Indian Snakeroot - Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Interaction
Herbal: Indian Snakeroot
Also Known As: Rauvolfia serpentina, Ajmaline, Alseroxylon, Arbre aux Serpents, Arbre de Serpents, Bois de Couleuvre, Chandra, Chandrika, Chota-Chand, Covanamilpori, Dhan-barua, Dhanburua, Dhanmarna, Java Devil-Pepper, Pagla-Ka-Dawa, Patalagandhi, Preparation 1043, Racine de Couleuvre, R
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, taking Indian snakeroot might cause additive sedative effects.
Sedation and drowsiness have been reported in clinical trials using Indian snakeroot.
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
- Sheldon MB, Kotte JH. Effect of Rauwolfia serpentina and reserpine on the blood pressure in essential hypertension; a long-term double-blind study. Circulation. 1957 Aug;16(2):200-6.
- Vakil RJ. A clinical trial of Rauwolfia serpentina in essential hypertension. Br Heart J. 1949 Oct;11(4):350-5.
- Achor RW, Hanson NO, Gifford RW Jr. Hypertension treated with Rauwolfia serpentina (whole root) and with reserpine; controlled study disclosing occasional severe depression. J Am Med Assoc. 1955 Oct 29;159(9):841-5.
- Wilkins RW, Judson WE. The use of Rauwolfia serpentina in hypertensive patients. N Engl J Med. 1953 Jan 8;248(2):48-53.
Indian Snakeroot Overview
Indian snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina), also known as sarpagandha, is a plant that is native to India and other parts of South Asia. It is a perennial shrub and has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), anxiety, and insomnia.
The roots of the Indian snakeroot plant contain a number of active compounds, including reserpine, which is known to have sedative and hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effects. Indian snakeroot has also bene used as an antipyretic.
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.
Indian Snakeroot - More Interactions
Indian Snakeroot interacts with 831 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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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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