Bitter Orange Interactions

When certain medications are taken together with bitter orange, drug interactions could occur. These medications include monoamine oxidase inhibitors, decongestants, and any other stimulants (including caffeine, amphetamines, or other weight-loss products). Bitter orange interactions can increase your risk of developing serious -- possibly life-threatening -- side effects.

 

An Introduction to Bitter Orange Drug Interactions

Bitter orange can potentially interact with a few other medicines. Some of these medicines that may lead to bitter orange interactions include:
 
  • Any other stimulants, including caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, and many other weight-loss products
  • Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®)
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including:

 

 

  • QT-prolonging medications (medications that increase the risk of a dangerous irregular heart rhythm known as QT prolongation).
     

Bitter Orange Interactions Explained

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when bitter orange is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
 
Any Other Stimulants
Use caution when combining bitter orange with any other stimulant. Bitter orange contains synephrine (a stimulant similar to ephedra), which can be dangerous when taken with other stimulants.
(Bitter Orange Interactions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;