MODERATE — Monitor Closely
🟡 CAUTION — Licorice root causes pseudoaldosteronism (sodium retention, potassium wasting, blood pressure elevation) that directly opposes Atenolol. Avoid licorice root if taking antihypertensive medications, or use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) which lacks this effect.
Evidence level: STRONG
Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which mimics aldosterone in your body and causes sodium retention with potassium depletion. This raises blood pressure through a mechanism that Atenolol — which works by slowing heart rate and reducing the force of heart contractions — simply cannot block.
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 Atenolol.
Avoid licorice root while on Atenolol. Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker often chosen for patients who also have respiratory conditions. The potassium loss caused by licorice is an independent cardiac risk that Atenolol does not address. If you are also taking a thiazide diuretic alongside Atenolol, the combined potassium depletion with licorice becomes even more critical. Switch to DGL licorice.
Take Atenolol at the same time daily. Food generally doesn't significantly affect beta-blocker absorption. Licorice Root — potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges) are generally fine with beta-blockers (unlike ACE inhibitors). Avoid excessive caffeine intake, which can counteract blood pressure benefits.
Higher risk for: those with asthma or COPD, bradycardia, diabetes (may mask hypoglycemia symptoms), elderly, concurrent calcium channel blocker use, or peripheral vascular disease.
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.
Beta blocker interactions can affect heart rate and blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor: alternative blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) may have fewer interactions. Monitor heart rate and report any dizziness or fatigue.
Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which mimics aldosterone in your body and causes sodium retention with potassium depletion. This raises blood pressure through a mechanism that Atenolol — which works by slowing heart rate and reducing the force of heart contractions — simply cannot block.
Take Atenolol at the same time daily. Food generally doesn't significantly affect beta-blocker absorption. Licorice Root — potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges) are generally fine with beta-blockers (unlike ACE inhibitors). Avoid excessive caffeine intake, which can counteract blood pressure benefits.
Rising blood pressure despite medication, headache, swelling in legs/ankles, muscle weakness or cramps, irregular heartbeat (from low potassium).
Beta blocker interactions can affect heart rate and blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor: alternative blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) may have fewer interactions. Monitor heart rate and report any dizziness or fatigue.
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).