Panax Ginseng + 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 Panax Ginseng can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, Panax ginseng might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full interaction reportPanax Ginseng and Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine
These two interact in 4 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 4 Interactions?
Panax Ginseng interacts with whole categories of medication. Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine falls into 4 of those categories, so it can interact with Panax Ginseng in 4 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES
1 of 4Why this applies to Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES — the group Panax Ginseng interacts with.
There is some evidence that Panax ginseng can inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme by approximately 6%. In addition, in animal research, Panax ginseng inhibits the metabolism of dextromethorphan, a drug metabolized by CYP2D6, by a small amount. However, contradictory research suggests Panax ginseng might not inhibit CYP2D6. Until more is known, use Panax ginseng cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
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. Panax ginseng has been shown in some studies to slow that enzyme down a little (around 6%), though other research found no real effect, so the evidence here is weak and mostly theoretical.
If ginseng did block CYP2D6 even slightly, you might get a touch less pain relief from the codeine, not more, since less of it converts to morphine. A 6% change is small and unlikely to be noticeable for most people. The acetaminophen and caffeine pieces aren't really affected this way. Still, if your pain control feels off, mention the ginseng to your pharmacist or doctor.
- Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA. Clinical assessment of potential cytochrome P450-mediated herb-drug interactions. AAPS Ann Mtg & Expo Indianapolis, IN: 2000; Oct 29 - Nov 2:presentation #3460.
- Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. Cytochrome P450 phenotypic ratios for predicting herb-drug interactions in humans. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2002;72:276-87.. PubMed
- Gurley, B. J., Gardner, S. F., Hubbard, M. A., Williams, D. K., Gentry, W. B., Cui, Y., and Ang, C. Y. Clinical assessment of effects of botanical supplementation on cytochrome P450 phenotypes in the elderly: St John's wort, garlic oil, Panax ginseng and DOI
- Kim Y, Jo JJ, Cho P, et al. Characterization of red ginseng-drug interaction by CYP3A activity increased in high dose administration in mice. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2020;41(7):295-306. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
2 of 4Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
Panax ginseng may affect the clearance of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. One such drug is imatinib. Inhibition of CYP3A4 was believed to be responsible for a case of imatinib-induced hepatotoxicity. In contrast, Panax ginseng has been shown to increase the clearance of midazolam, another drug metabolized by CYP3A4. Clinical research shows that Panax ginseng can reduce midazolam area under the curve by 44%, maximum plasma concentration by 26%, and time to reach maximum plasma concentration by 29%. Midazolam metabolism was also increased in animals given Panax ginseng. Until more is known, use Panax ginseng cautiously in combination with CYP3A4 substrates.
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 combination pill pairs acetaminophen and caffeine with codeine for pain. The piece that overlaps with Panax ginseng is mainly through a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. Here's the wrinkle: codeine is a prodrug, meaning your body has to convert it (mostly by a different enzyme, CYP2D6) into morphine to get pain relief. CYP3A4 instead shunts codeine into an inactive byproduct, so the picture is genuinely mixed and not well studied for this specific drug.
Honestly, this interaction is largely theoretical and based on other medicines, not codeine itself. I wouldn't lose sleep over it, but since changes could nudge pain relief or side effects like drowsiness, constipation, or nausea in either direction, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before pairing them.
- Malati CY, Robertson SM, Hunt JD, Chairez C, Alfaro RM, Kovacs JA, Penzak SR. Influence of Panax ginseng on cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity in healthy participants. J Clin Pharmacol 2012;52(6):932-9.
- Bilgi N, Bell K, Ananthakrishnan AN, Atallah E. Imatinib and Panax ginseng: a potential interaction resulting in liver toxicity. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44(5):926-8.
- Kim Y, Jo JJ, Cho P, et al. Characterization of red ginseng-drug interaction by CYP3A activity increased in high dose administration in mice. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2020;41(7):295-306. PubMed
STIMULANT DRUGS
3 of 4Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine also falls under STIMULANT DRUGS.
Panax ginseng has been shown to have stimulant 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.
