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

Water Pills Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Sundown Naturals

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

Water Pills is a dietary supplement by Sundown Naturals with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, digestive complaints, menopausal symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 1,378 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Uva Ursi extract, Alfalfa, Buchu extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Water Pills by Sundown Naturals

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 8 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Water Pills contains eight ingredients. The active ones are alfalfa leaf, potassium, asparagus root extract, parsley leaf and root, juniper berry extract, uva ursi extract, buchu extract, and couch grass.

These are traditional diuretic and kidney-support botanicals combined with a mineral (potassium) that your body loses when you urinate more. The remaining ingredients are inactive — vegetable cellulose for the capsule, calcium carbonate, dextrates, and silica, which are fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Leans against
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
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support healthy fluid balance and urinary function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), fluid retention, bloating, mild diuretic support.
  • The closest evidence on file: Uva Ursi is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Asparagus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Also on file: Juniper is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The evidence for what these ingredients actually do is thin. Alfalfa, asparagus, parsley, juniper, uva ursi, and buchu all carry effectiveness ratings of insufficient reliable evidence for their traditional uses — meaning studies haven't proven them work for conditions like high cholesterol, urinary tract infections, or kidney stones.

Uva ursi is rated possibly ineffective for UTIs. This product's actual benefit hasn't been established in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Alfalfa Potassium Asparagus Parsley Juniper Uva Ursi Buchu Couch Grass

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 6 of the 8 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 8 of 8.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 8 of 8.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these ingredients are generally well tolerated in the amounts typically found in food — alfalfa sprouts, parsley in cooking, asparagus as a vegetable. But concentrated supplements are a different story.

Alfalfa may cause digestive upset (bloating, diarrhea) and rarely a lupus-like syndrome with long-term use; it's not safe in supplement amounts during pregnancy because of its estrogen-like activity. Potassium from food is fine, but supplemental potassium can cause dangerously high blood levels, especially in people with kidney disease, and may trigger heart rhythm problems.

Parsley in food amounts is safe, but medicinal doses carry a small risk of serious side effects at very high doses. Uva ursi should be used only short-term because high doses can cause seizures and breathing problems; avoid it in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Juniper and buchu lack strong safety data in medicinal doses and are traditionally avoided in pregnancy. Safety data for couch grass is limited.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Alfalfa Potassium Asparagus Parsley Juniper Uva Ursi Buchu Couch Grass

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?
  • 7 of the 8 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Alfalfa, Buchu, Asparagus, Uva Ursi, Juniper, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,379 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check before taking this if you use warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners — alfalfa and parsley may reduce their effect or increase bleeding risk (Major and Moderate severity). Also flag potassium-sparing water pills, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diabetes medications, birth control pills, estrogen therapy, lithium, or immune-suppressing drugs.

Several ingredients interact with these at Moderate severity.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a multi-ingredient herbal water pill where the active ingredients haven't been proven to work for their intended purposes, and several of them interact with common medications — especially blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and heart or blood pressure medications. If you take any prescription drugs, check them against our tool before using this product.

Even if you don't, talk to your pharmacist, since potassium and diuretic herbs aren't right for everyone.

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

Assessment coverage: 8 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 24, 2017.

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 Water Pills, straight from the product label.

Brand Sundown Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 030768003746
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 24, 2017
DSLD ID 71770
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Water Pills by Sundown Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
030768003746
IngredientAmount% DV
Alfalfa2 mg--
Potassium20 mg1%
Asparagus15 mg--
Parsley10 mg--
Juniper extract10 mg--
Uva Ursi extract5 mg--
Buchu extract500 mcg--
Couch Grass20 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Calcium Carbonate, Dextrates, Silica, Contains <2% of:

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.
Seals/Symbols

No dairy/lactose No artificial flavors Non-GMO

Certified GF gluten-free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, take one (1) tablet up to three times daily, preferably with meals.

Precautions

As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.

Warning: Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you are taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper Resistant: Do not use if blister seal is cut, torn or open.

Formulation

No gluten, no wheat, no milk, no lactose, no artificial flavor, no preservatives, no soy, no yeast, no fish. Sodium free.

No preservatives

Caffeine free

100% No dairy/lactose No artificial flavors Non-GMO GF Certified gluten-free

Vegetarian formula

Storage

Store at room temperature and avoid excessive heat.

