Propolis + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine brand names: Tylenol Cold Ex Strength, Children's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough.
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine falls into 4 drug categories that Propolis can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full interaction reportPropolis and Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine
These two interact in 4 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.
Why Are There 4 Interactions?
Propolis interacts with whole categories of medication. Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine falls into 4 of those categories, so it can interact with Propolis 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, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES — the group Propolis interacts with.
In vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP2D6. However, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP2D6 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that inhibit CYP2D6 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.
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 cold product has one ingredient that leans on the CYP2D6 enzyme: dextromethorphan, the cough suppressant. In test-tube studies, propolis can slow that enzyme down. If that happened in your body, dextromethorphan could build up a bit, which might mean more drowsiness, dizziness, or that floaty, lightheaded feeling some people get from cough syrup.
Here's the reassuring part: this is theoretical. The slowdown only showed up in lab dishes, and in animal studies propolis didn't meaningfully affect CYP2D6, likely because very little of it actually reaches the liver in active form. It has never been reported in people. Everyday or culinary amounts almost certainly won't matter, though concentrated supplement doses are less studied. If you take propolis regularly, just mention it to your pharmacist.
- Naramoto K, Kato M, Ichihara K. Effects of an ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis on human cytochrome P450 enzyme activities in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 2014;62(46):11296-302. PubMed
- Ryu CS, Oh SJ, Oh JM, et al. Inhibition of cytochrome P450 by propolis in human liver microsomes. Toxicol Res 2016;32(3):207-13. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES
2 of 4Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP1A2. However, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP1A2 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that inhibit CYP1A2 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.
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 is a combination cold product, and one of its ingredients, chlorpheniramine, is partly handled by a liver enzyme called CYP1A2. In test-tube studies, propolis can slow that enzyme down. In theory, blocking it could let chlorpheniramine build up a bit, which might make you feel sleepier, drier in the mouth, or a little dizzy.
Here's the reassuring part: this is only seen in lab dishes. When propolis was actually given to animals, it didn't meaningfully change CYP1A2 activity, likely because very little reaches the bloodstream. Nothing like this has been reported in people. Normal propolis use is very unlikely to cause a problem here, but if you take concentrated doses, just run it by your pharmacist or doctor first.
- Naramoto K, Kato M, Ichihara K. Effects of an ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis on human cytochrome P450 enzyme activities in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 2014;62(46):11296-302. PubMed
- Ryu CS, Oh SJ, Oh JM, et al. Inhibition of cytochrome P450 by propolis in human liver microsomes. Toxicol Res 2016;32(3):207-13. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES
3 of 4Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.
Some in vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP3A4; however, other in vitro research shows that propolis has no effect on CYP3A4 activity. Furthermore, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP3A4 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that might in inhibit CYP3A4 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.
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 cold and cough combo includes dextromethorphan, which is partly processed by a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. The idea here is that concentrated propolis might slow that enzyme down, which could theoretically let a bit more dextromethorphan build up. If that happened, you might feel more drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded than usual.
Here's the reassuring part: this is based only on test-tube and animal research, and the results are mixed. It has never actually been reported in people, and everyday amounts of propolis are unlikely to cause trouble. Still, since this product already contains several active ingredients, it's smart to mention any propolis supplement to your pharmacist, especially if you take it at higher doses.
- Naramoto K, Kato M, Ichihara K. Effects of an ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis on human cytochrome P450 enzyme activities in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 2014;62(46):11296-302. PubMed
- Ryu CS, Oh SJ, Oh JM, et al. Inhibition of cytochrome P450 by propolis in human liver microsomes. Toxicol Res 2016;32(3):207-13. PubMed
CYTOCHROME P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) SUBSTRATES
4 of 4Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) SUBSTRATES.
In vitro research shows that propolis can inhibit CYP2E1. This effect has not been reported in humans.
