European Barberry - Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Interaction
Herbal: European Barberry
Also Known As: Berberis vulgaris, Agracejo, Barberry, Berberidis Cortex, Berberidis Radicis Cortex, Berberidis Radix, Berbéris Commun, Berberry, Berbis, Common Barberry, Lebanon barberry, Mountain Grape, Oregon Grape, Pipperidge, Piprage, Sauerdorn, Sow Berry, Vinettier
Drug: Diphenhydramine
Brand names:
Benadryl, Dormin, Allerdryl, Valdrene, Sleep-Ettes D, Simply Sleep, Sominex, Diphenhydramine, Compoz, Sleep Aid, Benadryl cream, Benadryl spray, Dermamycin cream, Ziradryl, Nytol
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Diphenhydramine is classified as belonging to the following category: Cns Depressants
Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs that have sedative properties may cause additive effects.
Animal research suggests that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might have sedative effects. Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Shanbhag, S. M., Kulkarni, H. J., and Gaitonde, B. B. Pharmacological actions of berberine on the central nervous system. Jpn.J Pharmacol 1970;20(4):482-487.
- Sabir M and Bhide NK. Study of some pharmacological actions of berberine. Ind J Physiol & Pharmac 1971;15(3):111-132.
Interaction Details
Diphenhydramine is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticholinergic Drugs
Theoretically, taking European barberry with anticholinergic drugs might cause additive effects.
In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Shamsa F, Ahmadiani A, Khosrokhavar R. Antihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of barberry fruit (Berberis vulgaris) in the guinea-pig ileum. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;64:161-6.
European Barberry Overview
European barberry is a shrub that is native to Asia, Europe, and North America. The root, bark, leaf, and fruit have all been used medicinally to treat a variety of gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and urinary tract conditions. The primary active constituent of European barberry is berberine, a bitter alkaloid. Barberry has been shown to be a good source of certain vitamins, especially Vitamin C.
Diphenhydramine Overview
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Diphenhydramine is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation. Diphenhydramine is also used to prevent and treat motion sickness, and to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Diphenhydramine is also used to control abnormal movements in people who have early stage parkinsonian syndrome (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance) or who are experiencing movement problems as a side effect of a medication.
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Diphenhydramine will relieve the symptoms of these conditions but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Diphenhydramine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children. Diphenhydramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
European Barberry - More Interactions
European Barberry interacts with 1162 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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