MODERATE — Monitor Closely
🟡 CAUTION — Licorice root causes pseudoaldosteronism (sodium retention, potassium wasting, blood pressure elevation) that directly opposes Amlodipine. Avoid licorice root if taking antihypertensive medications, or use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) which lacks this effect.
Evidence level: STRONG
Licorice root drives blood pressure up by causing sodium and water retention through pseudoaldosteronism. Amlodipine lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessel walls (blocking calcium channels), but it cannot counteract the increased blood volume that licorice creates. The result is higher blood pressure despite your medication.
Glycyrrhizin in licorice root inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, causing cortisol to activate mineralocorticoid receptors (pseudoaldosteronism). This causes sodium retention, potassium wasting, and blood pressure elevation — directly opposing the antihypertensive action of Amlodipine.
Avoid licorice root while taking Amlodipine. Because Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (not an ACE inhibitor or ARB), it does not affect potassium levels on its own — but licorice's potassium-depleting effect can still cause muscle cramps, weakness, and dangerous heart rhythm changes independently. Amlodipine also causes ankle swelling in some patients, and licorice's fluid retention can worsen this. Use DGL licorice instead.
Be consistent with how you take Amlodipine relative to meals — take it with food or without food consistently each day. Licorice Root — sudden large changes in diet composition can affect how your body processes many medications. Grapefruit, leafy greens, and high-fiber foods are the most common food-drug interaction culprits.
Higher risk for: elderly, those with liver or kidney impairment, polypharmacy (5+ medications), recent medication changes, or those with multiple chronic conditions. Consult your pharmacist for specific risk factors.
Rising blood pressure despite medication, headache, swelling in legs/ankles, muscle weakness or cramps, irregular heartbeat (from low potassium).
No urgent need to discuss, but always keep your doctor informed of your full supplement and medication list. An up-to-date list helps them make the best treatment decisions.
Adjust the timing or quantity of Licorice Root relative to your medication. Maintain consistent daily intake rather than large sporadic amounts. Your pharmacist can advise on specific timing windows.
Licorice root drives blood pressure up by causing sodium and water retention through pseudoaldosteronism. Amlodipine lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessel walls (blocking calcium channels), but it cannot counteract the increased blood volume that licorice creates. The result is higher blood pressure despite your medication.
Be consistent with how you take Amlodipine relative to meals — take it with food or without food consistently each day. Licorice Root — sudden large changes in diet composition can affect how your body processes many medications. Grapefruit, leafy greens, and high-fiber foods are the most common food-drug interaction culprits.
Rising blood pressure despite medication, headache, swelling in legs/ankles, muscle weakness or cramps, irregular heartbeat (from low potassium).
Adjust the timing or quantity of Licorice Root relative to your medication. Maintain consistent daily intake rather than large sporadic amounts. Your pharmacist can advise on specific timing windows.
No urgent need to discuss, but always keep your doctor informed of your full supplement and medication list. An up-to-date list helps them make the best treatment decisions.
Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).