German Chamomile + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine brand names: Gesic C8, Gesic C15, Lenoltec 2, Gesic C30, Lenoltec 3, and others.
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine falls into 4 drug categories that German Chamomile can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, German chamomile might have additive effects when used with CNS depressants.
Read the full interaction reportGerman Chamomile and Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine
These two interact in 4 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 4 Interactions?
German Chamomile interacts with whole categories of medication. Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine falls into 4 of those categories, so it can interact with German Chamomile in 4 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CNS DEPRESSANTS
1 of 4Why this applies to Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine falls under CNS DEPRESSANTS — the group German Chamomile interacts with.
German chamomile has mild sedative effects. Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs with sedative properties can cause additive effects and side effects.
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.
The piece of this combo pill that matters here is the codeine. Codeine is an opioid, and one of its built-in effects is making you feel drowsy and relaxed. German chamomile, usually sipped as a tea, has its own mild calming, sleepy quality. Put the two together and those effects can stack up, so you might feel more tired, foggy, or lightheaded than you'd expect.
To be fair, this is a theoretical concern based mostly on lab work, not strong human studies, and a normal cup of chamomile tea is unlikely to knock you out. Stronger, concentrated chamomile supplements are more of a question mark. If you take this medicine and want chamomile too, just run it by your pharmacist or doctor first, especially before driving.
- Viola H, Wasowski C, Levi de Stein M, et al. Apigenin, a component of Matricaria recutita flowers, is a central benzodiazepine receptors-ligand with anxiolytic effects. Planta Med 1995;61:213-6.
- Avallone R, Zanoli P, Puia G, et al. Pharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla. Biochem Pharmacol 2000;59:1387-94. PubMed
- Loggia RD, Traversa U, Scarcia V, et al. Depressive effects of Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rausch, tubular flowers, on central nervous system in mice. Pharmacol Res Commun 1982;14(2):153-162. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES
2 of 4Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro evidence shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP2D6. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 in patients taking German chamomile.
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.
Here's the wrinkle with this combo product: the codeine part is a prodrug. Your body uses an enzyme called CYP2D6 to turn codeine into morphine, which is what actually relieves pain. German chamomile may gently block that same enzyme, at least in lab studies. If it slows that conversion, you could get less pain relief from the codeine, not more.
The good news is this is only theoretical right now, based on test-tube work, and it hasn't been seen in real people. An occasional cup of chamomile tea is very unlikely to matter. If you take concentrated chamomile supplements daily, or notice your pain isn't being controlled, just mention it to your pharmacist or doctor before changing anything.
- Ganzera M, Schneider P, Stuppner H. Inhibitory effects of the essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and its major constituents on human cytochrome P450 enzymes. Life Sci 2006;78(8):856-861. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
3 of 4Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro evidence shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP3A4. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 in patients taking German chamomile.
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.
This combo pill pairs a pain reliever (acetaminophen), a mild stimulant (caffeine), and codeine, an opioid. Here's the wrinkle: lab studies hint that German chamomile may gently slow the CYP3A4 enzyme. Codeine is partly handled by that pathway, so in theory chamomile could let a bit more of it linger. With an opioid, that might mean more drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, or feeling foggy.
Honestly though, this is only based on test-tube work and hasn't been seen in real people, so for an occasional cup of chamomile tea I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Concentrated chamomile supplements are a bigger question mark. If you take this medicine regularly, just run it by your pharmacist or doctor first.
- 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
- Ganzera M, Schneider P, Stuppner H. Inhibitory effects of the essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and its major constituents on human cytochrome P450 enzymes. Life Sci 2006;78(8):856-861. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES
4 of 4Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro and animal research shows that German chamomile might inhibit CYP1A2. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, there might be an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 in patients taking German chamomile.
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.
Here's the practical picture with this combo pill. The piece that interacts with chamomile is the caffeine, which your body clears using an enzyme called CYP1A2. Lab and animal studies hint that German chamomile might slow that enzyme down a little, so caffeine could linger longer in your system. In real life that might mean you feel a bit more of the usual caffeine effects, like jitteriness, a racing heart, or trouble sleeping.
