Drug & supplement interaction

Corydalis Yanhusuo + Aspirin, Hydrocodone

Aspirin, Hydrocodone brand names: Alor 5 500, Lortab ASA.

Moderate Interaction
The bottom line Moderate

Aspirin, Hydrocodone falls into 4 drug categories that Corydalis Yanhusuo can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, Corydalis yanhusuo might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
Interactions4
EvidenceD
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
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Interaction report

Corydalis Yanhusuo and Aspirin, Hydrocodone

These two interact in 4 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.

Why Are There 4 Interactions?

Corydalis Yanhusuo interacts with whole categories of medication. Aspirin, Hydrocodone falls into 4 of those categories, so it can interact with Corydalis Yanhusuo in 4 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).

Moderate

CNS DEPRESSANTS

1 of 4

Why this applies to Aspirin, Hydrocodone

Aspirin, Hydrocodone falls under CNS DEPRESSANTS — the group Corydalis Yanhusuo interacts with.

Theoretically, Corydalis yanhusuo might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Corydalis yanhusuo contains berberine. Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, Corydalis yanhusuo might also have CNS depressants effects.
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 simple version. Your medicine pairs hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller, with aspirin. The hydrocodone part already slows down your brain and can make you drowsy, foggy, or slow your breathing. Corydalis yanhusuo has natural compounds that, in lab and animal studies, may have their own calming or sedating effect on the nervous system. Stack the two and you could feel extra sleepy, dizzy, or unsteady.

I want to be straight with you: this is a theoretical concern based on how these ingredients behave, not on solid human studies. So don't panic. But because added sedation with an opioid is the kind of thing that can sneak up on you, please run it by your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.

References
  1. Janbaz KH, Gilani AH. Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Fitoterapia 2000;71:25-33.. PubMed
  2. Shanbhag, S. M., Kulkarni, H. J., and Gaitonde, B. B. Pharmacological actions of berberine on the central nervous system. Jpn.J Pharmacol 1970;20(4):482-487. PubMed
  3. Peng, W. H., Hsieh, M. T., and Wu, C. R. Effect of long-term administration of berberine on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1997;74(3):261-266. DOI
  4. Sabir M and Bhide NK. Study of some pharmacological actions of berberine. Ind J Physiol & Pharmac 1971;15(3):111-132.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES

2 of 4

Aspirin, Hydrocodone also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, Corydalis yanhusuo might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Corydalis yanhusuo contains berberine. In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, Corydalis yanhusuo might also inhibit CYP2D6.
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 wrinkle with this combo. The hydrocodone in your Lortab ASA is actually a prodrug for part of its pain relief. Your liver uses an enzyme called CYP2D6 to turn some of it into hydromorphone, a stronger painkiller. Corydalis may gently slow that same enzyme down, so in theory you'd make a little less of that active form and might feel slightly less pain relief than usual.

The flip side is that more of the parent hydrocodone could linger, which can add to sleepiness or constipation. Honestly, this is theoretical and based on lab data, not solid human studies, so I wouldn't lose sleep over it. The aspirin part isn't really involved here. Just loop in your pharmacist before combining them.

References
  1. Chatterjee P, Franklin MR. Human cytochrome p450 inhibition and metabolic-intermediate complex formation by goldenseal extract and its methylenedioxyphenyl components. Drug Metab Dispos 2003;31:1391-7. PubMed
  2. Guo, Y., Chen, Y., Tan, Z. R., Klaassen, C. D., and Zhou, H. H. Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012;68(2):213-217. PubMed
  3. Hermann, R. and von, Richter O. Clinical evidence of herbal drugs as perpetrators of pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Planta Med 2012;78(13):1458-1477. PubMed
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES

3 of 4

Aspirin, Hydrocodone also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, Corydalis yanhusuo might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Corydalis yanhusuo contains berberine. In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, Corydalis yanhusuo might also inhibit CYP3A4.
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

This combination pill pairs aspirin with hydrocodone, an opioid pain reliever. The hydrocodone part is partly handled by a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. Corydalis yanhusuo may gently slow that enzyme down, at least in theory. If it does, your body could clear hydrocodone a little more slowly, letting it build up. That might mean stronger drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, or in higher amounts, slowed breathing.

