MODERATE — Monitor Closely
🟡 CAUTION — Licorice root causes pseudoaldosteronism (sodium retention, potassium wasting, blood pressure elevation) that directly opposes Nifedipine. Avoid licorice root if taking antihypertensive medications, or use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) which lacks this effect.
Evidence level: STRONG
Licorice root drives blood pressure upward by activating mineralocorticoid receptors, causing your body to retain salt and water while losing potassium. Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that relaxes arterial smooth muscle, but it cannot counteract the fluid overload and hormonal disruption that licorice produces.
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 Nifedipine.
Do not combine licorice root with Nifedipine. Nifedipine is often used for resistant hypertension and Raynaud's phenomenon. It commonly causes ankle edema as a side effect, and licorice's fluid-retaining properties will significantly worsen this swelling. If you experience sudden severe headache or facial flushing, these could indicate a blood pressure spike from the combination. Use DGL licorice as a safe alternative.
Be consistent with how you take Nifedipine 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 upward by activating mineralocorticoid receptors, causing your body to retain salt and water while losing potassium. Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that relaxes arterial smooth muscle, but it cannot counteract the fluid overload and hormonal disruption that licorice produces.
Be consistent with how you take Nifedipine 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).