Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Synetrim CQ Advantage Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Indiana Botanic Gardens

Synetrim CQ Advantage label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Synetrim CQ Advantage 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: Major

Synetrim CQ Advantage is a dietary supplement by Indiana Botanic Gardens with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone fracture healing, joint pain and bone health, weight management.Based on those ingredients, 826 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Citrin Garcinia cambogia extract, Calcium, Synetrim(R) CQ (Cissus quadrangularis) stem and leaf 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 Synetrim CQ Advantage by Indiana Botanic Gardens

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Synetrim CQ Advantage by Indiana Botanic Gardens — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Synetrim CQ Advantage by Indiana Botanic Gardens

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 Jul 11, 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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Synetrim CQ Advantage has four active ingredients. The main one is Synetrim CQ, a proprietary extract of Cissus quadrangularis stem and leaf; it's paired with calcium, oats extract, and Garcinia cambogia (Citrin brand).

The product also contains inactive ingredients—rice flour, gelatin, and magnesium stearate—which are fillers and capsule material.

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: Weight loss support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, Metabolic syndrome, Dyslipidemia, Weight management, Appetite suppression, Metabolic health.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Oats is rated "Likely Effective" for Dyslipidemia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Cissus Quadrangularis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Obesity.
  • Also on file: Calcium is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Obesity.

The evidence for this product is mixed and often thin. Cissus quadrangularis is rated possibly effective for obesity, though the data is limited.

Oats extract is likely effective for lowering cholesterol and supporting heart health. Calcium is effective for several conditions including osteoporosis prevention.

Garcinia, however, has insufficient reliable evidence for the claims made about it—whether for weight loss, liver health, cholesterol, or athletic performance. The data we hold doesn't establish that garcinia works for any of these uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cissus Quadrangularis Calcium Oats Garcinia

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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Cissus quadrangularis is generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety hasn't been studied well. It may cause headache, insomnia, flatulence, diarrhea, gastritis, or dry mouth, though these occur at rates similar to placebo.

Calcium at recommended doses is generally safe and is actually important in pregnancy and breastfeeding—just stay within advised amounts. At high doses it can cause constipation, diarrhea, belching, and stomach upset; rare concerns include kidney stones.

Oats are well tolerated as food; concentrated supplements are less studied in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Oats can cause bloating, flatulence, and abdominal distention, especially when you first start—these usually fade with continued use.

Garcinia is generally tolerated short-term, but rare reports of liver injury, mania, and one case of severe heart inflammation exist. It's best avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cissus Quadrangularis Calcium Oats Garcinia

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calcium, Oats, Garcinia, Cissus Quadrangularis.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 827 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 your medications carefully if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), antidiabetes drugs or insulin, heart medications like diltiazem or sotalol, HIV integrase inhibitors like dolutegravir or elvitegravir, the antibiotic ceftriaxone, thyroid medication (levothyroxine), antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs, or any drug that can stress your liver. No interactions are documented for the inactive ingredients.

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. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're taking diabetes medications, blood thinners, thyroid medication, heart drugs, HIV integrase inhibitors, or any other prescription, check this product against your medications before starting. The calcium content alone requires timing separation from several drugs.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor—especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver concerns.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 25, 2015.

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 Synetrim CQ Advantage, straight from the product label.

Brand Indiana Botanic Gardens
Barcode (UPC) 703308810967
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2015
DSLD ID 46957
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Synetrim CQ Advantage by Indiana Botanic Gardens, 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
703308810967
IngredientAmount% DV
Synetrim(R) CQ (Cissus quadrangularis) stem and leaf extract150 mg--
Calcium30 mg3%
Oats extract100 mg--
Citrin Garcinia cambogia extract100 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Gelatin, 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 Use: Take 1 capsule twice daily, preferably 60 minutes before a meal, as a dietary supplement, or as directed by a physician.

Precautions

Warning: If you are taking any medications or are pregnant or nursing do not use prior to consulting a physician.

