Red Yeast Rice (Monascus Purpureus Fermented Rice)
Pronunciation: (red YEEST rys).
- Generic name
- Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice)
- Brand names
- Natural Factors Red Yeast Rice, NOW Red Yeast Rice, Cholestene, Himalayan Organics Red Yeast Rice, Red Yeast Rice Plus, Holland & Barrett Red Yeast Rice
- Drug class
- Lipid-lowering agent (natural statin-like supplement)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice) is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice) works
Red Yeast Rice contains monacolin K, which is structurally identical to lovastatin. It inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, leading to decreased hepatic cholesterol production and lower plasma LDL cholesterol levels. (1)
What Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice) is used for
Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) (1)
Cardiovascular disease prevention
Cardiovascular disease prevention (1)
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis (1)
Before taking Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice)
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with active liver disease, unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and known hypersensitivity to statins or yeast products. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice)
- General Instructions: Take Red Yeast Rice exactly as directed on the product label or by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed recommended doses.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose: 600 mg to 1200 mg orally once or twice daily with food. Dosing may vary based on product and individual needs.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established. Use in children is not recommended.. Administration: Take with meals to reduce stomach upset. Swallow capsules or tablets whole with water.. When To Seek Review: Seek medical attention promptly if you develop muscle pain, weakness, or signs of liver dysfunction, and let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop the supplement.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. do not take an extra dose.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms may include severe muscle pain, weakness, or signs of liver injury. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Muscle pain (myalgia)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Liver enzyme elevations
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Gastrointestinal upset (bloating, gas, heartburn)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Rhabdomyolysis (rare, serious muscle breakdown)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reactions (rash, itching)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May cause liver injury — serious
Symptoms: May cause liver injury; monitor liver enzymes regularly. Risk of muscle toxicity, especially when combined with other statins. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Quality and potency may vary between brands. May interact with other cholesterol-lowering drugs and certain antibiotics.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with active liver disease, unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and known hypersensitivity to statins or yeast products. Use with caution in patients with a history of liver or muscle disorders.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Independent NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH) product-quality warning — serious
Symptoms: Independent NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH) product-quality warning: some red yeast rice products have been found to contain citrinin, a contaminant that is toxic and can damage the kidneys, in addition to product-to-product variability in the active monacolin K (lovastatin-like) content. Because monacolin K acts like the prescription statin lovastatin, red yeast rice products can carry the same potential side effects as statin drugs, including muscle, kidney, and liver damage.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Red Yeast Rice may interact with statins, cyclosporine, certain antibiotics (such as erythromycin), antifungals, and other drugs that affect liver enzymes. Combining with other cholesterol-lowering agents increases the risk of muscle toxicity and liver injury. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Contraindicated. The clinician-authored record lists pregnancy as a contraindication for red yeast rice, consistent with the same statin-class caution applied to lovastatin (its active constituent monacolin K is chemically identical to lovastatin); it should not be used during pregnancy. (1)
Breastfeeding
Contraindicated. The clinician-authored record lists breastfeeding as a contraindication for red yeast rice, consistent with the same statin-class caution applied to lovastatin; it should not be used while breastfeeding. (1)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (1)
Renal_impairment
See professional_information.regional_dosing[0].renal_summary and professional_information.hepatic_note for the full renal/hepatic detail: no numeric dose-adjustment table exists for this unregulated supplement, but NCCIH documents a real kidney-toxin contaminant risk (citrinin) and a statin-like liver-injury risk, so anyone with kidney or liver disease should be evaluated by a clinician before use. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
See professional_information.regional_dosing[0].renal_summary and professional_information.hepatic_note for the full renal/hepatic detail: no numeric dose-adjustment table exists for this unregulated supplement, but NCCIH documents a real kidney-toxin contaminant risk (citrinin) and a statin-like liver-injury risk, so anyone with kidney or liver disease should be evaluated by a clinician before use. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
Dose summary: 1200 mg to 2400 mg per day, taken in divided doses
Renal context: The NCCIH guidance reviewed for this page gives no numeric renal dosing table for red yeast rice, but it flags a real kidney-specific risk: some products have been found to contain citrinin, a contaminant that is toxic and can damage the kidneys, and the monacolin K (lovastatin-like) content can vary widely between products. Because red yeast rice can carry the same potential side effects as statin drugs, including kidney damage, people with kidney disease should be evaluated by a clinician before use rather than self-dosing, and should be aware that this is an unregulated supplement without a standardized dose. (1)
Hepatic guidance
The NCCIH guidance reviewed for this page gives no numeric hepatic dosing table for red yeast rice. Because its active constituent, monacolin K, is chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin, red yeast rice carries the same potential for liver injury as statin drugs; the clinician-database record already lists active liver disease and unexplained persistent transaminase elevation as contraindications and recommends regular liver-enzyme monitoring. No formal hepatic-impairment dose-adjustment table exists because this is an unregulated dietary supplement, not an FDA-approved drug.
