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Dietary supplement

Taurine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Taurine 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for exercise performance and endurance, heart health, energy support.Based on those ingredients, 173 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Taurine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Taurine 500 mg by NOW

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: taurine 500 mg per capsule. Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid that plays a role in heart function, nerve signaling, and other body processes.

The capsule also contains rice flour and hypromellose, which are inert materials that hold the supplement together.

Does it work?

Moderate 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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: nervous system health and healthy visual function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Cognitive function, Congestive heart failure (CHF), Fatigue, Physical performance, Retinal health — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Taurine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Congestive heart failure (CHF) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Taurine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Cognitive function, Fatigue, Physical performance.

The evidence for taurine is mixed. Research rates it possibly effective for hepatitis and for congestive heart failure (CHF), a condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as efficiently as it should.

However, for weight loss, the evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective. The data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for other uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Taurine

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.

Taurine is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth at typical doses for up to a year. The most common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion.

Rare serious side effects include allergic reactions, particularly in people with a history of allergies to sulfonamides or sulfites. The safety notes caution that long-term safety hasn't been well studied, so use only under medical guidance if you're taking it long-term.

While taurine occurs naturally in breast milk, supplement safety during breastfeeding isn't well established, so talk with your pharmacist or doctor.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Taurine

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 — Taurine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: lithium.
  • For scale: 173 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 this product if you take blood pressure medications or lithium. Both have moderate-risk interactions with taurine that can affect how well your medications work or how high their levels climb in your body.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Taurine may help with heart failure or hepatitis, but the evidence is modest. If you take blood pressure medications or lithium, you'll need to check with your pharmacist first — the interaction risk is real and moderate.

Anyone taking it long-term should do so under medical supervision.

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 Aug 22, 2024.

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 Taurine 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739001405
Net contents 100 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2024
DSLD ID 314133
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Taurine 500 mg by NOW, 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)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
733739001405
IngredientAmount% DV
Taurine500 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose

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: Take 1 capsule 1 to 4 times daily with juice or water, preferably between meals.

Formula

Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is not utilized for protein synthesis, but is mainly found free in most tissues, especially throughout the nervous system. It functions in tissues by stabilizing cell membranes and aiding the transport of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium in and out of cells. Taurine helps to generate and regulate nerve impulses and supports the maintenance of normal fluid balance; it is also used by the body in visual pathways, as well as in the brain and nervous system, where it works together with glycine and GABA as a neurotransmitter.

Triangle K (Kosher)

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.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication (including anti-hypertensive and diuretic medications), or have a medical condition (including hypotension).

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Nervous System Health Healthy Visual Function

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/Vegan

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K (Kosher)

GMP Quality Assured

General Statements

Amino Acids Family owned since 1968.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

See for yourself

Taurine 500 mg by NOW label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Taurine 500 mg by NOW

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Taurine

Interacts with
173 drugs
500 mg per serving

Taurine is an amino acid your body makes naturally and that you also get from animal foods. It is widely used in energy drinks and sports supplements,...

Taurine monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Taurine 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Taurine 500 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.

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173Drugs
173 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Taurine 173

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Taurine 500 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.

Taurine2 drug types · 173 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taurine might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Some clinical evidence suggests that taurine can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taurine might reduce excretion and increase plasma levels of lithium.
Taurine is thought to have diuretic properties, which might reduce the excretion of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Taurine 500 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taurine 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Taurine 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Taurine 500 mg has a known interaction with 173 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Taurine 500 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.
Does taurine actually lower blood pressure?
Some clinical evidence suggests taurine can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. That's why combining it with blood pressure medications carries a moderate risk of your pressure dropping too far — one reason to check with your pharmacist first.
What are the most common side effects?
Constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion are the most common. These are generally mild when taurine is used at typical doses for up to a year. Allergic reactions are rare but have been reported, especially in people with a history of allergies to sulfonamides or sulfites.
Is taurine safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
The data on file rates taurine likely safe for pregnancy and lactation. That said, long-term safety of supplements at higher doses hasn't been well studied. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.
How long can I safely take this?
Taurine is generally well tolerated when used orally for up to one year. The safety notes caution that long-term safety beyond that period is less certain, so if you're planning to use it long-term, do so only under medical guidance.
Will this help me lose weight?
The evidence doesn't support that. Research rates taurine possibly ineffective for weight loss, so it's not a reliable choice if that's your goal.

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

Not sure if Taurine 500 mg 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.

