Black licorice candy is made from the licorice plant, which is called glycyrrhiza glabra or sweet root. The licorice root is used in foods and herbal medicines. Black licorice is an ingredient in jelly beans, licorice twists and other candies. Prolonged use of licorice, or consuming large amounts of licorice, can cause serious side effects. However, the licorice root and products made with licorice, including black licorice candy, also can interact dangerously with several medications.
Blood Pressure, Heart and Circulation
Black licorice can interact with blood pressure medications, such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors, by making the medications less effective or worsening the side effects you might experience. Licorice can increase the toxicity of digoxin, which is prescribed to treat heart conditions. Licorice is especially dangerous for people who take warfarin, which is also known as Coumadin, to reduce blood clotting. Licorice can make warfarin less effective and increase the risk of blood clots.
Potassium and Blood Glucose Levels
Licorice can affect blood sugar levels in people who take insulin or other drugs to treat diabetes. Potassium loss can occur if licorice is consumed while taking stimulant laxatives. Women who take oral contraceptives and use licorice may develop high blood pressure and low potassium levels.
Other Interactions
Black licorice can increase the strength of MAO inhibitors, which are prescribed to treat depression. Licorice can cause a dangerous increase in the effects of prednisone and other corticosteroids, which are used to treat the inflammation caused by conditions such as asthma and arthritis. Licorice also can interact negatively with aspirin.
Precautions
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide you with information about your prescribed and over-the-counter medications and interactions with black licorice. You also need information about black licorice and medications that you take temporarily or intermittently -- such as aspirin, corticosteroids or stimulant laxatives. You can prevent interactions with your medications by carefully reading instructions and information provided by manufacturers and your medical professionals.
Warning
Talk to your doctor before mixing any medications with black licorice or any other type of licorice product.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Licorice; March 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Possible Interactions With Licorice; January 2007
- Medline Plus: Licorice
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Avoiding Drug Interactions
- MayoClinic.com: Prednisone and Other Corticosteroids: Balance the Risks and Benefits
Member Comments