MODERATE — Monitor Closely
🟡 CAUTION — Licorice root causes pseudoaldosteronism (sodium retention, potassium wasting, blood pressure elevation) that directly opposes Carvedilol. Avoid licorice root if taking antihypertensive medications, or use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) which lacks this effect.
Evidence level: STRONG
Licorice root forces your kidneys into sodium-retention mode while flushing potassium, elevating blood pressure through volume overload. Carvedilol lowers blood pressure through dual alpha-1 and beta receptor blockade, but neither pathway can compensate for the mineralocorticoid-like effects of glycyrrhizin in licorice.
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 Carvedilol.
Avoid licorice root while taking Carvedilol. Carvedilol is commonly prescribed for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, where maintaining stable blood pressure and electrolytes is critical. Licorice-induced potassium loss is especially dangerous in heart failure patients because it increases the risk of fatal arrhythmias. If you use licorice for digestive issues, DGL licorice is the safe substitute.
Take Carvedilol 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 forces your kidneys into sodium-retention mode while flushing potassium, elevating blood pressure through volume overload. Carvedilol lowers blood pressure through dual alpha-1 and beta receptor blockade, but neither pathway can compensate for the mineralocorticoid-like effects of glycyrrhizin in licorice.
Take Carvedilol 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).