Drug & supplement interaction

Hibiscus Sabdariffa + Codeine, Paracetamol

Codeine, Paracetamol brand name: Co-codamol.

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

Codeine, Paracetamol falls into 4 drug categories that Hibiscus Sabdariffa can interact with; the most serious is rated minor. Theoretically, Hibiscus sabdariffa extract might reduce the metabolism of CYP1A2 substrates.

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

Hibiscus Sabdariffa and Codeine, Paracetamol

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

Why Are There 4 Interactions?

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

Minor

CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES

1 of 4

Why this applies to Codeine, Paracetamol

Codeine, Paracetamol falls under CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES — the group Hibiscus Sabdariffa interacts with.

Theoretically, Hibiscus sabdariffa extract might reduce the metabolism of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract inhibits CYP1A2. This interaction has not been reported in humans.
Severity Minor 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 honest version: this concern is mostly theoretical. In lab dishes (not in real people), hibiscus extract slowed down a liver enzyme called CYP1A2. That enzyme plays only a small role in handling co-codamol, since codeine is mainly activated by a different enzyme (CYP2D6) and paracetamol is cleared by other pathways. So even in theory, any effect here would be minor.

If hibiscus did nudge CYP1A2 a little, the most you might notice is slightly more of codeine's usual effects, like drowsiness, constipation, or feeling foggy. With hibiscus tea in normal amounts, I wouldn't worry. If you're using a concentrated hibiscus supplement regularly, just mention it to your pharmacist so they can keep an eye on things.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Johnson SS, Oyelola FT, Ari T, Juho H. In vitro inhibitory activities of the extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (family Malvaceae) on selected cytochrome P450 isoforms. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2013 Apr 12;10(3):533-40.
Minor

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES

2 of 4

Codeine, Paracetamol also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, Hibiscus sabdariffa extract might reduce the metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract inhibits CYP2D6. This interaction has not been reported in humans.
Severity Minor 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 co-codamol: the codeine part is a prodrug. Your body needs an enzyme called CYP2D6 to turn codeine into morphine, which is what actually relieves pain. Hibiscus has shown in lab dish studies that it can block CYP2D6. If that held true in people, less codeine would convert to morphine, so you might get weaker pain relief rather than more side effects.

The good news is this is purely theoretical, based on test-tube work, and has never been reported in real patients. A cup or two of hibiscus tea is very unlikely to matter. If you're using concentrated hibiscus supplements daily, just mention it to your pharmacist or doctor so they can keep an eye on how well your pain is controlled.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Johnson SS, Oyelola FT, Ari T, Juho H. In vitro inhibitory activities of the extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (family Malvaceae) on selected cytochrome P450 isoforms. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2013 Apr 12;10(3):533-40.
Minor

ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol, others)

3 of 4
Theoretically, taking Hibiscus sabdariffa with acetaminophen might decrease the clinical effects of acetaminophen.
There is some evidence that consuming a Hibiscus sabdariffa beverage (Zobo drink) before taking acetaminophen can decrease the elimination half-life of acetaminophen. Hibiscus sabdariffa does not seem to decrease maximum concentration or area under the curve of acetaminophen. The clinical significance of this is unknown.
Severity Minor Likelihood Probable Evidence B

Interaction 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..

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Your Co-codamol combines two ingredients: codeine for pain and paracetamol (acetaminophen). The interaction we have on file is between hibiscus and the paracetamol part. Some small research suggests that drinking a hibiscus beverage before taking paracetamol may help your body clear it a little faster (a shorter half-life). In plain terms, the pain-relieving effect of the paracetamol could wear off slightly sooner, though the studies did not show a big drop in how much actually reached your bloodstream.

