Drug-induced nutrient depletion

Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine & Nutrient Depletion

Also searched as Tetra Caps. What the clinical evidence reports, what it may mean, and what to discuss with your pharmacist.

1Nutrient association
Insufficient EvidenceHighest rating
The bottom line

Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine has been associated with depletion of GLUTATHIONE. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these are worth knowing about and, if you take Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine long-term, worth raising with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

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Take more than one medication? Open the checker with Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine pre-loaded and add the rest to see overlapping nutrient signals.

The evidence

Reported nutrient depletions with Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine

Each record below is shown as published in our licensed clinical database, with its evidence rating and citations. Expand a section for food sources and talking points.

GLUTATHIONE

Insufficient Evidence

ACETAMINOPHEN

Acetaminophen might deplete glutathione and decrease its therapeutic effects.
Chronic or excessive acetaminophen has been associated with low levels of glutathione. Usually a cysteine containing supplement is used to replenish glutathione. Cysteine is converted to glutathione in the body.
Taking Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine? Insufficient evidence to rate; clinical significance is not known.
Dr. Brian Staiger, Pharm.D explains

Glutathione is an antioxidant your body makes naturally to protect cells from damage and help break down certain substances, including acetaminophen itself. When the liver processes acetaminophen, it actually uses up glutathione as part of that process, and taking large or chronic doses over time has been linked to lower glutathione levels. That said, the current evidence is rated insufficient, meaning researchers have not yet established how meaningful this is for people taking normal doses. If you take acetaminophen regularly and have concerns, it is worth bringing up with your pharmacist or doctor.

Learn more about this nutrient: Glutathione — uses, safety & interactions

References (1)
  1. Herzenberg LA, De Rosa SC, Dubs JG, et al. Glutathione deficiency is associated with impaired survival in HIV disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1997;94:1967-72. PubMed
Important

This tool is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. An association is not a diagnosis and does not mean a deficiency will occur. Always talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement.

Disclaimer: This checker finds which nutrients might be depleted by prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each nutrient depletion issue is rated based on clinical significance. Use your own professional judgment prior to making clinical decisions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center Licensed records refresh weekly · last updated July 3, 2026.
Understand the basics

What drug-induced nutrient depletion means

Some medications can, over time, lower the levels of certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients — through reduced absorption, increased loss, or changes in how the body uses them.

Association is not deficiency

An entry here means a depletion has been reported or studied — not that it happens to everyone, or that you are deficient. Dose, duration, diet, and your own health all matter.

Evidence varies by pair

Some drug–nutrient links (like metformin and vitamin B12) are well studied; others rest on limited or preliminary research. Each entry shows the evidence rating from our licensed clinical database.

When to ask about labs

If you take an associated medication long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether monitoring is appropriate for you. Not everyone needs testing — your provider can weigh your dose, duration, and symptoms.

Don't self-supplement blindly

Supplements are not risk-free: some can interact with medications, and some (like potassium or magnesium) can be risky with kidney disease. Talk to your pharmacist before adding anything.

Never stop a medication over this

These medications are prescribed for good reasons, and the benefit usually far outweighs a manageable nutrient consideration. Any change belongs in a conversation with your prescriber.

Food first, usually

For many nutrients, a varied diet covers the gap. Each entry lists common food sources; a supplement is a decision to make with your pharmacist or provider, not a default.

Common questions

Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine & nutrients: FAQs

Does Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine deplete GLUTATHIONE?
Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine has been associated with lower GLUTATHIONE levels in the clinical literature — see the evidence rating and details above. An association is not a guarantee: dose, duration, diet, and your own health all matter. If you take Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether checking your GLUTATHIONE status is appropriate.
Should I take a supplement because I take Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine?
Not automatically. The right first step is usually a conversation with your pharmacist or provider — they can weigh your dose and duration, decide whether testing makes sense, and recommend food-first strategies or a supplement if genuinely needed. Some supplements can interact with medications, so do not add one without checking.
Should I stop taking Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine?
No — never stop a prescribed medication because of a nutrient association. Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine is prescribed for good reasons, and nutrient considerations are usually manageable with monitoring or diet. Any change to your medication belongs in a conversation with your prescriber.
Where does this information come from?
The depletion records come from the Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) database — an evidence-graded clinical reference — and are displayed as published, with their citations. The plain-English context is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists.

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Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Nutrient depletion records for Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database, and are displayed as published with their citations.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.