Dosage
Red yeast rice supplements are widely available in the market as capsule or tablet form.
Most studies and pharmacological companies use a standard of 600 mg twice daily among adults.1 Most major supplement brands on the market generally recommend taking between 1,200–2,400 mg daily, divided into two to three doses.2
However, each brand still has different formulations of their supplements so it is highly recommended to speak with a healthcare provider as well as refer to the dosage instructions for proper dosing instructions.
You can read more about red yeast rice, its benefits, and side effects in our article, “Why Should You Take Red Yeast Rice.”
Contraindications
Red yeast rice is contraindicated with the following3:
- Alcohol
The combination of alcohol and red yeast rice may increase the risk of liver damage. Avoid alcohol consumption when taking this supplement. - Immunosuppressive Drugs
Immunosuppressors especially those that contain Cyclosprorine as it may increase the risk for myopathy or muscle diseases that control voluntary movements of the body.4 - Fungal Infection Drugs
Taking red yeast rice with these types of drugs, such as erythromycin was found to increase the risk of harmful red yeast rice side effects. - Statins
Because red yeast rice has been found to have the same effect as statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs), taking it with other statins might increase the risk of harmful side effects. - Hepatotoxic drugs, herbs and supplements
Red yeast rice might contain monacolin K, which can cause liver damage in some people. Taking red yeast rice with these types of drugs, herbs and supplements could increase the risk of liver damage. - Niacin or Vitamin B3
Taking this supplement with high amounts of Vitamin B3 may also increase the risk of myopathy. - Grapefruit
Grapefruit juice can significantly raise blood levels and increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage.5 - St. John’s Wort
This product commonly used for depression can alter and lower the effects of red yeast rice, so taking them both should be avoided.6 - Indication-specific dosing for (red yeast rice), frequency-based adverse effects, comprehensive interactions, contraindications, pregnancy & lactation schedules, and cost information. (n.d.). https://reference.medscape.com/drug/angkak-benikoji-red-yeast-rice-344601.
- Gerards, M. C., Terlou, R. J., Yu, H., Koks, C. H., & Gerdes, V. E. (2015). Traditional Chinese lipid-lowering agent red yeast rice results in significant LDL reduction but safety is uncertain - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Atherosclerosis, 240(2), 415–423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.04.004.
- Team, N. (2023, August 17). Red yeast rice | NCH Healthcare System. NCH Healthcare System. https://nchmd.org/health-library/articles/art-20363074/.
- Nagy, H. (2023, August 14). Myopathy. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562290/.
- Red yeast rice and Alcohol/Food Interactions. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/red-yeast-rice.html#:~:text=Grapefruit%20juice%20can%20significantly%20increase,breakdown%20of%20skeletal%20muscle%20tissue.
- Becker, D. J., & Gordon, R. Y. (2011). The Lipid-Lowering Properties of Red Yeast Rice. AMA Journal of Ethics, 13(6), 365–368. https://doi.org/10.1001/virtualmentor.2011.13.6.cprl1-1106.
