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Dietary supplement

Silica Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Alta Health Products

Silica label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Silica 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

Silica is a dietary supplement by Alta Health Products with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fluid retention (mild diuretic), urinary and bladder concerns, hair, skin, and nail support.Based on those ingredients, 188 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Horsetail extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Silica by Alta Health Products

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Silica by Alta Health Products — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Silica by Alta Health Products

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 10, 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.

Silica by Alta Health Products contains one active ingredient: horsetail extract. Horsetail has been used traditionally for various conditions, though the science is still building.

The product also contains several inactive ingredients — whey, cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, stearic acid, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and croscarmellose sodium — which are fillers and binders that help hold the tablet together.

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 Horsetail's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: strengthen and support healthy skin hair bones nails.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoporosis, hair loss, nail health, skin health, bone strength.
  • The closest evidence on file: Horsetail is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Osteoporosis (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for horsetail extract isn't established in our data for most of its traditional uses. For urinary incontinence, obesity, tonsillitis, and male-pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia), the data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate how well it works.

Before taking this product for any of these reasons, talk with your doctor about whether the evidence supports its use for your particular situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Horsetail

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.

Horsetail is generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, but long-term use carries real risks and unverified products should be avoided. The most common side effects reported in trials are abdominal bloating, increased bowel movements, and nausea.

One important concern: crude horsetail contains thiaminase, an enzyme that can deplete thiamine (vitamin B1) with prolonged use — though Canadian horsetail products are required to be certified as thiaminase-free. One case report linked topical horsetail to a severe skin reaction (seborrheic dermatitis) caused by the nicotine in horsetail.

There isn't enough safety data on file to recommend this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Horsetail

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 — Horsetail.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 188 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, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take antidiabetes drugs, diuretics (water pills), lithium, or HIV antiretroviral medications (NRTIs or efavirenz) — all carry Moderate-severity interaction risks with horsetail. These interactions can affect how well your medications work or raise the level of certain drugs in your bloodstream.

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.

This supplement may be worth considering if you're looking at horsetail for short-term support and you don't take diabetes drugs, diuretics, lithium, or HIV medications. If you do take any of those, check with your doctor or pharmacist first — the interactions are real.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require a conversation with your healthcare provider before starting. Keep use short-term and choose certified products.

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 Nov 22, 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 Silica, straight from the product label.

Brand Alta Health Products
Barcode (UPC) 076920000222
Net contents 120 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2023
DSLD ID 299275
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Silica by Alta Health Products, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
076920000222
IngredientAmount% DV
Horsetail extract1500 mg, 500 mg--

Other ingredients: Whey, Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Croscarmellose Sodium

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.
Formulation

Silica strengthens and supports healthy skin, hair, bones and nails.

Tablets are clear film coated.

Free from: Sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, soy, colorings, flavorings or preservatives. No GMO Gluten free.

Formula

Using the finest quality horsetail extract with bioflavonoids, Alta Health Silica provides the pure ortho form of soluble/colloidal Silica by means of special extraction process. Silica is an essential trace mineral that plays a biological role in the process by which bone, cartilage, connective tissue and skin are formed and is a component of collagen. Alta's Herbal Organic Silica provides the best absorption and assimilation.

Herbal organic silica with bioflavonoids The natural nutrient for hair, bones ad nails

Precautions

Consult a health care professional before taking this product if you are a pregnant or lactating woman, currently under medical care or are taking prescription drugs.

Do not accept if seal is broken

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place. Do not freeze.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 1 to 3 tablets daily, preferably with meals.

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

See for yourself

Silica by Alta Health Products label

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

Silica 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 Silica by Alta Health Products

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

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Horsetail extract

Interacts with
188 drugs
1500 mg per serving

Horsetail is a traditional herb most often used as a mild diuretic and for hair, nail, and bone support, but high-quality human evidence is limited. I...

Horsetail extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Whey, Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Croscarmellose Sodium. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Silica by Alta Health Products Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Silica?

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
188Drugs
188 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Horsetail extract 188

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Silica interact with 188 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Silica interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Horsetail extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Silica 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.

Horsetail extract5 drug types · 188 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking horsetail with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Equisetum myriochaetum has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in clinical research. In an animal diabetic model, Equisetum giganteum had hypoglycemic effects. It is unclear whether other horsetail species have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Laboratory research shows that various species of horsetail have diuretic properties. Due to its diuretic effects, there has been concern that taking horsetail along with potassium-depleting diuretics might increase the risk for hypokalemia. However, pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that taking horsetail 900 mg daily for 4 days does not affect urinary excretion of electrolytes, including potassium and sodium, despite having a diuretic effect similar to taking hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily. It is unclear if taking horsetail for a longer duration would affect electrolyte levels. Until more is known, use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Efavirenz (Sustiva)

Theoretically, horsetail might decrease the levels and clinical effects of efavirenz.
In two case reports, patients were found to have detectable viral loads when taking horsetail-containing supplements along with an antiretroviral regimen that included efavirenz. In one case, the antiretroviral regimen included zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz; in the other case, the regimen consisted of emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and efavirenz. One month after discontinuing horsetail, the viral loads became undetectable in both cases. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unknown. It is also unclear if this interaction is specific to efavirenz or if it is related to various components of antiretroviral therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, horsetail might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that horsetail has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, horsetail might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (Nrtis)

Theoretically, horsetail might decrease the levels and clinical effects of NRTIs.
In two case reports, patients were found to have detectable viral loads when taking horsetail-containing supplements along with an antiretroviral therapy. In one case, the antiretroviral regimen included zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz; in the other case, the regimen consisted of emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and efavirenz. One month after discontinuing the supplement, the viral loads became undetectable in both cases. The exact mechanism of these interactions is unknown. It is also unclear if these interactions are specific to NRTIs or if they are related to various components of antiretroviral therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Horsetail extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Silica, from the product label.

