Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Urinary Tract Essentials Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Urinary Tract Essentials is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and immune support, antioxidant support, skin health and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 981 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cranberry Juice, Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Vitamin C. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Urinary Tract Essentials by Swanson

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 6 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 6 ingredients. The active ones are vitamin C (for immune support and antioxidant function), bromelain (a protein-digesting enzyme from pineapple), D-mannose (a simple sugar), cayenne pepper (containing capsaicin, the compound that produces heat), cranberry juice powder, and Kyo-Dophilus (a probiotic blend).

The remaining ingredients are inactive — hypromellose, potato starch, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, and magnesium stearate — which serve as capsule material, binders, and flow agents.

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: kidney and bladder urinary tract health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Bladder cancer, Urinary tract infection, Urinary tract health, Bladder health.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Cranberry is rated "Possibly Effective" for Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin C is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Bladder cancer.
  • Also on file: D-mannose is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

For urinary tract health specifically, the evidence is mixed. Cranberry is rated possibly effective for urinary tract infections (UTIs), though the data aren't robust.

D-mannose, another key ingredient here, is rated possibly ineffective for UTIs — meaning the evidence doesn't support its use for that purpose. Vitamin C is effective for vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for several other conditions like cataracts and exercise-induced respiratory infections, but that's not the same as urinary tract support.

Bromelain, cayenne pepper, and the probiotic have insufficient or no established evidence for urinary tract health in our data. Bottom line: we don't have strong evidence that this combination works for UTI prevention or treatment.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Bromelain D-mannose Capsicum Cranberry

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal doses but can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, and nausea — especially at doses above 2 grams daily. High doses also carry a small risk of kidney stones in susceptible people.

Bromelain is generally well tolerated short-term but may cause diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, or headache; long-term safety is not well established. D-mannose is generally well tolerated but can cause bloating, diarrhea, and nausea.

Cayenne pepper is generally safe in food amounts but commonly causes burning and stomach irritation; safety of concentrated supplements is not well studied. Cranberry is generally well tolerated but can cause diarrhea and stomach discomfort, especially at very high doses.

Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding: vitamin C at normal prenatal amounts is fine, but avoid high-dose supplements. Bromelain safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient — it's best avoided during pregnancy and not recommended while breastfeeding.

D-mannose and cayenne pepper data are limited; talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Cranberry at normal food amounts is likely safe in both pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Bromelain D-mannose Capsicum Cranberry

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?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bromelain, Capsicum, Cranberry, Vitamin C.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 982 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 pharmacist if you take: estrogen-containing birth control or hormone therapy (vitamin C may raise estrogen levels); blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin (vitamin C, cranberry, cayenne pepper, and bromelain may increase bleeding risk); chemotherapy drugs, especially those that work by free-radical generation like doxorubicin or cyclophosphamide (vitamin C's antioxidant effects may interfere); diabetes medications (cayenne pepper may lower blood sugar); levothyroxine or other thyroid drugs (vitamin C may increase absorption); statin cholesterol drugs like atorvastatin (cranberry may increase levels); or any medication metabolized by your liver. These are the most serious concerns — ask your pharmacist to run your full medication list through the interaction checker on this page.

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.

This product combines several ingredients with some evidence for urinary tract support, though the quality of that evidence is modest. If you take blood thinners, birth control, diabetes medications, or chemotherapy drugs, you need to check your specific medications before using this — several ingredients interact with common prescriptions.

Talk to your pharmacist about whether this product is right for you, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a chronic condition.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 21, 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 Urinary Tract Essentials, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614070926
Net contents 60 Veggie Cap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 21, 2024
DSLD ID 322785
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 Urinary Tract Essentials by Swanson, 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:
2 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veggie Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
087614070926
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin C200 mg222%
Bromelain200 mg--
D-Mannose600 mg--
Cayenne Pepper50 mg--
Cranberry Juice, Powder200 mg--
Kyo-Dophilus8.3 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Potato Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica, 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.
General Statements

Swanson.com or call 1-800-437-4148

Formulation

Provides top-to-bottom urinary tract defense Science-backed quality since 1969

V Vegetarian

Urinary system health

Formula

Features, cranberry, D-mannose and Kyo-Dophilus for potent kidney and bladder support

Urinary tract essentials with cranberry, D-mannose and Kyo-Dophilus

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: as a dietary supplement, take two veggie capsules per day with food and water.

