Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

ViraKid Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Springboard

Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

ViraKid is a dietary supplement by Springboard with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye and vision health, skin health and acne, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 682 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin A, Astragalus membranaceus root extract, Vitamin C. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of ViraKid by Springboard

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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Vitamin A” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (200 mcg) without saying how much of each component you get.

ViraKid contains five active ingredients. Beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A that your body converts as needed) and vitamin C are antioxidants that support immune function.

Zinc is a mineral your immune system relies on. Vitamin A itself is listed as a blend, with its working components shown individually.

Astragalus membranaceus root extract is an herbal ingredient traditionally used in Eastern medicine. The product also contains several inactive ingredients — sweeteners (cane sugar and xylitol), flavoring agents, citric and malic acids, and a processing aid — which are listed on the label.

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: Immune support for children.
  • We looked for evidence on: Acute bronchitis, Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Asthma, Atopic disease, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Bronchiolitis — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Vitamin A is rated "Possibly Effective" for Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin A is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Atopic disease.
  • Also on file: Vitamin C is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Acute bronchitis.

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) is effective for vitamin A deficiency and possibly effective for oral leukoplakia, aging skin, measles, ulcerative colitis, and a respiratory condition in premature infants (bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Vitamin C is effective for vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for anemia linked to chronic disease, heart rhythm problems, cataracts, and preventing respiratory infections triggered by heavy exercise.

Zinc is effective for zinc deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease (a rare copper metabolism disorder), and possibly effective for acne, a specific skin condition (acrodermatitis enteropathica), age-related vision loss, and diabetes. Astragalus has insufficient reliable evidence in our data for the conditions it's used for — hay fever, irregular periods, blood disorders, chest pain, asthma, and beta-thalassemia — so we can't rate its effectiveness for those uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin A Astragalus Vitamin C Zinc

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.

Beta-carotene is generally well tolerated at recommended amounts, but high doses build up in your body and can become toxic, potentially harming your liver and causing serious neurological effects. The safety data advises against high-dose vitamin A in pregnancy because it may cause birth defects; recommended amounts are fine.

Vitamin C is generally safe at normal doses; very high doses can cause stomach cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and in people prone to them, kidney stones. The safety data advises caution with high-dose supplements in pregnancy and breastfeeding — stick to the amounts in prenatal vitamins and food.

Zinc is generally safe at recommended amounts, but high doses can cause nausea, diarrhea, metallic taste, and abdominal cramps, and there is concern that very high long-term doses may deplete copper, raising the risk of anemia. Safety data for astragalus in pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, so those uses are best avoided.

No pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data is on file for European Elderberry Extract.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin A Astragalus Vitamin C Zinc

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 — Astragalus, Vitamin A, Zinc, Vitamin C.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 683 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 ViraKid, double-check with your pharmacist if you take any retinoid medications (like isotretinoin for acne), blood thinners (warfarin), tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, HIV medications, chemotherapy, or thyroid medication (levothyroxine). These represent the Moderate and Major severity interactions documented for this product's ingredients.

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

ViraKid may be worth considering if you're looking for basic immune support through common vitamins and minerals with some traditional herbal ingredients mixed in. However, the vitamin A and zinc content means you'll want to check your medications first — especially if you take antibiotics, blood thinners, HIV drugs, or chemotherapy.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, particularly if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any prescription medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 19, 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 ViraKid, straight from the product label.

Brand Springboard
Barcode (UPC) 615033001759
Net contents 60 Chewable Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 19, 2022
DSLD ID 269511
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, 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 ViraKid by Springboard, 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 Chewable Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Chewable Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
615033001759
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin A200 mcg22%
Beta-Carotene667 IU--
Astragalus membranaceus root extract125 mg--
Calories15 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrate3 Gram(s)1%
Total Sugars2 Gram(s)--
added Sugars2 Gram(s)4%
Vitamin C200 mg222%
Zinc2 mg18%
European Elderberry Extract300 mg--

Other ingredients: natural Cane Sugar, Xylitol, Natural Flavors, Luo Han Guo extract, Sodium Stearyl Fumarate, Citric Acid, Malic Acid

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Ortho Molecular Products Because Efficacy Matters

TRAACS and Albion are trademarks of Albion Laboratories, Inc.

Springboard Supplements for growing bodies

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Chew 2 tablets per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Formulation

Formulated to be free of allergens derived from: Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

Professional strength: Not for sale through Amazon.com

Precautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product

As with all dietary supplements, some individuals may not tolerate or may be allergic to the ingredients used. Please read the ingredient panel carefully prior to ingestion. Cease taking this product and consult your physician if you have negative reactions upon ingestion.

Keep out of reach of children.

This product was sealed for your protection. Do not use if outer logoed neck seal or inner-seal is missing or damaged. Do not accept if label shows signs of tampering

Storage

Keep container tightly closed. Store at room temperature.

