Drug & supplement interaction

Eucalyptus + Clomipramine

Clomipramine brand names: Anafranil, Anafranil SR.

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

Clomipramine falls into 4 drug categories that Eucalyptus can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, eucalyptus might increase the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.

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

Eucalyptus and Clomipramine

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

Why Are There 4 Interactions?

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

Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES

1 of 4

Why this applies to Clomipramine

Clomipramine falls under CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES — the group Eucalyptus interacts with.

Theoretically, eucalyptus might increase the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that eucalyptus oil might inhibit CYP1A2, although this has not been reported in humans.
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 clomipramine (Anafranil). Your body uses a liver enzyme called CYP1A2 to help clear this medicine out. Lab tests hint that concentrated eucalyptus oil might slow that enzyme down a bit. If that happened in real life, clomipramine could build up a little more than usual, which might mean stronger side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, dizziness, or a faster heartbeat.

I want to be straight with you though: this is only a theoretical concern from test-tube and animal work, and it has never actually been shown in people. Breathing in eucalyptus from a vapor rub or lozenge is very unlikely to matter. Still, never swallow the oil, and check with your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated forms.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES

2 of 4

Clomipramine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, eucalyptus might increase the levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that eucalyptus oil might inhibit CYP2C19, although this has not been reported in humans.
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 short version: your body partly relies on a liver enzyme called CYP2C19 to clear clomipramine. Lab studies hint that eucalyptus oil might slow that enzyme down. If that happened in real life, clomipramine could build up a bit more than expected, nudging up its usual side effects like dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness on standing, blurry vision, or a faster heartbeat.

The important thing to keep in mind is that this is only seen in test-tube research, not in actual people, so I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Smelling eucalyptus in a vapor rub or inhaler is very unlikely to matter. Swallowing the oil is a separate danger and should never be done. If you're using a concentrated eucalyptus product, just run it by your pharmacist or doctor first.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES

3 of 4

Clomipramine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, eucalyptus might increase the levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that eucalyptus oil might inhibit CYP2C9, although this has not been reported in humans.
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: Clomipramine is an active medication (not a prodrug that needs to be switched on), and your body uses liver enzymes, including one called CYP2C9, to help break it down and clear it. Lab studies hint that concentrated eucalyptus oil might slow that enzyme a bit. In theory, that could let a little more clomipramine build up, which might nudge up its usual side effects, things like drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, or a faster heartbeat.

The honest part: this concern only comes from test-tube research and has never actually been seen in people, so it's more theoretical than proven. Normal sniffing of a vapor rub or lozenge is very unlikely to matter. Still, if you plan to take eucalyptus by mouth in supplement form, check with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES

4 of 4

Clomipramine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, eucalyptus might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that eucalyptus oil might inhibit CYP3A4, although this has not been reported in humans.
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 basic idea with eucalyptus and your clomipramine. Lab studies hint that eucalyptus oil might slow down an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is one of the pathways your body uses to break down clomipramine. If that enzyme gets blocked, clomipramine could clear more slowly and build up a bit, which in theory could mean stronger effects or more side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, dizziness on standing, or a faster heartbeat.

That said, this is only seen in test-tube research and has not been shown in real people. Light use, like a vapor rub or inhaling the aroma, is very unlikely to matter. Swallowing eucalyptus oil is never safe, so check with your pharmacist or doctor before using any oral product.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed

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

Eucalyptus Also Interacts With Other Medications

Eucalyptus has 877 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Clomipramine one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Moderate 877 No known interaction 1,953 (incl. Clomipramine)
Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Eucalyptus

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

From our Q&A

Questions About Eucalyptus or Clomipramine

These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Eucalyptus or Clomipramine, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:

Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Clomipramine

This page covers Eucalyptus only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Clomipramine page lists 236 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Grapefruit (major), Henbane (major), Scopolia (major) and St. John's Wort (major).

By severity: 5 major · 179 moderate · 52 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Clomipramine page

“A tricyclic antidepressant used mostly for OCD, clomipramine (Anafranil) is unforgiving of shifts in its blood level, which is why its 236 supplement interactions deserve genuine wariness. Most of the list involves metabolism: herbs that speed up or slow down the liver enzymes handling clomipramine can drag its level too low or push it…”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Clomipramine interaction page

One more smart check

Taking Eucalyptus as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions

We hold 216 real supplement products containing Eucalyptus, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Eucalyptus. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Clomipramine too, on top of Eucalyptus — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:

How much people look this up

Where Eucalyptus and Clomipramine 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 Eucalyptus
Top half

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

29 days ago today
Medication Clomipramine
Steady interest

#1,963 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 Eucalyptus

What is Eucalyptus?

Eucalyptus
  • Cough and chest congestion
  • Colds and flu symptoms
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Minor muscle and joint aches
  • Aromatherapy

Eucalyptus is best known for its strong-smelling oil used in vapor rubs, inhalants, and lozenges to ease coughs and congestion. It may provide mild, short-term relief of cold symptoms, but the oil is toxic if swallowed and must never be taken by mouth undiluted. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially in children, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.

Read the full Eucalyptus monograph & all interactions
Medication

About Clomipramine

What Is Clomipramine Used For?

Brand names: Anafranil, Anafranil SR

Clomipramine — sold as Anafranil and under the generic name Clomipramine Hydrochloride — is approved to treat obsessions and compulsions in people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This includes adults and children/adolescents ages 10 to 17.

To qualify for treatment, the obsessions or compulsions must cause significant distress, take up a lot of time, or noticeably interfere with work, school, or social life.

See full Clomipramine drug information
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Eucalyptus

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

0Major
877Moderate
0Minor
1,952No known interaction
877 Moderate 1,952 No interaction
Moderate

877 interactions

Showing 60 of 877 moderate interactions — see all 877 on the Eucalyptus page.

No interaction 1,952 drugs checked — show the list

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

Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,952 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Eucalyptus list.

See the full Eucalyptus interactions page
See every supplement checked against Clomipramine, 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
Eucalyptus monograph › Uses, safety, and every drug interaction in one place Clomipramine supplement interactions › Every supplement checked against Clomipramine, ranked by severity Clomipramine drug information › The full plain-English guide to this medication 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 Eucalyptus and Clomipramine Together: Common Questions

Can you take Eucalyptus with Clomipramine?
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 Eucalyptus and Clomipramine?
Clomipramine belongs to more than one drug category, and Eucalyptus 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 Eucalyptus and Clomipramine 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

Still Have a Question About Clomipramine and Eucalyptus?

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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.