General Statements

Made in the USA with select ingredients from around the world

Smart facts Naturally sourced colors

Supports fluid balance

General

Prod. No. 44613 14M B67356

Brand IP Statement(s)

2016

Formula

Contains essential mineral potassium

This product contains the essential mineral potassium, which works with sodium to regulate the body’s water balance.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

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.

See for yourself

Water Pills by Sundown Naturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Water Pills by Sundown Naturals

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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.

Alfalfa

Interacts with
583 drugs
2 mg per serving

Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich legume that people use for high cholesterol, menopause symptoms, and general wellness, but solid human evidence for most of...

Alfalfa monograph & interactions

Potassium

Interacts with
62 drugs
20 mg per serving Form: Potassium Gluconate

Potassium is an essential mineral your body needs for nerve signals, muscle function, and a steady heartbeat, and most people get enough from a balanc...

Potassium monograph & interactions

Asparagus

Interacts with
76 drugs
15 mg per serving

Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable that is safe and healthy to eat as part of a normal diet. Most of its claimed medicinal benefits, such as use as a...

Asparagus monograph & interactions

Parsley

Interacts with
443 drugs
10 mg per serving

Parsley is a popular culinary herb that is safe to eat in normal food amounts and is a good source of vitamins K and C. It is traditionally used as a...

Parsley monograph & interactions

Juniper extract

Interacts with
162 drugs
10 mg per serving

Juniper berry is a traditional herb best known for flavoring gin and for its folk use as a diuretic and digestive aid. Solid human evidence for its he...

Juniper extract monograph & interactions

Uva Ursi extract

Interacts with
803 drugs
5 mg per serving

Uva ursi is a traditional herb used mainly for urinary tract infections, and its leaves contain a compound called arbutin that may have antimicrobial...

Uva Ursi extract monograph & interactions

Buchu extract

Interacts with
481 drugs
500 mcg per serving

Buchu is a fragrant South African shrub whose leaves are traditionally used for urinary and bladder complaints and as a diuretic. Solid human studies...

Buchu extract monograph & interactions

Couch Grass

No known
interactions
20 mg per serving

Couch grass is a common lawn weed whose rhizome has long been used in traditional European herbal medicine, mainly for urinary and bladder complaints....

Couch Grass monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Calcium Carbonate, Dextrates, Silica, Contains <2% of:. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Water Pills by Sundown Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Water Pills?

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
1,378Drugs
2 Major 1,346 Moderate 30 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Alfalfa 583
Parsley 443

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Water Pills 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.

Uva Ursi extract6 drug types · 803 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, uva ursi may decrease the metabolism of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro, uva ursi appears to inhibit cytochrome CYP2C19. This effect has not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, uva ursi may decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro, uva ursi appears to inhibit CYP3A4. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, uva ursi may increase levels of drugs metabolized by glucuronidation.
In vitro, uva ursi extract appears to strongly inhibit UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 (UGT1A1). However, uva ursi extract does not appear to inhibit UGT1A1 in animal models. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, uva ursi may increase lithium levels, necessitating a decrease in dose.
Uva ursi may have diuretic properties. Diuretics may increase lithium reabsorption with sodium in the proximal tubule of the kidney. Theoretically, uva ursi might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Urinary Acidifying Agents

Effects of uva ursi in the urinary tract may be reduced by urinary acidifying agents.
Uva ursi seems to work best in alkaline urine. Theoretically, taking uva ursi with medications known to acidify the urine may decrease any effects of uva ursi on the urinary tract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, uva ursi may alter the levels of drugs transported by P-glycoprotein.
In vitro, uva ursi appears to inhibit the multi-drug transporter protein, P-glycoprotein. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Alfalfa6 drug types · 583 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, alfalfa might reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.
Alfalfa contains a large amount of vitamin K. This could theoretically interfere with the activity of warfarin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that alfalfa decreases blood sugar in diabetic mice. Also, in one case report, a diabetic patient experienced hypoglycemia after consuming alfalfa extract. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with the activity of contraceptive drugs.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with hormone therapy.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, alfalfa might decrease the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro research and human case reports suggest that alfalfa may have immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of alfalfa with photosensitizing drugs might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that excessive doses of alfalfa may increase photosensitivity, possibly due to its chlorophyll content. It is unclear if this effect would be clinically relevant in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Buchu extract3 drug types · 481 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Buchu may have antiplatelet effects. Theoretically, buchu may enhance the effects of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs and increase the risk of bleeding in some patients. Some anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Buchu contains pulegone, a known hepatotoxin. There is some concern that buchu may adversely affect the liver, especially when the leaf is used in large doses or the oil is ingested. Theoretically, concomitant use with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage. Some of these drugs include acarbose (Precose, Prandase), amiodarone (Cordarone), atorvastatin (Lipitor), azathioprine (Imuran), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cerivastatin (Baycol), diclofenac (Voltaren), felbamate (Felbatol), fenofibrate (Tricor), fluvastatin (Lescol), gemfibrozil (Lopid), isoniazid, itraconazole, (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), leflunomide (Arava), lovastatin (Mevacor), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), nevirapine (Viramune), niacin, nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin), pioglitazone (Actos), pravastatin (Pravachol), pyrazinamide, rifampin (Rifadin), ritonavir (Norvir), rosiglitazone (Avandia), simvastatin (Zocor), tacrine (Cognex), tamoxifen, terbinafine (Lamisil), valproic acid, and zileuton (Zyflo)

