030

Storage

Store at room temperature.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2016 Puritan's Pride, Inc.

Seals/Symbols

QA Quality Assured

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

See for yourself

Policosanol 20 mg by Puritan's Pride label

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

Policosanol 20 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 Policosanol 20 mg by Puritan's Pride

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Policosanol

Interacts with
242 drugs
20 mg per serving Form: Rice Wax

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: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Yellow Beeswax, Natural Caramel color. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Policosanol 20 mg by Puritan's Pride 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

Policosanol 242

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Policosanol 20 mg interact with 242 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Policosanol 20 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Policosanol

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
Policosanol full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Puritan's Pride

See all Puritan's Pride products
Name
Puritan's Pride, Inc.
City
Ronkonkoma
State
NY
ZipCode
11779
Phone Number
1-800-645-1030
Web Address
www.puritan.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Policosanol 20 mg by Puritan's Pride: Common Questions

Does Policosanol 20 mg by Puritan's Pride 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 derived from plant waxes — it's a natural extract rather than a single chemical. It's been studied for its effects on blood flow and cholesterol.
Is policosanol actually effective for high cholesterol?
We don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works for high cholesterol or heart disease. It is likely effective for intermittent claudication — leg cramping during walking — but talk with your doctor about whether it's right for you.
What side effects might I notice?
Most people tolerate it well. Uncommon side effects include headache, mild dizziness, trouble sleeping, upset stomach, skin rash, and weight loss. In clinical trials, only a small number of participants at this dose experienced these.
Can I take policosanol if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know if it's okay during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
Does the brand or quality matter?
Yes — quality varies between policosanol products. That's one reason to discuss this supplement with your pharmacist before you buy, so you know you're getting a reliable one.
Why does this interact with so many medications?
Policosanol affects blood pressure, bleeding, and blood sugar through its own mechanisms — so it adds to the effects of drugs that do the same thing. That's why it matters to check your specific medications first.

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.

Policosanol 20 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Policosanol 20 mg’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Policosanol

Interacts with 242 drugs

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 lower cholesterol. Early studies from Cuba...

Read the full Policosanol monograph →
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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