Taurine 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Taurine 500 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 21 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.

Taurine 21 references
  1. Ahmad S, Robertson HT, Golper TA, et al. Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects. Kidney Int 1990;38:912-8. PubMed
  2. Machado-Vieira R, Viale CI, Kapczinski F. Mania associated with an energy drink: the possible role of caffeine, taurine, and inositol. Can J Psychiatry 2001;46:454-5. PubMed
  3. Obermann M, Schorn CF, Mummel P, et al. Taurine induced toxic encephalopathy? Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2006;108:812-3. PubMed
  4. Bichler, A., Swenson, A., and Harris, M. A. A combination of caffeine and taurine has no effect on short term memory but induces changes in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. Amino Acids 2006;31(4):471-476. PubMed
  5. Iyadurai, S. J. and Chung, S. S. New-onset seizures in adults: possible association with consumption of popular energy drinks. Epilepsy Behav 2007;10(3):504-508. PubMed
  6. Berger, A. J. and Alford, K. Cardiac arrest in a young man following excess consumption of caffeinated "energy drinks". Med J Aust. 1-5-2009;190(1):41-43. PubMed
  7. Worthley, M. I., Prabhu, A., De, Sciscio P., Schultz, C., Sanders, P., and Willoughby, S. R. Detrimental effects of energy drink consumption on platelet and endothelial function. Am J Med 2010;123(2):184-187. PubMed
  8. Morchon, Simon D. and Perez Castrillon, J. L. [Hypoglycemia by intake of taurine]. Rev.Clin Esp. 2010;210(1):49.
  9. Livshits, Z., Hoffman, R. S., Hymes, K. B., and Nelson, L. S. If vitamins could kill: massive hemolysis following naturopathic vitamin infusion. J Med Toxicol. 2011;7(3):224-226. PubMed
  10. Schoffl, I., Kothmann, J. F., Schoffl, V., Rupprecht, H. D., and Rupprecht, T. "Vodka energy": too much for the adolescent nephron? Pediatrics 2011;128(1):e227-e231. PubMed
  11. Calabro, R. S., Italiano, D., Gervasi, G., and Bramanti, P. Single tonic-clonic seizure after energy drink abuse. Epilepsy Behav 2012;23(3):384-385. PubMed
  12. Fujita, T., Ando, K., Noda, H., Ito, Y., and Sato, Y. Effects of increased adrenomedullary activity and taurine in young patients with borderline hypertension. Circulation 1987;75(3):525-532. PubMed
  13. Darling, P. B., Lepage, G., Leroy, C., Masson, P., and Roy, C. C. Effect of taurine supplements on fat absorption in cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Res 1985;19(6):578-582. PubMed
  14. Fukuyama, Y. and Ochiai, Y. Therapeutic trial by taurine for intractable childhood epilepsies. Brain Dev. 1982;4(1):63-69. PubMed
  15. Franconi, F., Bennardini, F., Mattana, A., Miceli, M., Ciuti, M., Mian, M., Gironi, A., Anichini, R., and Seghieri, G. Plasma and platelet taurine are reduced in subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: effects of taurine supplementation. Am.J. DOI
  16. Stohs SJ, Miller M. A case study involving allergic reactions to sulfur-containing compounds including, sulfite, taurine, acesulfame potassium and sulfonamides. Food Chem Toxicol. 2014 Jan;63:240-3. PubMed
  17. Sun Q, Wang B, Li Y, Sun F, et al. Taurine supplementation lowers blood pressure and improves vascular function in prehypertension: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Hypertension 2016 Mar;67(3):541-9. PubMed
  18. Jang ES, Hwang SH, Kim JW, Jeong SH. Effectiveness of 4-week oral taurine treatment for muscle cramps in patients with liver cirrhosis: a single-arm pilot study. Yonsei Med J 2021;62(1):21-8. PubMed
  19. Guan L, Miao P. The effects of taurine supplementation on obesity, blood pressure and lipid profile: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Pharmacol 2020;885:173533. PubMed
  20. Higgins JP, Liras GN, Liras IN, et al. Energy Drink Effects on Hemodynamics and Endothelial Function in Young Adults. Cardiology. 2021;146(2):258-262. PubMed
  21. Pallangyo P, Bhalia SV, Komba M, et al. Acute Myocardial Infarction Following the Consumption of Energy Drink in a 28-Year-Old Male: A Case Report. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep. 2023 Jan-Dec;11:23247096231168811. PubMed

See these in context on the Taurine 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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