Cola Nut - Promethazine, Pseudoephedrine Interaction
Herbal: Cola Nut
Also Known As: Cola acuminata, Bissey Nut, Bissy Nut, Bitter Kola, Guru Nut, Gworo, Kola Nut, Kolatier, Noix de Cola, Noix de Kola, Noix du Soudan, Nuez de Cola, Soudan Coffee
Drug: Promethazine, Pseudoephedrine
Brand names:
Phenergan D
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
Promethazine, Pseudoephedrine is classified as belonging to the following category: Stimulant Drugs
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Cola nut contains caffeine. Due to the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects of caffeine, concomitant use with stimulant drugs can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
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.
References
- Institute of Medicine. Caffeine for the Sustainment of Mental Task Performance: Formulations for Military Operations. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001. Available at: http://books.nap.edu/books/0309082587/html/index.html.
Interaction Details
Promethazine, Pseudoephedrine is classified as belonging to the following category: Phenothiazines
Theoretically, phenothiazines might increase the levels and adverse effects of the caffeine in cola nut.
Cola nut contains caffeine. Phenothiazines can reduce the metabolism of caffeine by inhibiting cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2).
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
- Wojcikowski, J. and Daniel, W. A. Perazine at therapeutic drug concentrations inhibits human cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 1A2 (CYP1A2) and caffeine metabolism--an in vitro study. Pharmacol Rep. 2009;61(5):851-858.
- Daniel, W. A., Syrek, M., Rylko, Z., and Kot, M. Effects of phenothiazine neuroleptics on the rate of caffeine demethylation and hydroxylation in the rat liver. Pol.J Pharmacol 2001;53(6):615-621.
Cola Nut Overview
Cola nut (Cola acuminata) is a plant native to West Africa and a member of the Malvaceae family. The plant has dark green leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers. The seeds of the cola nut plant have been used in traditional medicine for their purported effects, such as stimulating the central nervous system, improving physical performance, and increasing energy and alertness. It is sometimes added to energy drinks, weight loss supplements, and other products. Caffeine is one of the compounds found in Cola nut seeds.
Cola Nut - More Interactions
Cola Nut interacts with 647 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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