Viral Ease Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Viral Ease 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
Viral Ease is a dietary supplement by Douglas Laboratories with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for antimicrobial support, skin care and acne, heart and cholesterol concerns.Based on those ingredients, 326 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin C, Elderberry extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Viral Ease by Douglas Laboratories
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AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Viral Ease by Douglas Laboratories
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Viral Ease contains 4 active ingredients. Lauric acid is a saturated fat naturally found in coconut oil.
Vitamin C is the well-known antioxidant and immune nutrient. Elderberry extract comes from ripe fruit of the elder plant and is used traditionally for respiratory and immune support.
The product also contains a proprietary blend, whose specific makeup we cannot review for interactions. The capsules are made from cellulose and include vegetable stearate and silica as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
The evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. Vitamin C is rated effective for preventing vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections.
Lauric acid and elderberry extract both carry insufficient evidence to rate them for the conditions they're traditionally used for — including bronchitis, herpes, hay fever, respiratory infections, and chronic fatigue. The data we hold does not establish that either works for these purposes.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal doses, but very high amounts can cause stomach cramps, heartburn, nausea, osmotic diarrhea, and kidney stones in people prone to them — especially above 2 grams daily. Lauric acid in food amounts is fine, but high-dose supplements haven't been well studied; it's a saturated fat that can raise total and LDL cholesterol, though it also raises HDL cholesterol.
Elderberry extract made from ripe fruit is generally well tolerated, but raw or unripe berries and other plant parts contain toxins that cause nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea; cooking eliminates the toxin. There is one rare case report of autoimmune hepatitis after years of elderberry use.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking Viral Ease, check with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners like warfarin, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, chemotherapy drugs, the HIV medication indinavir, thyroid medication like levothyroxine, psychiatric medications like fluphenazine, or aluminum-containing antacids. If you take immunosuppressant drugs or the cancer drug pazopanib, mention this product as well.
These interactions span Major and Moderate severities.
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 vitamin C with traditional immune herbs, but the evidence that it works is sparse. If you take a blood thinner, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, thyroid medication, or certain psychiatric drugs, you need to check your medications first.
Talk to your pharmacist before starting, especially if you're on any prescription medication or have a history of kidney stones.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 25, 2012.
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
General information
Key facts about Viral Ease, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 310539024140 |
| Net contents | 120 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jun 25, 2012 |
| DSLD ID | 10379 |
| Product type | Botanical With Nutrients |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free, Sugar Free |
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 Viral Ease by Douglas Laboratories, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Lauric Acid | 250 mg | -- |
| Vitamin C | 150 mg | 250% |
| Elderberry extract | 130 mg | -- |
| Proprietary Blend | 110 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate, Silica
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
Formulation
This product contains NO yeast, wheat gluten, soy protein, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 capsule daily or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Precautions
Tamper resistant package, do not use if outer seal is missing.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
General
Formula #99369
Storage
For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place. (59(0)-77(0)F/15(0)-25(0)C) (35-65% relative humidity)
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Viral Ease by Douglas Laboratories label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in Viral Ease by Douglas Laboratories
These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container120 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.
Lauric Acid
No knowninteractions
Lauric acid is a medium-to-long-chain saturated fatty acid found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and breast milk. It is studied for possible antimicr...
Lauric Acid monograph & interactionsVitamin C
Interacts with207 drugs
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 & interactionsElderberry extract
Interacts with121 drugs
Elderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu sym...
Elderberry extract monograph & interactionsProprietary Blend
Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Viral Ease by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Viral Ease by Douglas Laboratories contains ingredients with documented interactions affecting a total of 322 individual medications.
The most serious concern is vitamin C, which at high doses can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin — an effect that could compromise your clotting control if you're taking that medication.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Vitamin C also interacts with birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (estrogens), potentially raising hormone levels by up to 55% in some cases; with chemotherapy drugs like cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, where antioxidants may blunt their cancer-fighting action; with certain psychiatric medications like fluphenazine; with the HIV drug indinavir; with thyroid medication (levothyroxine); and with aluminum-containing antacids, which it can cause your body to absorb more of. Elderberry extract may theoretically interfere with immunosuppressant drugs and has been reported in one case to interact with the cancer drug pazopanib.
