Bitter Orange

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 10, 2021.

What are other common names?

• Citrus aurantium
• Aurantium
• Bigarade
• Bigarade Orange
• Bitter Orange Flower
• Bitter Orange Peel
• Chao Zhi Ke
• Chisil
• Citrus Aurantium Fruit
• Green Orange
• Kijitsu
• Laranja-Amarga
• Laranja-Azeda
• Laranja-Cavalo
• Marmalade Orange
• Methyl-Synephrine
• Methyl-Synephrine HCl
• N-Methyltyramine
• Neroli Flowers
• Neroli Oil
• Norsynephrine
• Octopamine
• Octopamine HCl
• Orange Peel Extract
• Seville Orange
• Shangzhou Zhiqiao
• Sour Orange
• Synephrine
• Synephrine HCl
• Synephrine Hydrochloride
• Zhi Qiao
• Zhi Shi

What is this product used for?

Bitter orange is a fruit. It is also sold as a dietary supplement product. Some people use it as a medicine but science does not support its use for any health problem.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

• Do not take this product if you are breastfeeding.

• This product may interact with many drugs that are broken down by the liver. Side effects of these drugs may be increased.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs that are stimulants. This product is also a stimulant and may increase dangerous side effects of these drugs. These are drugs used for breathing problems, nasal congestion, cough, low blood pressure, weight loss, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• This product may increase sensitivity to sunlight. You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.

• Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while taking this product.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also called ADHD

  • Heart or blood vessel problems

  • Blood pressure problems

  • Glaucoma

  • Thyroid problems

  • Lung problems or asthma

What should I watch for?

• Lack of energy

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of heart attack. These include chest pain or pressure, a feeling of something sitting on your chest, trouble breathing, sweating, fast heartbeat, and dizziness.

• Signs of stroke. These include numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; blurred eyesight; not able to speak or know what some oth...