Seals/Symbols

Albion Minerals VitaSecure

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Learn more about us at OrthoMolecularProducts.com

See for yourself

ViraKid by Springboard label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in ViraKid by Springboard

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Chewable Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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 A

Interacts with
387 drugs
200 mcg per serving

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplemen...

Vitamin A monograph & interactions

Astragalus membranaceus root extract

Interacts with
208 drugs
125 mg per serving

Astragalus is a root used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly to support the immune system and help the body cope with stress. While...

Astragalus membranaceus root extract monograph & 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

Zinc

Interacts with
67 drugs
2 mg per serving Form: TRAACS Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc monograph & interactions

European Elderberry Extract

300 mg per serving Form: Sambucus nigra Extract

Other (inactive) ingredients: Natural Cane Sugar, Xylitol, Natural Flavors, Luo Han Guo extract, Sodium Stearyl Fumarate, Citric Acid, Malic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

ViraKid by Springboard Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against ViraKid?

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
682Drugs
9 Major 636 Moderate 37 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin A 387
Vitamin C 207
Zinc 67

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in ViraKid 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.

Vitamin A4 drug types · 387 drugs

Retinoids

Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, could have additive toxic effects when taken with vitamin A supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) is the highest level of intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects. Doses of vitamin A above the UL can cause hepatotoxicity, ranging from elevated liver enzymes to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, taking tetracycline antibiotics with high doses of vitamin A can increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri.
Benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) can occur with tetracyclines and with acute or chronic vitamin A toxicity. Case reports suggest that taking tetracyclines and vitamin A concurrently can increase the risk of this condition. Avoid high doses of vitamin A in people taking tetracyclines chronically.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, high doses of vitamin A could increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Vitamin A toxicity is associated with hemorrhage and hypoprothrombinemia, possibly due to vitamin K antagonism. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid doses of vitamin A above the tolerable upper intake level of 10,000 IU/day for adults.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Astragalus membranaceus root extract4 drug types · 208 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research in humans shows that astragalus might have hypoglycemic effects. Theoretically, taking astragalus, especially in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Cyclophosphamide

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with cyclophosphamide therapy.
Evidence regarding the effect of astragalus on immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide is conflicting. Some animal research suggests that astragalus reverses cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. However, other animal research shows no effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Astragalus seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, taking astragalus might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, astragalus might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that astragalus has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to this diuretic effect, astragalus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Probable 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

Zinc10 drug types · 67 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cephalexin (Keflex)

Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Amiloride (Midamor)

Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

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

Springboard

See all Springboard products
Name
Ortho Molecular Products, Inc.
Street Address
3017 Business Park Drive
City
Stevens Point
State
WI
ZipCode
54482
Web Address
OrthoMolecularProducts.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

ViraKid by Springboard: Common Questions

Does ViraKid by Springboard interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, ViraKid has a known interaction with 682 medications, including 9 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
ViraKid contains 5 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.
Is ViraKid safe to take while I'm pregnant?
The vitamin A component requires caution — high-dose vitamin A can cause birth defects, so stick to recommended amounts and prenatal vitamin levels only. Vitamin C at normal prenatal supplement levels is considered likely safe. Zinc at recommended amounts is acceptable. However, astragalus safety data in pregnancy is limited, so it's best avoided, and we have no safety data on file for European Elderberry Extract in pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during pregnancy.
Can I take ViraKid while breastfeeding?
Vitamin A and vitamin C at recommended amounts are considered safe or likely safe while breastfeeding; avoid high-dose supplements. Zinc at recommended amounts is acceptable. Astragalus is best avoided because safety data is limited, and we hold no data on European Elderberry Extract. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to confirm this product fits your situation.
What is astragalus in this product supposed to do?
Astragalus membranaceus root extract is a traditional herbal ingredient, but in our data it has insufficient reliable evidence to confirm it works for any specific condition — including hay fever, asthma, chest pain, or the others it's used for. The evidence just isn't established yet.
Does this contain any fillers?
Yes, ViraKid contains several inactive ingredients: natural cane sugar and xylitol (sweeteners), natural flavors, luo han guo extract (a sweetening agent), sodium stearyl fumarate (a processing aid), citric acid, and malic acid. These are typical tablet ingredients that help with taste and stability.
Can I take ViraKid if I'm on antibiotics?
It depends on which antibiotic. Zinc in ViraKid can reduce how well your body absorbs tetracycline, quinolone, and cephalexin antibiotics, and vitamin A can increase the risk of a serious condition if you take tetracyclines. Space the doses apart if your doctor approves, or ask your pharmacist whether you should take them at different times or skip the supplement while on antibiotics.
Does ViraKid work as a COVID prevention or treatment?
The facts we have don't state that ViraKid is intended for or proven to prevent or treat COVID-19. The ingredients do support general immune function, but that's different from a specific virus. Ask your doctor about vaccines and approved treatments for COVID.

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.

ViraKid label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

ViraKid'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 183 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 A 31 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
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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.

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