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Dietary supplement

Strontium Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Douglas Laboratories

Capsule Category: Mineral
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Strontium is a dietary supplement by Douglas Laboratories with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis, reducing fracture risk, tooth sensitivity (in some toothpastes).Based on those ingredients, 101 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Strontium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Strontium by Douglas Laboratories

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 product contains one active ingredient: strontium. In your capsule you'll also find inactive ingredients—microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, vegetable stearate, and silica—which are fillers and binders that help hold the capsule together.

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: bone health and fracture risk support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoporosis, Fractures, bone density, bone strength.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Strontium is rated "Likely Effective" for Osteoporosis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Strontium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Fractures.

Strontium has solid evidence backing its use for dental hypersensitivity and painful bony metastases (both rated Effective). For osteoporosis, it's rated Likely Effective.

There's some evidence it may help with osteoarthritis and prostate cancer, though the data is less complete—those are rated Possibly Effective.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Strontium

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.

Strontium—especially the ranelate form—carries a caution: it's been linked to serious heart and clotting risks. Clinical research shows strontium ranelate raises the risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism) by about 50% and increases heart attack risk by roughly 1.6-fold in people with osteoporosis.

Most commonly, people report skin rash (dermatitis or eczema), diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Strontium ranelate at doses up to 2 grams daily long-term is generally well tolerated, though rare cases of serious heart problems and weakened bones (osteomalacia) have been reported.

Avoid this product during pregnancy—safety hasn't been established. Don't use it while breastfeeding either; there isn't enough safety information.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Strontium

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 — Strontium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 101 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 with your pharmacist before starting if you take estrogens (like birth control or hormone therapy), androgens (like testosterone), antacids, quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin), or tetracycline antibiotics (like doxycycline). All four drug types are documented to interact with strontium at a Moderate level—spacing doses and adjusting timing can help, but your pharmacist needs to review your specific medications.

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.

Strontium may be worth considering if you have dental sensitivity, bone pain from cancer, or osteoporosis and your doctor recommends it. But because of heart and clotting risks, especially with the ranelate form, this isn't a supplement to start on your own.

Have a real conversation with your pharmacist or doctor about whether the benefit fits your situation, especially if you're on hormone therapy or antibiotics. Don't use it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

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 Sep 22, 2022.

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 Strontium, straight from the product label.

Brand Douglas Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 310539033265
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 22, 2022
DSLD ID 274098
Product type Mineral
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Strontium by Douglas Laboratories, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
310539033265
IngredientAmount% DV
Strontium200 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Vegetable Stearate, Silica

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, adults take 1 capsule daily or as directed by your health professional.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant, or nursing, have any health condition or taking any medication, consult your health professional before using this product.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Use only if safety seal is intact.

Do not use if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, blood clots, or known risk factors for these conditions.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Gluten-free, Non-GMO

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity. Scan to learn about our manufacturing excellence

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Strontium by Douglas Laboratories label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Strontium by Douglas Laboratories

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

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Strontium

Interacts with
101 drugs
200 mg per serving Form: Strontium Citrate

Strontium is a mineral that has been studied mainly for bone health and osteoporosis. The prescription form (strontium ranelate) showed benefit for fr...

Strontium monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Strontium by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Strontium?

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
101Drugs
101 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Strontium 101

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Strontium 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.

Strontium5 drug types · 101 drugs

Androgens

Theoretically, androgens might reduce the excretion of strontium, potentially increasing its effects and adverse effects.
A small clinical study suggests that treatment with androgens such as testosterone, nandrolone, oxandrolone, and oxymetholone for 5-6 weeks might decrease urinary strontium excretion. The clinical significance of this interaction is unknown.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antacids

Antacids can reduce the absorption of strontium, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide can reduce absorption of strontium ranelate by 20% to 25%. Calcium can reduce its absorption to 60% to 70%. Avoid taking antacids within 2 hours of a dose of strontium ranelate. This interaction has also been reported with orally-administered radioactive strontium-85. It will likely also occur with other forms of strontium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Estrogens

Theoretically, estrogens might reduce the excretion of strontium, potentially increasing its effects and adverse effects.
A small clinical study suggests that treatment with estrogens for 5-6 weeks might decrease urinary strontium excretion. The clinical significance of this interaction is unknown.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, strontium might decrease the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Strontium is a divalent cation with similar properties to calcium. It is likely to form complexes with quinolones in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, preventing absorption of the antibiotic. Recommend taking strontium supplements at least 2 hours before or after quinolones to avoid an interaction.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, strontium might decrease the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Strontium is a divalent cation with similar properties to calcium. It is likely to form complexes with tetracyclines in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, preventing absorption of the antibiotic. Recommend taking strontium supplements at least 2 hours before or after tetracyclines to avoid an interaction.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

