Passion Flower - Tenex (Guanfacine) Interaction
Herbal: Passion Flower
Also Known As: Passiflora incarnata, Apricot Vine, Burucuya, Granadilla, Grandilla, Maracuja, Maracuya, Maypop, Pasiflora, Pasionari, Pasionaria, Passiflora, Passiflore, Passiflorina, Passion Vine, Passionaria, Passionblume, Passionflower, Passionflower Herb, Passionsblomma, Water Lemon
Drug: Guanfacine
Brand names:
Tenex
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 04, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Guanfacine and Passion Flower. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Pharmacist Analysis
Passionflower is not known to have many clinically significant drug interactions.
Nevertheless, it has been shown to have sedative effects, which can be additive when used in conjunction with sedative medications (e.g., Benadryl, benzodiazepines, opioids, etc...).
Therefore, we do list interactions between Passionflower and CNS (central nervous system) depressants or other drugs with strong sedative effects.
Additionally, certain constituents of Passionflower (such as apigenin and vitexin) may inhibit certain drug transports, specifically OATP2B1 and OATP1A2.
These are responsible for the uptake of certain drugs and other compounds into the body.
As Passionflower can inhibit these transports, it is possible that it might reduce the bioavailability of drugs that are substrates for these transporters but studies are far from conclusive on the matter.
There is no known drug interaction between Passionflower and the drug in question here, however.
As always, be sure to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDPassion Flower Overview
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a climbing vine with fragrant white and purple flowers that is native to the Americas.
It is purported to have a number of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety and improving sleep. It is thought to work by increasing the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate mood and anxiety. Passionflower may also have mild sedative and muscle-relaxing effects and may be helpful in the treatment of muscle spasms and other muscle disorders.
Dietary supplements containing passionflower are generally standardized to contain no less than 1.5% of the flavanoid vitexin.
Guanfacine Overview
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Guanfacine tablets (Tenex) are used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Guanfacine extended-release (long-acting) tablets (Intuniv) are used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than other people who are the same age) in children. Guanfacine is in a class of medications called centrally acting alpha2A-adrenergic receptor agonists. Guanfacine treats high blood pressure by decreasing heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body. Guanfacine extended-release tablets may treat ADHD by affecting the part of the brain that controls attention and impulsivity.
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High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
Passion Flower - More Interactions
Passion Flower interacts with 814 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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