Are Probiotics Safe To Take With Blood Pressure Medication?

Answer

Thank you for reaching out to us, great question!

Although there hasn't been a large number of studies evaluating potential drug interactions between probiotics (of which there are many different varieties) and blood pressure medications, there is no data to suggest that there is any interaction to be concerned about.

In fact, studies suggest that probiotics don't have any significant drug interaction outside of, potentially, antibiotic medications since they may kill the very probiotics that you are taking as a supplement.

However, it is important to note that several studies have shown that some probiotic species may lower blood pressure, so it is important to keep track of it to make sure it doesn't go too low (i.e. cause hypotension).

Probiotics And Blood Pressure

As mentioned, there aren't any known interactions between probiotics and blood pressure medications (including amlodipine and losartan), but you do want to be aware of probiotics potentially lowering your blood pressure overall.

One study, published in the Journal 'Hypertension', and referenced by the American Heart Association, concluded the following:

The present meta-analysis suggests that consuming probiotics may improve BP by a modest degree, with a potentially greater effect when baseline BP is elevated, multiple species of probiotics are consumed, the duration of intervention is greater than or equal to 8 weeks, or daily consumption dose is greater than or equal to 10¹¹ colony-forming units.

The study noted in particular that probiotics seem to have a greater blood pressure reducing effect in those who had elevated blood pressure (i.e. hypertension) compared to those who has 'normal' blood pressure.

Several other studies have found similar results.

Although most of these studies that have found positive blood pressure effects with probiotics have been relatively small, it is a good indication that there may certainly be benefits here, and more studies are needed to definitively determine how they affect blood pressure overall.

Final Words

So, as the bottom line here, there are no known interactions between probiotics and blood pressure meds, but please take care knowing they may actually lower your blood pressure, which may require adjustments to your therapy so you don't drop too low.

As always, make sure you let your doctor know about all the medications and supplements you are taking.