4 Ways Cinnamon May Interact with Your Medications

Cinnamon is a favorite of many, cherished for its warm flavor and enticing aroma. From sprinkling it over your morning oatmeal to using it in holiday desserts, it’s easy to see why this spice has become a staple in kitchens worldwide. Besides elevating your favorite dishes, cinnamon can have meaningful effects on your health, some of which may not be ideal if you’re taking certain medications.

If you take prescription medications, it’s important to be aware of how cinnamon might interact with your meds and talk to a doctor about whether this warming spice is safe for you to consume. Here, experts explain four key ways cinnamon can interact with medications.

1. It May Affect Blood Sugar Levels 

“Cinnamon may lower blood sugar, which can interact with blood sugar-lowering medications like insulin and metformin,” says Whitney Stuart, a Texas-based registered dietitian. Specifically, cinnamon contains compounds, like cinnamaldehyde, that may enhance insulin sensitivity or reduce glucose production in the liver. When combined with certain diabetes medications, this could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.

You may not need to avoid cinnamon completely—in fact, cinnamon may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. However, if you’re taking blood sugar-lowering medications, it’s important to talk with your endocrinologist or other health care provider about if and how much cinnamon is safe to consume. 

2. It May Impact Blood Coagulation

Cinnamon may also interfere with the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications, thanks to the presence of coumarin, a naturally occurring compound found in cinnamon. “Coumarin can affect liver enzymes that help break down medications, particularly those in the cytochrome P450 family,” says Gail Clifford, M.D., M.M.M., CPE, FACP, FHM, a medical consultant at ARRC LED.

“One medication that stands out here is warfarin, a common blood thinner,” Clifford adds. “If cinnamon interferes with the enzymes that metabolize warfarin, it can lead to more of the drug staying in your system than intended. That raises the risk of severe bleeding.” What’s more, Clifford explains that cinnamon has mild blood-thinning properties, which, when combined with the effects of coumarin, further increases its potential to affect these medications.

While all types of cinnamon contain coumarin, cassia cinnamon has been found to have higher levels than Ceylon cinnamon.

3. It May Impact Liver Health

Besides affecting blood coagulation, coumarin found in cinnamon may be harmful to the liver when consumed in excess. While likely not a concern for most healthy adults, this may pose a risk for folks taking medications metabolized by the liver, such as acetaminophen (like Tylenol), statins or anti-seizure drugs. People with preexisting liver conditions, such as fatty liver disease or hepatitis, are also vulnerable to these effects.

4. It May Lower Blood Pressure

Certain compounds in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde, may have a mild effect on lowering blood pressure. While this may be beneficial for some, it poses a risk for folks taking blood pressure-lowering medications, like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers. When combined with one of these medications, cinnamon could cause your blood pressure to drop too low. 

Precautions and Recommendations

If you’re taking prescription medications, it’s essential to approach cinnamon consumption with care to avoid unintended side effects. This is especially true if you’re considering a cinnamon supplement. As Clifford warns, just because cinnamon supplements are natural, it doesn’t mean they’re safe.

To minimize risks, talk with a health care professional about the safety of cinnamon and cinnamon supplements when taking prescription medications. “It’s essential for patients to disclose any herbal supplements or alternative remedies they may be using even if they seem not important,” per Ola Otulana, M.B.B.S., DRCOG, a general provider physician at Cassiobury Court. A health care expert can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs, ensuring that it complements any ongoing treatment safely. 

The Bottom Line

Despite being known for its many health benefits, cinnamon may have unwanted side effects, especially if you’re taking prescription medications like blood thinners, certain diabetes medications or antihypertensive drugs. While rare, it may also lead to liver toxicity when combined with certain medications or taken by people with liver conditions.

“A sprinkle of cinnamon in your oatmeal is fine for most people,” says Clifford. However, she adds that if you’re taking a prescription medication or have a preexisting condition, it’s best to talk with a health care professional before introducing cinnamon supplements or substantial amounts of cinnamon into your diet.