Seals/Symbols

V Vegetarian

Brand IP Statement(s)

Kyo-Dophilus is a registered trademark of Wakunaga of America Co., Ltd.

Precautions

Warning: for adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult your healthcare provider before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Urinary Tract Essentials by Swanson label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Urinary Tract Essentials by Swanson

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
200 mg per serving Form: Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...

Vitamin C monograph & interactions

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
200 mg per serving

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...

Bromelain monograph & interactions

D-Mannose

No known
interactions
600 mg per serving

D-mannose is a natural sugar most often used to help prevent urinary tract infections, especially those caused by E. coli. Early research is promising...

D-Mannose monograph & interactions

Cayenne Pepper

Interacts with
239 drugs
50 mg per serving

Capsicum (chili pepper) contains capsaicin, which is best known and best studied as a topical treatment for certain types of pain. Topical capsaicin p...

Cayenne Pepper monograph & interactions

Cranberry Juice, Powder

Interacts with
712 drugs
200 mg per serving

Cranberry is best known for helping to prevent repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in some people, and the evidence here is moderate but mixed. I...

Cranberry Juice, Powder monograph & interactions

Kyo-Dophilus

8.3 mg per serving Form: B. bifidum, B. longum, L. gasseri

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Potato Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Urinary Tract Essentials by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Urinary Tract Essentials?

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
981Drugs
869 Moderate 112 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin C 207
Bromelain 141

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Urinary Tract Essentials 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.

Cranberry Juice, Powder6 drug types · 712 drugs

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Theoretically, cranberry might increase levels and adverse effects of atorvastatin.
In one case report, a patient taking atorvastatin experienced upper back pain, rhabdomyolysis, and abnormal liver function after drinking cranberry juice 16 ounces daily for 2 weeks. Theoretically, this may have been caused by inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes by cranberry juice, as atorvastatin is a CYP3A4 substrate. Creatinine kinase and liver enzymes normalized within 2 weeks of stopping cranberry juice. Patients taking atorvastatin should avoid large quantities of cranberry juice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
A case of upper back pain, rhabdomyolysis, and abnormal liver function has been reported for a patient taking atorvastatin, a CYP3A4 substrate, in combination with cranberry juice 16 ounces daily for 2 weeks. Creatinine kinase and liver enzymes normalized within 2 weeks of stopping cranberry juice. Also, animal research suggests that cranberry juice, administered intraduodenally 30 minutes prior to nifedipine, a CYP3A4 substrate, inhibits nifedipine metabolism and increases the area under the concentration-time curve by 1.6-fold compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nifedipine (Procardia)

Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of nifedipine.
Animal research suggests that cranberry juice, administered intraduodenally 30 minutes prior to nifedipine treatment, inhibits nifedipine metabolism and increases the area under the concentration-time curve by 1.6-fold compared to control. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of warfarin. However, research is conflicting.
There is contradictory evidence about the effect of cranberry juice on warfarin. Case reports have linked cranberry juice consumption to increases in the international normalized ratio (INR) in patients taking warfarin, resulting in severe spontaneous bleeding and excessive postoperative bleeding. Daily consumption of cranberry sauce for one week has also been linked to an increase in INR in one case report. In a small study in healthy young males, taking a high dose of 3 grams of cranberry juice concentrate capsules, equivalent to 57 grams of fruit daily, for 2 weeks produced a 30% increase in the area under the INR-time curve after a single 25-mg dose of warfarin. However, 3 very small clinical studies in patients stabilized on warfarin reported that cranberry juice 250 mL once or twice daily for 7 days (27% cranberry juice or pure cranberry juice) or 240 mL once daily for 14 days does not significantly increase INR or affect plasma warfarin levels. The reasons for these discrepant findings are unclear. It is possible that the form and dose of cranberry may play a role, as cranberry extracts and juices contain different constituents. Additionally, an in vitro study evaluating 5 different cranberry juices found varying effects, with only a cranberry concentrate, and not diluted cranberry juices, inhibiting CYP2C9. However, this concentrate did not inhibit CYP2C9 activity in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, cranberry might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates. However, research is conflicting.
There is contradictory evidence about the effect of cranberry on CYP2C9 enzymes. In vitro evidence suggests that flavonoids in cranberry inhibit CYP2C9 enzymes. However, clinical research shows that cranberry juice does not significantly affect the levels, metabolism, or elimination of the CYP2C9 substrates flurbiprofen or diclofenac. Also, in patients stabilized on warfarin, drinking cranberry juice 250 mL daily for 7 days does not significantly increase the anticoagulant activity of warfarin, a CYP2C9 substrate. Additional pharmacokinetic research shows that cranberry juice does not increase peak plasma concentrations or area under the concentration-time curve of warfarin.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Diclofenac (Voltaren, Others)