Honestly, this is rated as a minor interaction and the real-world impact is unknown. An occasional cup of hibiscus tea is very unlikely to be a problem. If you take Co-codamol regularly or use concentrated hibiscus supplements, just mention it to your pharmacist so they can keep an eye on whether your pain relief still holds up.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Kolawole JA, Maduenyi A. Effect of zobo drink (Hibiscus sabdariffa water extract) on pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in human volunteers. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2004;29:25-9.
Minor

CYTOCHROME P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) SUBSTRATES

4 of 4

Codeine, Paracetamol also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, Hibiscus sabdariffa extract might reduce the metabolism of CYP2E1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract inhibits CYP2E1. This interaction has not been reported in humans.
Severity Minor 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 thing with Co-codamol and hibiscus. This combo pill pairs codeine with paracetamol (acetaminophen), and the part that touches the enzyme in question (called CYP2E1) is the paracetamol. That enzyme is one route the liver uses to handle paracetamol, and in a test-tube study hibiscus extract slowed it down a bit. In theory, slower clearance could mean a little more paracetamol hanging around.

I want to be honest, though: this is purely lab-based and has never been seen in real people, and it's rated as minor. A normal cup of tart hibiscus tea is very unlikely to cause any trouble. The bigger everyday rule with this medicine is simply not to exceed your paracetamol dose. If you take concentrated hibiscus supplements regularly, just mention it to your pharmacist.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Johnson SS, Oyelola FT, Ari T, Juho H. In vitro inhibitory activities of the extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (family Malvaceae) on selected cytochrome P450 isoforms. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2013 Apr 12;10(3):533-40.

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

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Also Interacts With Other Medications

Hibiscus Sabdariffa has 2 major, 266 moderate, 818 minor known drug interactions in our database — the Codeine, Paracetamol one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Major 2 Moderate 266 Minor 818 No known interaction 1,744 (incl. Codeine, Paracetamol)
Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Hibiscus Sabdariffa

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

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Codeine, Paracetamol

This page covers Hibiscus Sabdariffa only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Codeine, Paracetamol page lists 240 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 Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) (major).

By severity: 9 major · 191 moderate · 40 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Codeine, Paracetamol page

“Co-codamol pairs codeine, an opioid that slows breathing, with paracetamol, which can strain the liver, so I read its supplement list warily. Nine of the 240 ingredients on file carry a major rating, and most of those pile extra sedation onto the codeine.”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Codeine, Paracetamol interaction page

How much people look this up

Where Hibiscus Sabdariffa and Codeine, Paracetamol 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 Hibiscus Sabdariffa
Top half

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

29 days ago today
Medication Codeine, Paracetamol
Top half

#962 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 Hibiscus Sabdariffa

What is Hibiscus Sabdariffa?

Hibiscus Sabdariffa
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart and cholesterol health
  • Digestive upset
  • Antioxidant support
  • Fever and general wellness

Hibiscus sabdariffa is a tart, cranberry-flavored plant most often consumed as a tea, and its best-studied use is for mildly lowering blood pressure. Evidence for other uses is limited, and while hibiscus tea is generally well tolerated in food amounts, concentrated supplements should be used cautiously and avoided in pregnancy. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it for a medical condition.

Read the full Hibiscus Sabdariffa monograph & all interactions
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Hibiscus Sabdariffa

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

2Major
266Moderate
818Minor
1,743No known interaction
2 Major 266 Moderate 818 Minor 1,743 No interaction
Major

2 interactions

Moderate

266 interactions

Showing 60 of 266 moderate interactions — see all 266 on the Hibiscus Sabdariffa page.

Minor

818 interactions

Showing 60 of 818 minor interactions — see all 818 on the Hibiscus Sabdariffa page.

No interaction 1,743 drugs checked — show the list

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

Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,743 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Hibiscus Sabdariffa list.

See the full Hibiscus Sabdariffa interactions page
See every supplement checked against Codeine, Paracetamol, 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
Hibiscus Sabdariffa monograph › Uses, safety, and every drug interaction in one place Codeine, Paracetamol supplement interactions › Every supplement checked against Codeine, Paracetamol, ranked by severity 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 Hibiscus Sabdariffa and Codeine, Paracetamol Together: Common Questions

Can you take Hibiscus Sabdariffa with Codeine, Paracetamol?
There is only a minor interaction, which is usually not serious. Read the full details on this page and confirm with your pharmacist before combining them.
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Hibiscus Sabdariffa and Codeine, Paracetamol?
Codeine, Paracetamol belongs to more than one drug category, and Hibiscus Sabdariffa 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 Hibiscus Sabdariffa and Codeine, Paracetamol interaction?
We rate it Minor. This interaction is generally not clinically significant, but it remains worth noting and discussing with your pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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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.