I want to be honest here: this concern comes only from lab and early research, not solid human studies, so it's far from certain. Still, since hydrocodone affects breathing and alertness, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before combining the two. Please don't change anything on your own.

References
  1. Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72. PubMed
  2. Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
  3. Guo, Y., Chen, Y., Tan, Z. R., Klaassen, C. D., and Zhou, H. H. Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012;68(2):213-217. PubMed
  4. Hermann, R. and von, Richter O. Clinical evidence of herbal drugs as perpetrators of pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Planta Med 2012;78(13):1458-1477. PubMed
Moderate

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS

4 of 4

Aspirin, Hydrocodone also falls under ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS.

Theoretically, Corydalis yanhusuo might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Corydalis yanhusuo contains berberine. In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, Corydalis yanhusuo might also inhibit platelet aggregation.
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

This combo product pairs aspirin (a blood thinner that keeps platelets from clumping) with hydrocodone (an opioid for pain). The concern here is really about the aspirin side. Corydalis contains compounds like berberine that, in lab and animal studies, also seem to slow platelet activity. So in theory, taking both could add up and make it a little easier to bleed or bruise.

I want to be honest: this is based only on test tube and animal research, not solid human studies, so it's more of a 'keep an eye out' than a red alert. Watch for things like easy bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums. Please check with your pharmacist or doctor before combining them, rather than changing anything on your own.

References
  1. Wu, J. F. and Liu, T. P. [Effects of berberine on platelet aggregation and plasma levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rats with reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1995;30(2):98-102.
  2. Tripathi YB and Shukla SD. Berberis artistata inhibits PAF induced aggregation of rabbit platelets. Phytotherapy Research 1996;10:628-630.

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

Corydalis Yanhusuo Also Interacts With Other Medications

Corydalis Yanhusuo has 1,159 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Aspirin, Hydrocodone one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Corydalis Yanhusuo

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

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Aspirin, Hydrocodone

This page covers Corydalis Yanhusuo only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Aspirin, Hydrocodone page lists 363 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 Danshen (major).

By severity: 13 major · 308 moderate · 42 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Aspirin, Hydrocodone page

“Combining supplements with aspirin and hydrocodone (Lortab ASA, Alor 5 500) deserves real vigilance, because this medication carries two separate kinds of risk. Aspirin thins the blood, and by far the largest share of these interactions can add to that effect and raise bleeding risk.”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Aspirin, Hydrocodone interaction page

How much people look this up

Where Corydalis Yanhusuo and Aspirin, Hydrocodone 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 Corydalis Yanhusuo
Steady interest

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

29 days ago today
Medication Aspirin, Hydrocodone
Top 10%

#240 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 Corydalis Yanhusuo

What is Corydalis Yanhusuo?

  • Pain relief
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Headache
  • Stress and sleep support
  • Stomach and abdominal discomfort

Corydalis yanhusuo is a traditional Chinese herb used mainly for pain. Some early laboratory and animal research suggests its compounds may affect pain and the nervous system, but high-quality human studies are limited, so its true benefits and long-term safety are not well established. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Read the full Corydalis Yanhusuo monograph & all interactions
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Corydalis Yanhusuo

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

0Major
1,159Moderate
0Minor
1,670No known interaction
Moderate

1,159 interactions

Showing 60 of 1,159 moderate interactions — see all 1,159 on the Corydalis Yanhusuo page.

No interaction 1,670 drugs checked — show the list
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

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Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Corydalis Yanhusuo and Aspirin, Hydrocodone Together: Common Questions

Can you take Corydalis Yanhusuo with Aspirin, Hydrocodone?
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 4 interactions listed for Corydalis Yanhusuo and Aspirin, Hydrocodone?
Aspirin, Hydrocodone belongs to more than one drug category, and Corydalis Yanhusuo 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 Corydalis Yanhusuo and Aspirin, Hydrocodone 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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