Is Elderberry Safe To Take With Lisinopril?

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Based on published studies evaluating elderberry and what we know about lisinopril, there are no known or expected interactions between the drugs. They are considered safe to take together.

Elderberry also is not known to affect blood pressure, so it appears safe in that regard as well. So, if you have cold or flu symptoms, and you want to take a supplement that contains elderberry, available evidence suggests there is no problem doing that.

What Is Elderberry?

Elderberry has a long history of use medically for its purported immune system-enhancing effects. It is mostly marketed in over-the-counter supplements to help shorten the duration of colds and the flu.

Although there have been relatively few studies testing how well it works in this regard, some small clinical studies have shown it can affect different components of the immune system (e.g. cytokines) and may have positive benefits in healthy adults and children. Other studies have shown no benefit, however. More rigorous studies are needed to better understand exactly the benefits it can have as a supplement.

Regardless, elderberry seems relatively safe to use in amounts that would commonly be found in food. In fact, it is 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) by the FDA.

There are no known drug interactions between elderberry and prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Based on studies showing that it may have immunostimulating effects, it theoretically could interact with immunosuppressants, but this has not been shown clinically. Regardless, simply due to the lack of available information, it should not be combined with drugs that work by suppressing the immune system.

What Is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure.

Lisinopril is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

Final Words

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