Boswellia Serrata + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine brand name: Vicks NyQuil.
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine 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, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine
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, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine 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, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine 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.
The piece of NyQuil that matters most here is the dextromethorphan (the cough suppressant). Your liver uses an enzyme called CYP2D6 to clear it. In lab studies (test tube only), boswellic acids appear to slow that same enzyme down. If that held true in people, dextromethorphan could build up a bit more than usual, which might mean extra drowsiness, dizziness, or a foggy, lightheaded feeling on top of what NyQuil already causes.
I want to be honest about the strength of this: it's theoretical, based on lab work, not real patient cases, so for most folks taking occasional NyQuil it's unlikely to be a big deal. Still, since NyQuil already makes you sleepy, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist 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 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES
2 of 3Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine 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.
Here's the gist with NyQuil and boswellia. In lab dishes, boswellia appears to slow down a liver enzyme called CYP1A2. A few of the pieces in NyQuil lean on that enzyme to get cleared out, so in theory they could hang around a little longer and feel a bit stronger. With this combo that might mean extra drowsiness or grogginess, more dry mouth, or a touch more dizziness, mostly from the doxylamine and dextromethorphan parts.
I want to be honest though: this is only a theoretical concern based on test-tube work, not real patients, so it may not amount to much. Still, since NyQuil already makes most folks sleepy, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist before pairing the two 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 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
3 of 3Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine 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.
NyQuil combines several active ingredients, and one of them, dextromethorphan, is partly processed by the CYP3A4 enzyme system. Lab studies suggest Boswellia may block this enzyme, which could let dextromethorphan build up a bit. In practice that might mean more drowsiness, dizziness, or feeling foggy than you would normally expect from a dose of NyQuil. None of these ingredients are prodrugs, so we are talking about effects being slightly stronger, not weaker.
Keep in mind this is theoretical, based on test-tube research rather than real patients, so it may not amount to much at all. Still, since NyQuil already makes most people sleepy, it is worth a quick chat with your pharmacist before combining them, especially if you take Boswellia daily.
- 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 953 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine 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, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine
This page covers Boswellia Serrata only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine page lists 286 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Asarabacca (major), Beer (major), Ephedra (major) and Grapefruit (major).
By severity: 14 major · 227 moderate · 45 minor.
Open the Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine 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, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine 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, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine 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.
#85 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#602 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 “”.
953 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 953 moderate interactions — see all 953 on the Boswellia Serrata page.
No interaction 1,876 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 ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Aspirin ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Docusate ›
- Metformin ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Bupropion ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Acetylsalicylic Acid ›
- Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide ›
- Insulin Degludec, Liraglutide ›
- Calcium Oxybate, Magnesium Oxybate, Potassium Oxybate, Sodium Oxybate ›
- Atenolol, Chlorthalidone ›
- Aspirin, Butalbital ›
- Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine ›
- Enalapril Maleate ›
- Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia Serpentina ›
- Canagliflozin, Metformin ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Theophylline ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Levodopa ›
- Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Rifampin ›
- Daunorubicin, Cytarabine ›
- Bismuth Subcarbonate, Calcium Carbonate, Opium ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Ceftolozane Sulfate, Tazobactam Sodium ›
- Amobarbital, Ephedrine Sulfate ›
- Hydrocortisone, Clioquinol, Pramoxine ›
- Mannitol ›
- Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide ›
- Insulin Aspart, Insulin Degludec ›
- Aspirin, Ethoheptazine, Meprobamate ›
- Sodium Bicarbonate (otc Drug) ›
- Acarbose ›
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella Virus Live ›
- Peginterferon Alfa-2a, Ribavirin ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,876 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, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine Is Linked to Lower Levels of One Nutrient
Natural Medicines records Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine 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:
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, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine Together: Common Questions
Can you take Boswellia Serrata with Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine?
Why are there 3 interactions listed for Boswellia Serrata and Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine?
How serious is the Boswellia Serrata and Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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