Bitter Almond - Benzhydrocodone, Acetaminophen Interaction
Herbal: Bitter Almond
Also Known As: Prunus amygdalus, Almendra Amarga, Almendro Amargo, Amande Amère, Amandier Amer, Amandier a Fruits Amers, Amendoa Amarga, Amygdala Amara, Bitter Almond Oil, Bitter Almond Tree, Bittere Amandel, Bittere Mandel, Bittere Mandeln, Bittere-Amandelboom, Bittermandel, Bitterma
Drug: Benzhydrocodone, Acetaminophen
Brand names:
Apadaz
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Benzhydrocodone, Acetaminophen is classified as belonging to the following category: Cns Depressants
Theoretically, bitter almond oil may have additive effects with other CNS depressants.
Bitter almond and its oil contain amygdalin, which is hydrolyzed to toxic hydrocyanic acid. This can cause CNS depression and respiratory failure.
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
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Bitter Almond Overview
Bitter almond is a variety of almond. It has traditionally been used as an antispasmodic, narcotic, cough suppressant, and to treat itching.
Bitter almond oil contains a toxic compound called amygdalin, which is metabolized to hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in the body. This chemical slows down the nervous system and can cause breathing problems. It must be used cautiously. It should not be confused with other types of almond, like sweet almond, which is safe to consume.
Benzhydrocodone, Acetaminophen Overview
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The combination of benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen is used to relieve acute pain (pain that begins suddenly, has a specific cause, and is expected to go away when the cause of the pain is healed) that cannot be relieved by other non-opioid pain medications. Benzhydrocodone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). When acetaminophen is used in combination with benzhydrocodone to treat pain, it works by changing the way the body senses pain.
Bitter Almond - More Interactions
Bitter Almond interacts with 247 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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