Phellodendron + Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium brand name: Aleve PM.
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium 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 Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium
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. Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium 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 Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium 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.
Aleve PM pairs naproxen (a pain reliever) with diphenhydramine, the same antihistamine found in Benadryl. The diphenhydramine part is meant to make you drowsy so you can sleep, and that's the piece that matters here. Phellodendron contains berberine, which in animal studies seemed to have its own calming, sedative effect. So the worry is simply additive: stacking the two could leave you more drowsy, groggy, dizzy, or foggy than expected, especially the next morning.
I want to be honest that this is theoretical, based on how these things behave in the lab and in animals, not on solid human studies. It isn't a dangerous chemical clash, just a possible "too sleepy" situation. To be safe, check with your pharmacist before combining them, and don't drive until you know how you react.
- 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 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES
2 of 3Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP2C9.
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.
Aleve PM combines naproxen (a pain and inflammation reliever) with diphenhydramine (a sedating antihistamine). The naproxen part is cleared by a liver enzyme called CYP2C9. Phellodendron contains berberine, which early lab and small human studies suggest may slow that same enzyme down. The concern here is theoretical only, but in principle that could let naproxen build up a bit higher than usual.
If that happened, you might notice more of naproxen's typical side effects, like stomach upset, heartburn, or in some cases stomach irritation or bleeding. The diphenhydramine side isn't really affected by this enzyme. This is low-grade, unproven evidence, so don't panic, but do check with your pharmacist or doctor before pairing them, especially if you use this often.
- 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
ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS
3 of 3Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium also falls under ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit platelet aggregation.
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.
Aleve PM combines naproxen (an NSAID pain reliever) with diphenhydramine (an antihistamine to help you sleep). Here's the part worth knowing: naproxen on its own can already irritate the stomach lining and make it a little harder for your blood to clot. Phellodendron contains berberine, which in lab and animal studies seems to slow platelets from clumping together. Put those two together and you could, in theory, nudge up the chance of bleeding or bruising.
Keep in mind this is based only on test-tube and animal research, not real patient cases, so it's a maybe, not a sure thing. Still, watch for easy bruising, nosebleeds, black or bloody stools, or stomach upset. Chat with your pharmacist or doctor before combining them, especially if you use this regularly.
- Wu, J. F. and Liu, T. P. [Effects of berberine on platelet aggregation and plasma levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rats with reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1995;30(2):98-102.
- Tripathi YB and Shukla SD. Berberis artistata inhibits PAF induced aggregation of rabbit platelets. Phytotherapy Research 1996;10:628-630.
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 Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium 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 Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium
This page covers Phellodendron only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium page lists 378 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 Danshen (major).
By severity: 13 major · 320 moderate · 45 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium page
“Aleve PM combines naproxen, an NSAID, with the sedating antihistamine diphenhydramine, and its supplement list earns genuine care rather than a quick skim. Thirteen of the 378 ingredients on file rate major, and the two largest themes track the pill's two halves.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Open the Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium 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 Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium 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 Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium 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.
#275 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#2,230 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 ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Docusate ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Bupropion ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Bendamustine ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Levodopa ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Lenvatinib ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Triptorelin ›
- Pizotifen ›
- Digoxin ›
- Procainamide ›
- Tocainide ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Dextrothyroxine ›
- Lomustine ›
- Rocuronium ›
- Mitomycin C ›
- Paracetamol ›
- Chenodiol ›
- Desflurane ›
- Gestodene ›
- Digitoxin ›
- Succimer ›
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
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium Is Linked to Lower Levels of One Nutrient
Natural Medicines records Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium 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 Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium 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 Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium Together: Common Questions
Can you take Phellodendron with Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium?
Why are there 3 interactions listed for Phellodendron and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium?
How serious is the Phellodendron and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Naproxen Sodium interaction?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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