Theoretically, cranberry might modestly increase the levels and adverse effects of diclofenac.
In vitro evidence suggests that cranberry juice inhibits diclofenac metabolism by human liver microsomes. However, drinking cranberry juice does not seem to affect diclofenac metabolism in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Cayenne Pepper6 drug types · 239 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that capsicum might increase the effects of antiplatelet drugs. Also, population research shows that capsicum is associated with an increased risk of self-reported bleeding in patients taking warfarin. However, clinical research shows that taking a single dose of capsaicin (Asian Herbex Ltd.), the active ingredient in capsicum, 400-800 mcg orally in combination with aspirin 500 mg does not decrease platelet aggregation when compared with taking aspirin 500 mg alone. Also, there was no notable effect on measures of platelet aggregation with capsaicin. It is unclear whether capsaicin must be used in more than a single dose to affect platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Preliminary clinical research shows that consuming capsicum 5 grams along with a glucose drink attenuates the rise in plasma glucose after 30 minutes by 21%, decreases the 2-hour postprandial area under the curve of plasma glucose by 11%, and increases the 2-hour postprandial area under the curve of plasma insulin by 58% in healthy individuals when compared with placebo. Other clinical research shows that taking capsicum 5 mg daily for 28 days significantly reduces postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, but not fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, in patients with gestational diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, taking capsicum with aspirin might reduce the bioavailability of aspirin.
Animal research shows that acute or chronic intake of capsicum pepper reduces oral aspirin bioavailability. This has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Theoretically, taking capsicum with theophylline might increase the levels and adverse effects of theophylline.
In animal research, oral administration of capsicum reduced excretion of theophylline. However, capsicum does not seem to affect the pharmacokinetics of theophylline when administered intravenously.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, using topical capsaicin may increase the risk of ACE inhibitor-induced cough.
There is one case report of a topically applied capsaicin cream contributing to the cough reflex in a patient using an ACEI. However, it is unclear if this interaction is clinically significant.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Theoretically, taking capsicum with ciprofloxacin might increase levels and adverse effects of ciprofloxacin.
Animal research shows that concomitant use of capsaicin, the active constituent of capsicum, and ciprofloxacin increases the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by up to 70%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Urinary Tract Essentials, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Urinary Tract Essentials by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Urinary Tract Essentials by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Urinary Tract Essentials has a known interaction with 981 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Urinary Tract Essentials contains 6 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.
Does this actually help with UTIs?
Cranberry in this product is rated possibly effective for UTIs based on the evidence we hold, but the data aren't strong. D-mannose, another ingredient here, is actually rated possibly ineffective for UTIs. None of the other ingredients have established evidence for urinary tract infections, so we can't promise this will prevent or treat a UTI. If you have a UTI, talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment.
Can I take this with my birth control?
Not without checking with your pharmacist first. Vitamin C in this product may increase estrogen blood levels by up to 55% — a moderate interaction. This could affect how well your birth control works or increase side effects. You need personalized advice based on your specific pill or therapy.
What are the most common side effects?
Vitamin C, D-mannose, and cayenne pepper can all cause stomach upset, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. Bromelain may add gas and stomach discomfort. Cranberry can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort. At normal doses these are usually mild, but they're more likely if you take higher amounts.
Is Kyo-Dophilus safe?
We don't have data on file for Kyo-Dophilus, so we can't tell you whether it interacts with medications or what its specific safety profile is. Your pharmacist or doctor can advise you based on their knowledge of probiotics and your health situation.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Cranberry is likely safe. Vitamin C at normal dietary amounts is fine. Bromelain safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so it's best avoided. D-mannose and cayenne pepper safety data are limited. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before starting, especially if you have any concerns about your baby.
Does this contain fillers?
Yes. Beyond the active ingredients, the capsule contains hypromellose, potato starch, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, and magnesium stearate — these are binding and flow agents that help form and fill the capsule.

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.

Urinary Tract Essentials label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Urinary Tract Essentials’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Urinary Tract Essentials'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 198 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.

Vitamin C 51 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
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D-mannose 6 references
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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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