Douglas Laboratories

See all Douglas Laboratories products
Name
Douglas Laboratories
Street Address
600 Boyce Road
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15205
Phone Number
1.800.245.4440
Web Address
www.douglaslabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Strontium by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Strontium by Douglas Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Strontium has a known interaction with 101 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Strontium 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.
Does strontium actually work for bone health?
For osteoporosis, yes—the evidence supports that it's likely effective. It's also proven effective for dental sensitivity and painful bone cancer. For osteoarthritis and prostate cancer, there's some supporting evidence, though it's not as strong.
What are the most common side effects?
Skin rash (dermatitis), diarrhea, headache, and nausea are the ones people report most. Serious side effects like blood clots and heart attacks are rare but have been documented with strontium ranelate.
Can I take strontium with my antacid?
Not at the same time—antacids block strontium absorption significantly. Wait at least 2 hours after your strontium dose before taking an antacid, or take your antacid first and space the strontium out by at least 2 hours.
Is it safe to take while I'm pregnant?
No. Safety hasn't been established during pregnancy, so it's best avoided. If you're pregnant or planning to be, talk with your doctor before use.
What's the main heart risk with strontium?
Clinical studies show strontium ranelate increases the risk of blood clots and heart attacks. It raises clot risk by roughly 50% and heart attack risk by about 1.6-fold in people with osteoporosis. That's why a conversation with your doctor is essential before you start.
Can I take strontium with my tetracycline antibiotic?
Strontium can prevent your antibiotic from absorbing properly. Take strontium at least 2 hours before or after your tetracycline—your pharmacist can help you schedule them safely.

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.

Strontium label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Strontium'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 22 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.

Strontium 22 references
  1. Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999.
  2. Meunier PJ, Roux C, Seeman E, et al. The effects of strontium ranelate on the risk of vertebral fracture in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. N Engl J Med 2004;350:459-68.. PubMed
  3. El-Hajj Fuleihan G. Strontium ranelate--a novel therapy for osteoporosis or a permutation of the same? N Engl J Med 2004;350:504-6. PubMed
  4. Verberckmoes SC, De Broe ME, D'Haese PC. Dose-dependent effects of strontium on osteoblast function and mineralization. Kidney Int 2003;64:534-43. . PubMed
  5. Meunier PJ, Slosman DO, Delmas PD, et al. Strontium ranelate: dose-dependent effects in established postmenopausal vertebral osteoporosis--a 2-year randomized placebo controlled trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002;87:2060-6.. DOI
  6. Brandi ML. New treatment strategies: ipriflavone, strontium, vitamin D metabolites and analogs. Am J Med 1993;95:69S-74S. . PubMed
  7. Eisenberg E. Effects of androgens, estrogens and corticoids on strontium kinetics in man. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1966;26:566-72.
  8. Metastron prescribing information. Medi-Physics, Inc., Amersham Healthcare, Arlington Heights, IL, 1998. http://www.cancerpaintherapy.com/METATECHPAGE.htm. (Accessed 13 March 2004).
  9. Protelos European Summary of Product Characteristics. Les Laboratoires Servier, 2006. Available at: www.servier.com/pro/osteoporose/protelos/protelos_spc.asp. (Accessed 01 August 2006).
  10. US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological profile for strontium. April 2004. Available at: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp159.pdf. (Accessed 8 August 2006).
  11. Apostolidis N, Paradellis T, Karydas A, et al. Calcium and strontium metabolic studies in patients on CAPD. Perit Dial Int 1998;18:410-4. DOI
  12. Ozgur S, Sumer H, Kocoglu G. Rickets and soil strontium. Arch Dis Child 1996;75:524-6. PubMed
  13. Schrooten I, Elseviers MM, Lamberts LV, et al. Increased serum strontium levels in dialysis patients: an epidemiological survey. Kidney Int 1999;56:1886-92. PubMed
  14. D'Haese PC, Couttenye MM, Lamberts LV, et al. Aluminum, iron, lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, chromium, magnesium, strontium, and calcium content in bone of end-stage renal failure patients. Clin Chem 1999;45:1548-56. DOI
  15. Pennington JA, Jones JW. Molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, vanadium, and strontium in total diets. J Am Diet Assoc 1987;87:1644-50. DOI
  16. O'Donnell S, Cranney A, Wells GA, et al. Strontium ranelate for preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. Cochrane Musculoskeletal Group. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006;(4):CD005326. PubMed
  17. Protelos European Public Assessment Report, Scientific Discussion. European Medicines Agency, 2005. Available at: www.emea.eu.int/humandocs/Humans/EPAR/protelos/protelos.htm. (Accessed 10 October 2006).
  18. Rousselet F, El Solh N, Maurat JP, et al. Strontium and calcium metabolism. Interaction of strontium and vitamin D. C R Seances Soc Biol Fil 1975;169:322-9.
  19. O'Donnell, S., Cranney, A., Wells, G. A., Adachi, J. D., and Reginster, J. Y. Strontium ranelate for preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2006;3:CD005326. PubMed
  20. Rizzoli R, Chapurlat RD, Laroche JM, et al. Effects of strontium ranelate and alendronate on bone microstructure in women with osteoporosis. Results of a 2-year study. Osteoporosis Int. 2012. 23(1):305-315. doi: 10.1007/s00198-011-1758-z. PubMed
  21. Reginster JY, Kaufman JM, Goemaere S, et al. Maintenance of antifracture efficacy over 10 years with strontium ranelate in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 2012;23(3):1115-1122. doi: 10.1007/s00198-011-1847-z. PubMed
  22. Protos [Product Information]. Available at: http://www.guildlink.com.au/gc/ws/servier/pi.cfm?product=sepproto. Accessed May 1, 2018.

See these in context on the Strontium 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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