Greater Celandine - Codeine Phosphate Interaction
Herbal: Greater Celandine
Also Known As: Chelidonium majus, Bai Qu Cai, Celandine, Celidonia Mayor, Chelidonii Herba, Racine de Chélidoine, Rhizome de Chélidoine, Rhizome de la Grande Chélidoine, Schollkraut, Swallow Wort, Tetterwort, Verruguera
Drug: Codeine Phosphate
Brand names:
Codeine
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Codeine Phosphate is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Research in vitro shows that chelidonine, a constituent of greater celandine, inhibits cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) enzyme activity. Theoretically, greater celandine might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Some drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and many others.
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
- Liu Y, Cui T, Peng Y, Ji M, Zheng J. Mechanism-based inactivation of cytochrome P450 2D6 by chelidonine. J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2019;33(2):e22251.
Greater Celandine Overview
Greater celandine, also known as Chelidonium majus, is a herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the poppy family (Papaveraceae) and is known for its bright yellow flowers and shiny, sap-filled leaves.
In traditional medicine, greater celandine is believed to have a number of medicinal properties. It is thought to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects and has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin disorders.
Greater celandine is also believed to have pain-relieving and sedative effects and has been used to treat headaches, toothaches, and other types of pain. It is sometimes used as a natural treatment for anxiety and stress, as well. Greater celandine must be used cautiously as it may have toxic effects, mainly on the liver.
Codeine Phosphate Overview
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Codeine is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. It is also used, usually in combination with other medications, to reduce coughing. Codeine will help relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of symptoms or speed recovery. Codeine belongs to a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics and to a class of medications called antitussives. When codeine is used to treat pain, it works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. When codeine is used to reduce coughing, it works by decreasing the activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.
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Codeine is also available in combination with acetaminophen (Capital and Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine), aspirin, carisoprodol, and promethazine and as an ingredient in many cough and cold medications. This monograph only includes information about the use of codeine. If you are taking a codeine combination product, be sure to read information about all the ingredients in the product you are taking and ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Greater Celandine - More Interactions
Greater Celandine interacts with 592 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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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
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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