Alta Health Products

See all Alta Health Products products
Name
ALTA HEALTH PRODUCTS
City
Idaho City
State
ID
ZipCode
83631
Web Address
www.altahealthproducts.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Silica by Alta Health Products: Common Questions

Does Silica by Alta Health Products interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Silica has a known interaction with 188 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Silica 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.
Can I take this if I have diabetes or take diabetes medication?
Not without checking first. Horsetail may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with antidiabetes drugs. Talk with your doctor before using this product if you take diabetes medication — they may need to monitor your blood sugar more closely or adjust your dose.
What are the most common side effects?
The most commonly reported side effects are abdominal bloating, increased bowel movements, and nausea. These tend to be mild, but if they bother you or don't settle, stop the product and let your pharmacist know.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way. The safety information we have advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.
Does this product actually work for what it claims?
The evidence in our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate how well horsetail works for urinary incontinence, obesity, tonsillitis, or male-pattern hair loss. Before starting it for any of these reasons, ask your doctor whether the science supports trying it for your situation.
How long can I safely take this?
Our data supports short-term use in healthy adults, but long-term use carries real risks — including potential thiamine deficiency if you take large amounts of crude horsetail over a long time. Keep use short-term and choose products certified as thiaminase-free, and talk with your pharmacist about the right duration for you.
I take a water pill (diuretic) for blood pressure. Is this safe?
No — not without checking with your doctor first. Horsetail has diuretic properties and may theoretically increase potassium loss if you're already on a potassium-depleting diuretic, raising your risk of abnormally low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Your doctor needs to know before you start this product.

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

Not sure if Silica 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.

Silica label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Silica’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Horsetail

Interacts with 188 drugs

Horsetail is a traditional herb most often used as a mild diuretic and for hair, nail, and bone support, but high-quality human evidence is limited. It can cause thiamine (vitamin B1) loss w...

Read the full Horsetail monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Silica'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 14 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.

Horsetail 14 references
  1. Sudan BJ. Seborrhoeic dermatitis induced by nicotine of horsetails (Equisetum arvense L.). Contact Dermatitis 1985;13:201-2.
  2. Perez Gutierrez RM, Laguna GY, Walkowski A. Diuretic activity of Mexican equisetum. J Ethnopharmacol 1985;14:269-72. PubMed
  3. Lemus I, Garcia R, Erazo S, et al. Diuretic activity of an Equisetum bogotense tea (Platero herb): evaluation in healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol 1996;54:55-8. PubMed
  4. Revilla MC, Andrade-Cetto A, Islas S, Wiedenfeld H. Hypoglycemic effect of Equisetum myriochaetum aerial parts on type 2 diabetic patients. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;81:117-20. PubMed
  5. Tiktinskii, O. L. and Bablumian, I. A. [Therapeutic action of Java tea and field horsetail in uric acid diathesis]. Urol.Nefrol.(Mosk) 1983;3(1):47-50.
  6. Henderson JA, Evans EV, and McIntosh RA. The antithiamine action of Equisetum. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 1952;120:375-378.
  7. Carneiro DM, Freire RC, Honório TC, Zoghaib I, Cardoso FF, Tresvenzol LM, de Paula JR, Sousa AL, Jardim PC, da Cunha LC. Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Assess the Acute Diuretic Effect of Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) in Healthy Voluntee
  8. Klnçalp S, Ekiz F, Basar Ö, Coban S, Yüksel O. Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail)-induced liver injury. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012 Feb;24(2):213-4. PubMed
  9. Ortega García JA, Angulo MG, Sobrino-Najul EJ, Soldin OP, Mira AP, Martínez-Salcedo E, Claudio L. Prenatal exposure of a girl with autism spectrum disorder to 'horsetail' (Equisetum arvense) herbal remedy and alcohol: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2011 M PubMed
  10. Cordova E, Morganti L, Rodriguez C. Possible Drug-Herb Interaction between Herbal Supplement Containing Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and Antiretroviral Drugs. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2017;16(1):11-13.
  11. García Gavilán MD, Moreno García AM, Rosales Zabal JM, Navarro Jarabo JM, Sánchez Cantos A. Case of drug-induced acute pancreatitis produced by horsetail infusions. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2017 Apr;109(4):301-304. PubMed
  12. Vieira GT, de Oliveira TT, Carneiro MAA, et al. Antidiabetic effect of Equisetum giganteum L. extract on alloxan-diabetic rabbit. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;260:112898. PubMed
  13. Health Canada. Organism-Equisetum arvense. Available at: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/ingredReq.do?id=6117&lang=eng. Accessed 21-July 2021.
  14. Bates D, Duong TB, Kheyson S, Moore K. Hyponatremia Secondary to Decreased Oral Intake and SIADH and Possibly Exacerbated by Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Can J Hosp Pharm 2021;74(4):386-389. PubMed

See these in context on the Horsetail 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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