Honestly, this is rated minor and rests only on test-tube and animal data, with nothing reported in actual people. A cup or two of chamomile tea is very unlikely to cause trouble. If you're using concentrated chamomile supplements or notice extra restlessness, just check in with your pharmacist or doctor.
- Maliakal PP, Wanwimolruk S. Effect of herbal teas on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2001;53:1323-9. PubMed
- Ganzera M, Schneider P, Stuppner H. Inhibitory effects of the essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and its major constituents on human cytochrome P450 enzymes. Life Sci 2006;78(8):856-861. PubMed
What These Ratings Mean
Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.
Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.
Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.
Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.
- 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.
- 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.
German Chamomile Also Interacts With Other Medications
German Chamomile has 924 moderate, 35 minor known drug interactions in our database — the Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against German Chamomile
We haven’t checked that one against German Chamomile yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against German Chamomile. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine
This page covers German Chamomile only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine page lists 303 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 Ephedra (major).
By severity: 15 major · 244 moderate · 44 minor.
Taking German Chamomile as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 782 real supplement products containing German Chamomile, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides German Chamomile. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine too, on top of German Chamomile — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where German Chamomile and Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine 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.
#250 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#83 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days
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.
About German Chamomile
What is German Chamomile?
- Anxiety and stress
- Sleep and relaxation
- Digestive upset
- Skin irritation and inflammation
- Mouth sores and gum irritation
German chamomile is a widely used herbal remedy taken mainly as a tea for calming, sleep, and digestive complaints. Early research suggests possible benefits for mild anxiety and some skin or digestive issues, but the evidence is limited and most uses are based on tradition rather than strong proof. It is generally well tolerated, but people allergic to ragweed or related plants and those who are pregnant should be cautious.
Other Drugs & German Chamomile
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against German Chamomile — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
924 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Diphenhydramine ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Naproxen ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Flurazepam ›
- Glyburide ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Nitrazepam ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Everolimus ›
- Ivabradine ›
- Lofepramine ›
- Medroxyprogesterone ›
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ›
- Meloxicam ›
- Meprobamate ›
- Nortriptyline ›
- Oxymorphone ›
- Propoxyphene ›
- Rifampin ›
Showing 60 of 924 moderate interactions — see all 924 on the German Chamomile page.
35 interactions
- Theophylline ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Riluzole ›
- Asenapine ›
- Ropinirole ›
- Tizanidine ›
- Anagrelide ›
- Bendamustine Hydrochloride ›
- Fezolinetant ›
- Grepafloxacin ›
- Paracetamol ›
- Pirfenidone ›
- Rasagiline ›
- Ropivacaine ›
- Tacrine ›
- Triclabendazole ›
- Acetaminophen, Butalbital ›
- Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine ›
- Guaifenesin, Theophylline ›
- Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone ›
- Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine ›
- Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine ›
- Ephedrine, Hydroxyzine, Theophylline ›
- Acetaminophen, Aspirin ›
- Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine ›
- Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine ›
- Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine ›
- Acetaminophen, Methocarbamol ›
- Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine ›
- Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine ›
- Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine ›
- Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine, Salicylamide ›
- Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Triprolidine ›
- Ephedrine Sulfate, Hydroxyzine, Theophylline ›
No interaction 1,870 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked German Chamomile against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Aspirin ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Docusate ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Bupropion ›
- Metformin ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Mannitol ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Levodopa ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Procainamide ›
- Lenvatinib ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Tenecteplase ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Digoxin ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Dextrothyroxine ›
- Lomustine ›
- Acetylsalicylic Acid ›
- Succimer ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,870 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full German Chamomile list.
Sources & How We Checked
Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for vitamins, herbs and supplements — the basis for our interaction data.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for the medication overviews.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — Official supplement product labels.
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
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine Is Linked to Lower Levels of 2 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with German Chamomile — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
Read the full Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine nutrient depletion report ›
Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.
Taking German Chamomile and Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine Together: Common Questions
Can you take German Chamomile with Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine?
Why are there 4 interactions listed for German Chamomile and Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine?
How serious is the German Chamomile and Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Still Have a Question About Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine and German Chamomile?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.