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Buchu is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, buchu might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Parsley8 drug types · 443 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, parsley might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal research suggests that parsley has antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, parsley might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that parsley might decrease blood glucose. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, parsley might increase serum levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
Laboratory research suggests that parsley can inhibit CYP1A2.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, parsley might enhance or interfere with the effects of diuretic drugs.
Animal research suggests that parsley seed extract increases urine elimination. Parsley leaf and root might also interfere with diuretic therapy due their purported aquaretic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, parsley might increase the duration of pentobarbital effects.
Animal research suggests that parsley juice prolongs the action of pentobarbital, perhaps by decreasing cytochrome P450 levels. It is not known if this occurs in humans or if this applies to other barbiturates or sedatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sirolimus (Rapamune)

Theoretically, large quantities of parsley might increase sirolimus levels.
In one case report, an adult female with a history of kidney transplant presented with elevated blood sirolimus levels, approximately 4-7 times greater than previous measures, after daily consumption of a juice containing approximately 30 grams of parsley for 7 days. Sirolimus levels returned to normal a week after the parsley juice was discontinued.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, large amounts of parsley leaf and root might decrease the effects of warfarin.
Parlsey contains vitamin K.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aspirin

Theoretically, aspirin might increase the severity of allergic reactions to parsley.
In one case, severe urticaria and swelling were reported after taking aspirin with parsley in an individual with a known mild parsley allergy.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Juniper extract3 drug types · 162 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking juniper berry with antidiabetes medications might cause additive hypoglycemia.
Animal research shows that juniper berry can lower blood glucose.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, juniper berry might increase the risk of adverse effects from diuretic drugs.
Juniper berry is thought to have mild diuretic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, juniper berry might reduce lithium excretion and increase serum levels of lithium.
Juniper berry is thought to have mild diuretic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Asparagus2 drug types · 76 drugs

Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, asparagus root might increase diuresis and electrolyte loss when used with diuretic drugs.
Animal studies show that asparagus root extracts have diuretic effects. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, asparagus root might cause diuresis, reducing lithium clearance.
Animal studies show that asparagus root extracts have diuretic effects. Theoretically, this might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Potassium3 drug types · 62 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Using ACEIs with high doses of potassium increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
ACEIs block the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduce potassium excretion. Concomitant use of these drugs with potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia. However, concomitant use of these drugs with moderate dietary potassium intake (about 3775-5200 mg daily) does not increase serum potassium levels.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (Arbs)

Using ARBs with high doses of potassium increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
ARBs block the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduce potassium excretion. Concomitant use of these drugs with potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia. However, concomitant use of these drugs with moderate dietary potassium intake (about 3775-5200 mg daily) does not increase serum potassium levels.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Concomitant use increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
Using potassium-sparing diuretics with potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Water Pills, from the product label.