For your protection, this container has an outer safety seal. (Do not accept if missing or broken.)

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Citrin(R) is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation. Synetrim(R) CQ is a registered trademark of Icon Group, LLC and is protected under U.S. Patent 7,175,859.

General Statements

Weight Loss Support*

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Synetrim(R) CQ a new dimension in weight loss

IBG INDIANA BOTANIC GARDENS(R)

FDA Disclaimer Statement

THIS STATEMENT HAS NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

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

See for yourself

Synetrim CQ Advantage by Indiana Botanic Gardens label

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

Synetrim CQ Advantage 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 Synetrim CQ Advantage by Indiana Botanic Gardens

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

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

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Synetrim(R) CQ (Cissus quadrangularis) stem and leaf extract

Interacts with
86 drugs
150 mg per serving Form: Total Phytogenic Ketosterones

Cissus quadrangularis is a traditional vine used mainly for bone health, joint pain, and weight management. Most of the supporting evidence comes from...

Synetrim(R) CQ (Cissus quadrangularis) stem and leaf extract monograph & interactions

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
30 mg per serving Form: Garcinia cambogia extract

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Oats extract

Interacts with
86 drugs
100 mg per serving

Oats are a well-studied whole grain whose soluble fiber (beta-glucan) can help lower cholesterol and support heart health when eaten regularly. As a f...

Oats extract monograph & interactions

Citrin Garcinia cambogia extract

Interacts with
704 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: (-) Hydroxycitric Acid

Garcinia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), widely marketed for weight loss and appetite control. The scientific eviden...

Citrin Garcinia cambogia extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Synetrim CQ Advantage by Indiana Botanic Gardens Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Synetrim CQ Advantage?

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
826Drugs
7 Major 802 Moderate 17 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Citrin Garcinia cambogia extract 704
Calcium 168
Synetrim(R) CQ (Cissus quadrangularis) stem and leaf extract 86
Oats extract 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Synetrim CQ Advantage interact with 826 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 4 ingredients in Synetrim CQ Advantage interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Citrin Garcinia cambogia extract Calcium Synetrim(R) CQ (Cissus quadrangularis) stem and leaf extract Oats extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Synetrim CQ Advantage with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Citrin Garcinia cambogia extract4 drug types · 704 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
HCA inhibits platelet aggregation in vitro. The inhibitory effect seems to be greater in platelets extracted from diabetic subjects than non-diabetic subjects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
HCA reduces fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in animal models, theoretically by delaying glucose absorption. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
There have been reports of acute hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes associated with garcinia, when taken alone or in combination with other ingredients. Case reports collected from the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network suggest this risk may be greater in people who carry the HLA B*35:01 allele.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
In one report, a patient experienced serotonin syndrome after taking garcinia extract (60% hydroxycitric acid) 1000 mg daily in combination with escitalopram 20 mg, which had been taken for a year. The patient was switched to sertraline 50 mg daily and again experienced serotonin syndrome.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Citrin Garcinia cambogia extract full monograph & interactions

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Calcium full monograph & interactions

Synetrim(R) CQ (Cissus quadrangularis) stem and leaf extract1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, Cissus quadrangularis might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Small clinical studies suggest that Cissus quadrangularis might reduce fasting blood glucose in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Synetrim(R) CQ (Cissus quadrangularis) stem and leaf extract full monograph & interactions

Oats extract2 drug types · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, oats may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Consuming oats can decrease blood glucose in patients with diabetes. In those who require insulin, taking oats 100 grams daily for 2 days reduces the insulin dose required to achieve metabolic control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Insulin

Concomitant use of oats and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In patients with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, taking oats 100 grams daily for 2 days reduces the insulin dose required to achieve metabolic control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Oats extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Synetrim CQ Advantage, from the product label.