This combo product mixes acetaminophen, codeine, and a dose of caffeine. The interaction we have on file is really about that caffeine piece. Panax ginseng can have mild stimulant-like effects of its own, so taking it alongside the caffeine here could theoretically add up. You might notice things like feeling jittery or restless, a racing heart, or trouble falling asleep, especially if you already drink coffee or energy drinks during the day.
Keep in mind this is rated as theoretical, based on how the two behave rather than strong studies, so for most people it stays minor. It does not change how the codeine or acetaminophen work for pain. If you notice you feel wired or your sleep suffers, mention it to your pharmacist or doctor before changing anything.
- Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo R. Efficacy and safety of the standardized Ginseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protection against the common cold. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1996;22:65-72.
- Gonzalez-Seijo JC, Ramos YM, Lastra I. Manic episode and ginseng: Report of a possible case. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1995;15:447-8.
CAFFEINE
4 of 4Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine also falls under CAFFEINE.
Panax ginseng has been shown to have stimulant effects. Theoretically, caffeine might have an additive effect on the stimulant effects of Panax ginseng.
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..
Here's the thing to keep in mind with this combination product: it contains caffeine, and that's the piece that interacts with Panax ginseng. Ginseng can have mild stimulant-like effects of its own, so pairing it with the caffeine in your tablet may simply add up. That could mean feeling jittery, a racing or pounding heart, trouble falling asleep, or feeling more anxious or wound up than usual.
This is mostly a theoretical concern based on limited evidence, so for most people it's not dangerous, just uncomfortable. The codeine and acetaminophen parts aren't really involved here. If you notice you're feeling extra wired or can't sleep, that's worth mentioning to your pharmacist or doctor before changing anything.
- Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo R. Efficacy and safety of the standardized Ginseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protection against the common cold. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1996;22:65-72.
- Gonzalez-Seijo JC, Ramos YM, Lastra I. Manic episode and ginseng: Report of a possible case. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1995;15:447-8.
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.
Panax Ginseng Also Interacts With Other Medications
Panax Ginseng has 1,129 moderate 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 Panax Ginseng
We haven’t checked that one against Panax Ginseng yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Panax Ginseng. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine
This page covers Panax Ginseng 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 Panax Ginseng as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 517 real supplement products containing Panax Ginseng, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Panax Ginseng. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine too, on top of Panax Ginseng — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Panax Ginseng 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.
#245 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 Panax Ginseng
What is Panax Ginseng?
- Boosting energy and fighting fatigue
- Improving mental focus and memory
- Coping with stress (adaptogen)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Supporting immune health
- Blood sugar support
Panax ginseng is a popular traditional herb used to boost energy, ease stress, and support overall wellness, though scientific evidence is mixed and mostly preliminary. It is generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, but it can cause side effects like trouble sleeping and may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting it, especially if you have a medical condition or take other medicines.
Other Drugs & Panax Ginseng
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Panax Ginseng — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
1,129 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Metronidazole ›
- Phentermine ›
- Aspirin ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Insulin (rdna) ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Naproxen ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Minocycline ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Phenylpropanolamine ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Glyburide ›
- Insulin (pork) ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Nicotine ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Triamcinolone ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Dipyridamole ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Insulin (human) ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Procainamide ›
- Pseudoephedrine ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Diethylpropion ›
- Everolimus ›
Showing 60 of 1,129 moderate interactions — see all 1,129 on the Panax Ginseng page.
No interaction 1,700 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Panax Ginseng against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Docusate ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Bupropion ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Mannitol ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Valsartan ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Levodopa ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Phentermine, Topiramate ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Digoxin ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Dextrothyroxine ›
- Lomustine ›
- Succimer ›
- Pentobarbitone ›
- Tocainide ›
- Sodium Valproate ›
- Hydrochlorothiazide ›
- Rocuronium ›
- Halothane ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,700 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Panax Ginseng 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 Panax Ginseng — 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 Panax Ginseng and Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine Together: Common Questions
Can you take Panax Ginseng with Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine?
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Panax Ginseng and Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine?
How serious is the Panax Ginseng and Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interaction?
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.