Lauric acid carries no known interactions in our data. We do not hold interaction data for the proprietary blend in this product.
Run your exact medications through the checker below before starting.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Viral Ease?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Viral Ease interact with 326 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 4 ingredients in Viral Ease interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin C Elderberry extract
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Abrocitinib interactionAdalimumabHumira
How Adalimumab interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab interactionAdalimumab-adazHyrimoz
How Adalimumab-adaz interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-adaz interactionAdalimumab-adbmCyltezo
How Adalimumab-adbm interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-adbm interactionAdalimumab-afzbAbrilada
How Adalimumab-afzb interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-afzb interactionAdalimumab-attoAmjevita
How Adalimumab-atto interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-atto interactionAdalimumab-bwwdHadlima
How Adalimumab-bwwd interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-bwwd interactionAdalimumab-fkjpHulio
How Adalimumab-fkjp interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Adalimumab-fkjp interactionAlefaceptAmevive
How Alefacept interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Alefacept interactionAlemtuzumabCampath
How Alemtuzumab interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Alemtuzumab interactionAlginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton
How Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAltretamineHexalen
How Altretamine interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Altretamine interactionAluminum Acetate, Benzethonium ChlorideBuro-Sol Otic Solution
How Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interactionAluminum ChlorideAluminum Chloride, Anhydrol Forte, Driclor, Drysol
How Aluminum Chloride interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Chloride interactionAluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon
How Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Maalox, Mucogel
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug)Mylanta
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, CalciumDomeboro
How Aluminum, Calcium interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Calcium interactionAluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug)Almagel
How Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Wingel
How Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAnifrolumab-fniaSaphnelo
How Anifrolumab-fnia interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Anifrolumab-fnia interactionAntithymocyte GlobulinThymoglobulin
How Antithymocyte Globulin interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Antithymocyte Globulin interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAspirin, Aluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAtezolizumabTecentriq
How Atezolizumab interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Atezolizumab interactionAzamuneImmunoprin
How Azamune interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Azamune interactionAzathioprineAzamune, Imuran
How Azathioprine interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Azathioprine interactionBasiliximabSimulect
How Basiliximab interacts with Viral Ease — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Elderberry ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Elderberry Extract + Basiliximab interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Viral Ease 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 C
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Elderberry extract
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Elderberry has immunostimulant activity, increasing the production of cytokines, including interleukin and tumor necrosis factor.
Pazopanib (Votrient)
Theoretically, elderberry might interact with pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Viral Ease, from the product label.
Douglas Laboratories
See all Douglas Laboratories products- Name
- Douglas Laboratories
- Street Address
- 600 Boyce Road
- City
- Pittsburgh
- State
- PA
- ZipCode
- 15205
- Web Address
- www.douglaslabs.com
Viral Ease by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions
Does Viral Ease by Douglas Laboratories interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take Viral Ease if I'm on birth control pills?
Is Viral Ease safe during pregnancy?
What's the most common side effect of vitamin C in this product?
Does elderberry actually work for colds and flu?
Can I take Viral Ease if I have a thyroid condition and take levothyroxine?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Viral Ease is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Viral Ease’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Lauric Acid
Lauric acid is a medium-to-long-chain saturated fatty acid found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and breast milk. It is studied for possible antimicrobial and skin benefits, but solid human...
Read the full Lauric Acid monograph → Herb & supplement monographVitamin C
Interacts with 207 drugsVitamin 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 immune function, collagen, and acts as an...
Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monographElderberry
Interacts with 121 drugsElderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu symptoms, but the evidence is limited and n...
Read the full Elderberry monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Viral Ease'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 65 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.
Lauric Acid 8 references
- Brown KE, Leong K, Huang CH, et al. Gelatin/chondroitin 6-sulfate microspheres for the delivery of therapeutic proteins to the joint. Arthritis Rheum 1998;41:2185-95. PubMed
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Elderberry 6 references
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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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