Indiana Botanic Gardens

See all Indiana Botanic Gardens products
Phone Number
1-800-644-8327
Web Address
www.botanicchoice.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Synetrim CQ Advantage by Indiana Botanic Gardens: Common Questions

Does Synetrim CQ Advantage by Indiana Botanic Gardens interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Synetrim CQ Advantage has a known interaction with 826 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Synetrim CQ Advantage contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 Cissus quadrangularis, and what's it supposed to do?
Cissus quadrangularis is a plant extract included for possibly effective support with weight management in people who are overweight or obese. Beyond that, evidence for other uses like bone health or cholesterol is too weak to rate.
Can I take this if I'm on diabetes medication or insulin?
Not without checking first. Both Cissus quadrangularis and oats extract may increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with diabetes medications or insulin. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting—you may need dose adjustments or monitoring.
Is this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Cissus quadrangularis and garcinia lack enough safety data and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Calcium is safe at recommended amounts and actually important during both. Oats as food are considered safe, but concentrated supplements are less studied. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common are digestive: bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, and dry mouth. Headache and insomnia have been reported with Cissus quadrangularis, though at rates similar to placebo. These often improve with continued use as your body adjusts.
Does garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) actually help with weight loss?
The evidence we hold is insufficient to say one way or the other. There's not enough reliable research to rate garcinia as effective for weight loss or any other condition in this product.
Why do I need to space this product apart from my thyroid medication?
The calcium in this product can bind to thyroid medication (levothyroxine) in your stomach and prevent your body from absorbing it. If you take thyroid medication, separate the doses by at least four hours—talk to your pharmacist about the best timing for you.

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.

Synetrim CQ Advantage label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Synetrim CQ Advantage’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Cissus Quadrangularis

Interacts with 86 drugs

Cissus quadrangularis is a traditional vine used mainly for bone health, joint pain, and weight management. Most of the supporting evidence comes from animal studies and a small number of hu...

Read the full Cissus Quadrangularis monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Oats

Interacts with 86 drugs

Oats are a well-studied whole grain whose soluble fiber (beta-glucan) can help lower cholesterol and support heart health when eaten regularly. As a food, oats are safe for most people, and...

Read the full Oats monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Garcinia

Interacts with 704 drugs

Garcinia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), widely marketed for weight loss and appetite control. The scientific evidence is weak and mixed, with most studies...

Read the full Garcinia monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Synetrim CQ Advantage'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 124 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.

Cissus Quadrangularis 5 references
  1. Oben J, Kuate D, Agbor G, et al. The use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome. Lipids Health Dis 2006, 5:24.
  2. Oben JE, Ngondi JL, Momo CN, et al. The use of Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Lipids Health Dis 2008;7:12.
  3. Panpimanmas, S., Sithipongsri, S., Sukdanon, C., and Manmee, C. Experimental comparative study of the efficacy and side effects of Cissus quadrangularis L. (Vitaceae) to Daflon (Servier) and placebo in the treatment of acute hemorrhoids. J Med Assoc.Thai
  4. Nash R, Azantsa B, Kuate D, Singh H, Oben J. The use of a stem and leaf aqueous extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) to reduce body fat and other components of metabolic syndrome in overweight participants. J Altern Complement Med. 2019;25(1):98-106
  5. Benjawan S, Nimitphong H, Tragulpiankit P, Musigavong O, Prathanturarug S, Pathomwichaiwat T. The effect of Cissus quadrangularis L. on delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine 2022;1 PubMed

See these in context on the Cissus Quadrangularis monograph →

Calcium 62 references
  1. Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
  2. Hernandez-Avila M, Gonzalez-Cossio T, Hernandez-Avila JE, et al. Dietary calcium supplements to lower blood lead levels in lactating women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Epidemiology 2003;14:206-12.. PubMed
  3. Thys-Jacobs S, Ceccarelli S, Bierman A, et al. Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J Gen Intern Med 1989;4:183-9. PubMed
  4. Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
  5. Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
  6. Saunders D, Sillery J, Chapman R. Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:409-13. PubMed
  7. Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
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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.

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