Sundown Naturals

See all Sundown Naturals products
Name
Rexall Sundown, Inc.
City
Boca Raton
State
FL
ZipCode
33487
Phone Number
1-888-848-2435
Web Address
www.sundownnaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Water Pills by Sundown Naturals: Common Questions

Does Water Pills by Sundown Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Water Pills has a known interaction with 1,378 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Water Pills contains 8 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 product actually work as a water pill?
The evidence isn't there. None of these ingredients — alfalfa, asparagus, parsley, juniper, uva ursi, or buchu — have reliable proof they work for their traditional uses. Uva ursi is actually rated possibly ineffective for urinary tract infections.
Is it safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Alfalfa is not safe during pregnancy because it mimics estrogen. Parsley and juniper are traditionally avoided because they may stimulate the uterus. Several others lack enough safety data to recommend them. Talk to your doctor before using any of these.
What are the most common side effects?
Alfalfa, potassium, and asparagus can all cause digestive upset — bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and nausea. Juniper may irritate the skin if it touches you directly. Most people tolerate these ingredients in small amounts, but concentrated doses increase that risk.
Will this work better than a prescription water pill?
We don't have proof it works at all. Prescription diuretics have been tested and proven to remove fluid from your body. These herbal ingredients have traditional use but no reliable scientific backing. If you need a water pill, your doctor can prescribe one that's been proven to work.
Can I take this with my blood pressure medicine?
Depends which one. Several ingredients interact with common blood pressure drugs. Potassium raises the risk of dangerously high potassium levels with ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Alfalfa and parsley have their own concerns. Check your specific medications with our tool, and ask your pharmacist before you start.
Why does this contain potassium if it's a water pill?
Because regular diuretics make you lose potassium along with fluid, and low potassium is dangerous. This product adds potassium back — but potassium from supplements can build up too high, especially if you have kidney disease or take certain medications. That's why you need to check with your pharmacist first.

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

Not sure if Water Pills is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Water Pills label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Water Pills’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Alfalfa

Interacts with 583 drugs

Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich legume that people use for high cholesterol, menopause symptoms, and general wellness, but solid human evidence for most of these uses is limited. It is best avoid...

Read the full Alfalfa monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Potassium

Interacts with 62 drugs

Potassium is an essential mineral your body needs for nerve signals, muscle function, and a steady heartbeat, and most people get enough from a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. P...

Read the full Potassium monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Asparagus

Interacts with 76 drugs

Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable that is safe and healthy to eat as part of a normal diet. Most of its claimed medicinal benefits, such as use as a diuretic or for urinary health, come fr...

Read the full Asparagus monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Parsley

Interacts with 443 drugs

Parsley is a popular culinary herb that is safe to eat in normal food amounts and is a good source of vitamins K and C. It is traditionally used as a diuretic and for digestion, but solid hu...

Read the full Parsley monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Juniper

Interacts with 162 drugs

Juniper berry is a traditional herb best known for flavoring gin and for its folk use as a diuretic and digestive aid. Solid human evidence for its health benefits is limited, and it can irr...

Read the full Juniper monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Uva Ursi

Interacts with 803 drugs

Uva ursi is a traditional herb used mainly for urinary tract infections, and its leaves contain a compound called arbutin that may have antimicrobial effects in the urine. Evidence in people...

Read the full Uva Ursi monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Buchu

Interacts with 481 drugs

Buchu is a fragrant South African shrub whose leaves are traditionally used for urinary and bladder complaints and as a diuretic. Solid human studies are lacking, so its benefits are largely...

Read the full Buchu monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Couch Grass

Couch grass is a common lawn weed whose rhizome has long been used in traditional European herbal medicine, mainly for urinary and bladder complaints. High-quality human studies are lacking,...

Read the full Couch Grass monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Water Pills'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 97 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.

Alfalfa 32 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  4. Kurzer MS, Xu X. Dietary phytoestrogens. Annu Rev Nutr 1997;17:353-81. PubMed
  5. Farber JM, Carter AO, Varughese PV, et al. Listeriosis traced to the consumption of alfalfa tablets and soft cheese [Letter to the Editor]. N Engl J Med 1990;322:338. PubMed
  6. Molgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson AG. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis 1987;65:173-9. PubMed
  7. Light TD, Light JA. Acute renal transplant rejection possibly related to herbal medications. Am J Transplant 2003;3:1608-9. PubMed
  8. Prete PE. The mechanism of action of L-canavanine in inducing autoimmune phenomena. Arthritis Rheum 1985;28:1198-200. PubMed
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Potassium 12 references
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Asparagus 14 references
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Parsley 21 references
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Juniper 7 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
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  4. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
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Uva Ursi 8 references
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  2. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
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Buchu 3 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.
  3. Moolla A, Viljoen AM. 'Buchu' - Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata (Retaceae): a review. J Ethnopharmacol 2008;119(3):413-9.

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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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