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Yeast Rice safe to use for lowering cholesterol?
Red Yeast Rice can help lower cholesterol, but its safety depends on individual health factors and potential interactions. It may cause side effects similar to statins, including liver and muscle problems. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
Can I take Red Yeast Rice with prescription statins?
No, combining Red Yeast Rice with prescription statins increases the risk of serious side effects, especially muscle and liver toxicity.
How long does it take for Red Yeast Rice to lower cholesterol?
Cholesterol reduction may be seen within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use, but results vary. Regular monitoring of cholesterol and liver function is recommended.
Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Red Yeast Rice?
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they may increase side effects. Limit alcohol intake to reduce the risk of liver damage.
Is Red Yeast Rice safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No, Red Yeast Rice should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby.
What should I do if I develop muscle pain while taking Red Yeast Rice?
seek medical advice promptly, and let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop Red Yeast Rice, as this could be a sign of serious muscle injury.
Can children take Red Yeast Rice?
Red Yeast Rice is not recommended for children, as safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric populations.
What happens if I take too much Red Yeast Rice?
Taking excessive amounts of Red Yeast Rice may increase the risk of side effects such as muscle pain, liver damage, and gastrointestinal issues. If you suspect an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services. Always adhere to the recommended dosage provided by your healthcare provider or on the product label.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Red Yeast Rice?
It is generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Red Yeast Rice. Both Red Yeast Rice and alcohol can potentially affect liver function. Combining them may increase the risk of liver damage or exacerbate existing liver conditions. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol intake with this supplement.
Is Red Yeast Rice safe during pregnancy?
Red Yeast Rice is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Its classification as a natural statin-like supplement raises concerns about potential risks to fetal development. Due to insufficient safety data and the potential for adverse effects, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before using Red Yeast Rice if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What is the mechanism of action of Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice)?
Red Yeast Rice contains monacolin K, which is structurally identical to lovastatin. It inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, leading to decreased hepatic cholesterol production and lower plasma LDL cholesterol levels. (1)
What is the generic name of Red Yeast Rice (Monascus Purpureus Fermented Rice)?
The generic name is Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice). It is sold under brand names including Natural Factors Red Yeast Rice, NOW Red Yeast Rice, Cholestene, Himalayan Organics Red Yeast Rice, Red Yeast Rice Plus, Holland & Barrett Red Yeast Rice.
What class of drug is Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice)?
Red Yeast Rice (Monascus Purpureus Fermented Rice) is classed as: Lipid-lowering agent (natural statin-like supplement).
References
- Red Yeast Rice — Prescribing InformationMedGuideGlobal · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- VASCUFLOW (MELATONIN, L-ARGININE, L-CITRULLINE, UBIDECARENONUM, SQUALENE, CALCAREA CARBONICA, CHOLESTERINUM, COUMARINUM, FORMALINUM, GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS, ALPHA-LIPOICUM ACIDUM, MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS, PLUMBUM METALLICUM, PANTOTHENIC ACID, GLONOINUM, LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM, PHOSPHORUS, BERBERIS VULGARIS, RED YEAST RICE, NITRIC OXIDE, PROTEUS (MORGANI), RHUS TOX) LIQUID [DESERET BIOLOGICALS, INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
- Red Yeast Rice — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 232540)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice) names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- NOWNOW
- Nature's WayNature's Way
- NaturesPlus Herbal ActivesNaturesPlus Herbal Actives
- Doctor's BestDoctor's Best
- Best NaturalsBest Naturals
- Puritan's PridePuritan's Pride
- XYMOGENXYMOGEN
- AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing FormulasAN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
- Vitamin WorldVitamin World
- Sundown NaturalsSundown Naturals