Drug & supplement interaction

Cilantro + Famotidine, Ibuprofen

Famotidine, Ibuprofen brand name: Duexis.

Moderate Interaction
Medically reviewed by · Updated September 2026
The bottom line Moderate

Famotidine, Ibuprofen falls into 2 drug categories that Cilantro can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Evidence from in vitro research suggests that coriandrin, a constituent of cilantro, has photosensitizing effects.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
Interactions2
EvidenceD
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
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Interaction report

Cilantro and Famotidine, Ibuprofen

These two interact in 2 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.

Why Are There 2 Interactions?

Cilantro interacts with whole categories of medication. Famotidine, Ibuprofen falls into 2 of those categories, so it can interact with Cilantro in 2 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).

Moderate

PHOTOSENSITIZING DRUGS

1 of 2

Why this applies to Famotidine, Ibuprofen

Famotidine, Ibuprofen falls under PHOTOSENSITIZING DRUGS — the group Cilantro interacts with.

Evidence from in vitro research suggests that coriandrin, a constituent of cilantro, has photosensitizing effects. Theoretically, concomitant use with photosensitizing drugs might increase photosensitivity. Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), quinolones (Ciprofloxacin, others), sulfa drugs (Septra, Bactrim, others), and tetracycline.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the gist for Duexis, which combines famotidine (an acid reducer) and ibuprofen (an NSAID pain reliever). Ibuprofen on its own can occasionally make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, meaning you might burn faster or break out in a rash after time outdoors. Cilantro contains a compound called coriandrin that, in lab studies, also seems to make skin more sun-reactive.

So in theory, pairing the two could add up to a bit more sun sensitivity. I want to be honest though: this is based only on laboratory pharmacology, not real patient cases, and the cilantro you sprinkle on tacos is very unlikely to matter. Concentrated cilantro supplements or essential oil would be the bigger question. If you use those, just wear sunscreen and check with your pharmacist.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Ashwood-Smith, M. J., Warrington, P. J., Jenkins, M., Ceska, O., and Romaniuk, P. J. Photobiological properties of a novel, naturally occurring furoisocoumarin, coriandrin. Photochem.Photobiol. 1989;50(6):745-751. PubMed
Moderate

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS

2 of 2

Famotidine, Ibuprofen also falls under ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS.

In vitro research suggests that extracts of cilantro can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, cilantro might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs. Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Duexis combines two medicines: ibuprofen (an NSAID) and famotidine (an acid reducer that helps protect your stomach). The interaction here is really about the ibuprofen part. NSAIDs already nudge your platelets toward not clumping as easily, so they can raise bleeding risk on their own. Lab studies hint that cilantro may also make platelets a bit less sticky, so in theory the two together could add up and make bleeding or bruising a little more likely.

I'll be honest though, this is theoretical and based on test-tube work, not real patient cases. The cilantro you eat in salsa or on tacos is very unlikely to cause trouble. Concentrated cilantro supplements or essential oil are the bigger question mark. Watch for easy bruising, nosebleeds, or stomach upset, and check with your pharmacist before using cilantro supplements.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Suneetha WJ, Krishnakantha TP. Antiplatelet activity of coriander and curry leaf spices. Pharm Biol. 2005;43(3):230-3. DOI

What These Ratings Mean

Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.

Severity how clinically significant the interaction is
Major

Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.

Moderate

Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.

Minor

Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.

Likelihood how strong the evidence is that the interaction actually happens in people
  • 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.
Evidence the quality of the studies behind the rating (graded A–D)
  • 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.

Keep it in perspective

Cilantro Also Interacts With Other Medications

Cilantro has 433 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Famotidine, Ibuprofen one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Moderate 433 No known interaction 2,397 (incl. Famotidine, Ibuprofen)
Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Cilantro

Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Cilantro. Pick one to open its full report.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Famotidine, Ibuprofen

This page covers Cilantro only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Famotidine, Ibuprofen page lists 297 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), Danshen (major) and Piracetam (major).

By severity: 7 major · 245 moderate · 45 minor.

Open the Famotidine, Ibuprofen interaction page

How much people look this up

Where Cilantro and Famotidine, Ibuprofen 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.

Supplement Cilantro
Steady interest

#766 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today
Medication Famotidine, Ibuprofen
Top 10%

#219 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

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.

Supplement

About Cilantro

What is Cilantro?

  • Digestive upset and bloating
  • Antimicrobial support
  • Antioxidant support
  • Heavy metal 'detox' (chelation) claims
  • Culinary flavoring

Cilantro is the leafy part of the Coriandrum sativum plant and is widely eaten as a food, where it is considered safe for most people. While it has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in lab studies, strong human evidence for any specific health benefit is lacking, and popular 'detox' claims are not well supported. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated cilantro supplements or essential oil.

Read the full Cilantro monograph & all interactions
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Cilantro

Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Cilantro — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.

0Major
433Moderate
0Minor
2,396No known interaction
433 Moderate 2,396 No interaction
Moderate

433 interactions

Showing 60 of 433 moderate interactions — see all 433 on the Cilantro page.

No interaction 2,396 drugs checked — show the list

We also checked Cilantro against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.

Showing the 60 most looked-up of 2,396 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Cilantro list.

See the full Cilantro interactions page
See every supplement checked against Famotidine, Ibuprofen, ranked by severity
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.

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

Keep exploring
Cilantro monograph › Uses, safety, and every drug interaction in one place Famotidine, Ibuprofen supplement interactions › Every supplement checked against Famotidine, Ibuprofen, ranked by severity Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Cilantro and Famotidine, Ibuprofen Together: Common Questions

Can you take Cilantro with Famotidine, Ibuprofen?
There is a moderate interaction, so it may be acceptable with monitoring or timing changes — but check with your pharmacist first. Read the full details on this page and confirm with your pharmacist before combining them.
Why are there 2 interactions listed for Cilantro and Famotidine, Ibuprofen?
Famotidine, Ibuprofen belongs to more than one drug category, and Cilantro interacts with each of those categories a little differently. We list every one so nothing is missed — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them.
How serious is the Cilantro and Famotidine, Ibuprofen interaction?
We rate it Moderate. This combination may require monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one. Consult your pharmacist before using them together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.