Boswellia Serrata + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine brand name: Colrex.
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine falls into 3 drug categories that Boswellia Serrata can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, Boswellia serrata might increase the levels of CYP2D6 substrates.
Read the full interaction reportBoswellia Serrata and Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine
These two interact in 3 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 3 Interactions?
Boswellia Serrata interacts with whole categories of medication. Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine falls into 3 of those categories, so it can interact with Boswellia Serrata in 3 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES
1 of 3Why this applies to Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES — the group Boswellia Serrata interacts with.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP2D6 enzymes.
Interaction 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.
This combination cold and pain product (Colrex) contains codeine, which is the piece that matters most here. Codeine is a prodrug, meaning your body has to convert it using an enzyme called CYP2D6 into morphine before it actually relieves pain or quiets a cough. Lab studies hint that boswellia may block that same enzyme. If that happens in real life, less codeine would turn into morphine, so you might get weaker pain and cough relief rather than more.
The good news: this is only a theoretical, test-tube concern, and the other ingredients (acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine) aren't a big worry. Culinary or modest supplement amounts likely matter little, but it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist if you take boswellia regularly.
- Frank A, Unger M. Analysis of frankincense from various Boswellia species with inhibitory activity on human drug metabolising cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry after automated on-line extraction. J Chromatogr A 2006;111 PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES
2 of 3Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP1A2 enzymes.
Interaction 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.
This Colrex combination packs four ingredients (acetaminophen, the antihistamine chlorpheniramine, codeine, and the decongestant phenylephrine). The concern on file is that boswellia might block a liver enzyme called CYP1A2, which could let certain drugs build up a bit. Honestly, though, the main players here, codeine and acetaminophen, lean more on other enzymes (CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and glucuronidation), so CYP1A2 plays only a small role for this product.
Worth knowing too: this is purely a laboratory finding, not something seen in real patients, so I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Still, if you notice extra drowsiness, dizziness, or constipation from the codeine side, that's the kind of thing to watch. Run it by your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.
- Frank A, Unger M. Analysis of frankincense from various Boswellia species with inhibitory activity on human drug metabolising cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry after automated on-line extraction. J Chromatogr A 2006;111 PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
3 of 3Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata gum resin inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes. Other in vitro research shows that Boswellia serrata extract inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes at most concentrations, although it may modestly induce enzyme activity at low concentrations.
Interaction 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.
This combination product (Colrex) carries a few ingredients, and the one worth flagging is codeine. Codeine is a prodrug, meaning your body has to convert it into morphine to get pain relief. While CYP2D6 does most of that work, CYP3A4 also helps process codeine. Lab studies suggest boswellia might block CYP3A4, but the evidence here is purely theoretical (test-tube data only), so I wouldn't lose sleep over it.
If anything shifted, you might notice slightly stronger codeine effects like drowsiness, constipation, or dizziness. The acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine pieces aren't a major concern with boswellia. Since this is unproven, just let your pharmacist know you're taking boswellia, especially if you feel more sedated than usual.
- Frank A, Unger M. Analysis of frankincense from various Boswellia species with inhibitory activity on human drug metabolising cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry after automated on-line extraction. J Chromatogr A 2006;111 PubMed
- Haron MH, Dale O, Martin K, et al. Evaluation of the Herb-Drug Interaction Potential of Commonly Used Botanicals on the US Market with Regard to PXR- and AhR-Mediated Influences on CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. J Diet Suppl 2022. PubMed
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
- ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- 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.
- UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
- AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
- BCase-control study.
- CConsensus.
- DAnecdotal evidence.
These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Boswellia Serrata Also Interacts With Other Medications
Boswellia Serrata has 951 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Boswellia Serrata
We haven’t checked that one against Boswellia Serrata yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Boswellia Serrata. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine
This page covers Boswellia Serrata only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine page lists 338 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: 1,4-butanediol (major), Activated Charcoal (major), Asarabacca (major), Beer (major) and Ephedra (major).
By severity: 18 major · 275 moderate · 45 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine page
“Someone taking Colrex is usually fighting a miserable cold, and cold season is also when people reach for herbal sleep aids and energy boosters, which is exactly where this list bites hardest. Colrex combines acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, codeine, and phenylephrine, and 18 of its 338 supplement interactions rate major, enough to war…”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Open the Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interaction page
Taking Boswellia Serrata as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 1,914 real supplement products containing Boswellia Serrata, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Boswellia Serrata. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine too, on top of Boswellia Serrata — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Boswellia Serrata and Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine Sit Against Everything Else
Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.
#93 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#252 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.
About Boswellia Serrata
What is Boswellia Serrata?
- Osteoarthritis joint pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammation
- Asthma
- Inflammatory bowel conditions
Boswellia serrata is a tree resin used in traditional medicine, mainly for joint pain and inflammation. Some studies suggest it may help with osteoarthritis symptoms, but the overall evidence is limited and more research is needed. It is generally well tolerated, but you should check with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Other Drugs & Boswellia Serrata
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Boswellia Serrata — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
951 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Theophylline ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Naproxen ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Glyburide ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Triamcinolone ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Everolimus ›
- Ivabradine ›
- Lofepramine ›
- Medroxyprogesterone ›
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ›
- Meloxicam ›
- Nortriptyline ›
- Propoxyphene ›
- Rifampin ›
- Testosterone Undecanoate ›
- Aripiprazole ›
Showing 60 of 951 moderate interactions — see all 951 on the Boswellia Serrata page.
No interaction 1,878 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Boswellia Serrata against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Aspirin ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Docusate ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Bupropion ›
- Metformin ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Mannitol ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Levodopa ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Phentermine, Topiramate ›
- Lenvatinib ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Pentobarbitone ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Procainamide ›
- Tenecteplase ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,878 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Boswellia Serrata list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
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
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine Is Linked to Lower Levels of One Nutrient
Natural Medicines records Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Boswellia Serrata — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking Boswellia Serrata and Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine Together: Common Questions
Can you take Boswellia Serrata with Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine?
Why are there 3 interactions listed for Boswellia Serrata and Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine?
How serious is the Boswellia Serrata and Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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