Phellodendron + Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital
Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital brand name: Cafergot PB.
Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital falls into 3 drug categories that Phellodendron can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full interaction reportPhellodendron and Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital
These two interact in 3 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 3 Interactions?
Phellodendron interacts with whole categories of medication. Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital falls into 3 of those categories, so it can interact with Phellodendron in 3 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).
CNS DEPRESSANTS
1 of 3Why this applies to Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital
Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital falls under CNS DEPRESSANTS — the group Phellodendron interacts with.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, phellodendron might also have CNS depressants 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 medication you're asking about (Cafergot PB) is a combination product, and the piece that matters here is pentobarbital, a barbiturate that calms the nervous system. It already makes many people feel drowsy, foggy, or slowed down. Adding Phellodendron, which contains berberine, may pile onto that. In animal studies, berberine showed mild sedative effects, so in theory the two together could leave you feeling more sleepy, dizzy, or slow to react than you'd expect.
I want to be honest about the strength of this: it's based on lab and animal work, not solid human studies, so it's more of a caution than a proven problem. The caffeine in this product may offset some sleepiness, but it doesn't cancel the concern. Please check with your pharmacist or doctor before combining them, and don't change your medication on your own.
- Janbaz KH, Gilani AH. Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Fitoterapia 2000;71:25-33.. PubMed
- Shanbhag, S. M., Kulkarni, H. J., and Gaitonde, B. B. Pharmacological actions of berberine on the central nervous system. Jpn.J Pharmacol 1970;20(4):482-487. PubMed
- Peng, W. H., Hsieh, M. T., and Wu, C. R. Effect of long-term administration of berberine on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1997;74(3):261-266. DOI
- Sabir M and Bhide NK. Study of some pharmacological actions of berberine. Ind J Physiol & Pharmac 1971;15(3):111-132.
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
2 of 3Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP3A4.
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 (sold as Cafergot PB) includes ergotamine, which is the piece I'd watch most closely here. Ergotamine is cleared by a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. Phellodendron contains berberine, which lab and early human studies suggest can mildly slow that same enzyme down. If ergotamine clears more slowly, it can build up, and ergotamine is touchy. Too much can cause nausea, leg or arm cramping, cold or tingling fingers and toes, and in rare cases poor blood flow to the limbs.
Keep in mind this is theoretical, based mainly on how berberine behaves in the lab, not on real-world reports with this exact product. Still, because ergotamine has little room for error, please run this by your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.
- Wu X, Li Q, Xin H, Yu A, Zhong M. Effects of berberine on the blood concentration of cyclosporin A in renal transplanted recipients: clinical and pharmacokinetic study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005;61:567-72. PubMed
- 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
- Guo, Y., Chen, Y., Tan, Z. R., Klaassen, C. D., and Zhou, H. H. Repeated administration of berberine inhibits cytochromes P450 in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012;68(2):213-217. PubMed
- Hermann, R. and von, Richter O. Clinical evidence of herbal drugs as perpetrators of pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Planta Med 2012;78(13):1458-1477. PubMed
PENTOBARBITAL (Nembutal)
3 of 3Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
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 product (Cafergot PB) contains a barbiturate called pentobarbital, which calms the nervous system. The concern here is with that sedative piece. In animal studies, berberine (the main active compound in phellodendron) made pentobarbital's sleep-inducing effect last longer. So in theory, pairing the two could leave you feeling extra drowsy, groggy, or slow to wake up.
I want to be honest about the strength of this: it's based on lab and animal research, not solid human studies, so we don't know how much it really matters in people. Since it points toward more sedation rather than less, it's still worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before combining them, especially if you'll be driving or already feel tired on this medicine.
- Janbaz KH, Gilani AH. Studies on preventive and curative effects of berberine on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Fitoterapia 2000;71:25-33.. 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.
Phellodendron Also Interacts With Other Medications
Phellodendron has 1,159 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Phellodendron
We haven’t checked that one against Phellodendron yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Phellodendron. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital
This page covers Phellodendron only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital page lists 269 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), Beer (major), Ephedra (major) and Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) (major).
By severity: 13 major · 210 moderate · 46 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital page
“Cafergot PB combines ergotamine, caffeine, pentobarbital, and belladonna alkaloids to treat migraine, and the person taking it is often the same person reaching for kava to sleep or an herbal energy product afterward, which is exactly where the trouble sits. This list warrants genuine care.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Open the Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital interaction page
Taking Phellodendron as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 393 real supplement products containing Phellodendron, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Phellodendron. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital too, on top of Phellodendron — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Phellodendron and Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital 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.
#268 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#2,429 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 Phellodendron
What is Phellodendron?
- Digestive complaints and diarrhea
- Inflammation and joint discomfort
- Stress and weight management (in combination products)
- Skin conditions (topical, traditional)
- Antimicrobial support
Phellodendron is a traditional Chinese medicine bark (Huang Bai) that contains berberine and other plant compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies. Human evidence for most uses is limited, and it is often sold in combination with other herbs, making its individual effects hard to judge. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Other Drugs & Phellodendron
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Phellodendron — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
1,159 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Diphenhydramine ›
- Aspirin ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Insulin (rdna) ›
- Naproxen ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Minocycline ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Guaifenesin ›
- Hydrochlorothiazide ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Flurazepam ›
- Glyburide ›
- Insulin (pork) ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Dipyridamole ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Hydralazine ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Insulin (human) ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Nitrazepam ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Everolimus ›
- Ivabradine ›
Showing 60 of 1,159 moderate interactions — see all 1,159 on the Phellodendron page.
No interaction 1,670 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Phellodendron against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Docusate ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Bupropion ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Levodopa ›
- Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Digoxin ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Rifampin ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Flutemetamol F-18 ›
- Casanthranol, Docusate ›
- Paracetamol ›
- Birth Control Pills ›
- Succinylcholine ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Acetaminophen, Butalbital ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Famotidine ›
- Alglucosidase Alpha ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Articaine, Epinephrine ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Salbutamol Sulfate ›
- Rituximab ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,670 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Phellodendron 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
Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital Is Linked to Lower Levels of 2 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Phellodendron — 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 Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital 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 Phellodendron and Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital Together: Common Questions
Can you take Phellodendron with Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital?
Why are there 3 interactions listed for Phellodendron and Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital?
How serious is the Phellodendron and Bellafoline, Caffeine, Ergotamine Tartrate, Pentobarbital interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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