Butcher's Broom - Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine Interaction
Herbal: Butcher's Broom
Also Known As: Ruscus aculeatus, Balai du Boucher, Box Holly, Fragon, Fragon Épineux, Fragon Faux Houx, Fragon Piquant, Houx Frelon, Jew's Myrtle, Knee Holly, Kneeholly, Kneeholm, Kneeholy, Petit Houx, Pettigree, Stickmyrten, Sweet Broom, Rusci Aculeati, Rusci Aculeati Rhizoma, Rusco
Drug: Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine
Brand names:
Amidal, Endal, Numonyl Sr, Liquibid-D, Deconsal Sprinkle, Deconsal Ped, Prolex D
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 04, 2025
Interaction Details
Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine is classified as belonging to the following category: Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists
Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.
Animal and in vitro studies show that butcher's broom has alpha-adrenergic agonist effects.
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
- Redman DA. Ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom) as a potential treatment for orthostatic hypotension, with a case report. J Altern Complement Med 2000;6:539-49..
- European Medicines Agency. Assessment report on Ruscus Aculeatus L rhizome. EMEA/HMPC/261939/2007. London, September 4, 2008. Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2009/12/WC500018288.pdf. Acces
Butcher's Broom Overview
Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a plant species in the lily family that is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is a low-growing evergreen shrub with small, spiky leaves, clusters of small, greenish flowers and small red berries. Butcher's broom, specifically the rhizomes (underground stems) and roots, has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including circulation problems, kidney issues, and varicose veins. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory, laxative and vasoconstrictive properties and is a popular dietary supplement, often marketed to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Butcher's Broom - More Interactions
Butcher's Broom interacts with 157 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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