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 piece that matters in this combo cold product: the acetaminophen (Tylenol) part is partly handled by a liver enzyme called CYP2E1. Lab dish studies suggest propolis can slow that enzyme down. In theory, if acetaminophen is cleared a little slower, slightly more could hang around. The bigger reason CYP2E1 matters with acetaminophen is that this pathway is what creates the toxic byproduct that can stress the liver, so this one is worth keeping on your radar even though it's only a maintenance-level concern.
That said, this has only been seen in test tubes, never in actual people, so I wouldn't lose sleep over it. The practical advice stays the same: don't exceed the labeled acetaminophen dose, go easy on alcohol, and check with your pharmacist if you take propolis regularly.
- Ryu CS, Oh SJ, Oh JM, et al. Inhibition of cytochrome P450 by propolis in human liver microsomes. Toxicol Res 2016;32(3):207-13. 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.
Propolis Also Interacts With Other Medications
Propolis has 920 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.
Check Another of Your Medications Against Propolis
We haven’t checked that one against Propolis yet — ask our pharmacists directly.
Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Propolis. Pick one to open its full report.
See Every Supplement That Interacts With Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine
This page covers Propolis only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine page lists 301 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.
The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Asarabacca (major), Beer (major), Ephedra (major) and Grapefruit (major).
By severity: 14 major · 242 moderate · 45 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine page
“Because Tylenol Cold Extra Strength packs four drugs into one dose (acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine), its supplement list runs to 301 ingredients, and 14 carry a major rating, so I'd approach this one with real care. The biggest hazards mirror the drugs themselves.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Open the Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interaction page
Taking Propolis as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions
We hold 723 real supplement products containing Propolis, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Propolis. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine too, on top of Propolis — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:
Where Propolis and Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine 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.
#251 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#514 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 Propolis
What is Propolis?
- Cold sores and herpes lesions (topical)
- Sore throat and mouth sores
- Wound and skin healing
- Immune support
- Oral and gum health
Propolis is a natural, resin-like substance made by bees that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in lab studies. Early research suggests it may help with cold sores, mouth sores, and minor wounds, but high-quality evidence is limited for most uses. It is generally well tolerated, but allergic reactions can occur, especially in people allergic to bee products.
Other Drugs & Propolis
Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Propolis — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.
No drugs match “”.
920 interactions
- Diclofenac Sodium ›
- Diltiazem ›
- Theophylline ›
- Nifedipine ›
- Ibuprofen ›
- Aspirin ›
- Hydrocortisone ›
- Naproxen ›
- Erythromycin ›
- Estradiol ›
- Minocycline ›
- Propranolol ›
- Lidocaine ›
- Norethindrone ›
- Testosterone ›
- Verapamil ›
- Levonorgestrel ›
- Prednisone ›
- Quinidine ›
- Cyclosporine ›
- Dexamethasone ›
- Glyburide ›
- Triazolam ›
- Zopiclone ›
- Colchicine ›
- Fentanyl ›
- Flurbiprofen ›
- Oxybutynin ›
- Oxycodone ›
- Phenytoin ›
- Prednisolone ›
- Tacrolimus ›
- Temazepam ›
- Budesonide ›
- Carbamazepine ›
- Clindamycin ›
- Dextromethorphan ›
- Diclofenac Potassium ›
- Dipyridamole ›
- Doxorubicin ›
- Fluticasone ›
- Formoterol ›
- Indomethacin ›
- Miconazole ›
- Morphine Sulfate ›
- Trimipramine ›
- Acetaminophen ›
- Amphetamine ›
- Buprenorphine ›
- Conjugated Estrogens ›
- Diazepam ›
- Everolimus ›
- Ivabradine ›
- Ketoprofen ›
- Lofepramine ›
- Medroxyprogesterone ›
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate ›
- Meloxicam ›
- Nortriptyline ›
- Propoxyphene ›
Showing 60 of 920 moderate interactions — see all 920 on the Propolis page.
No interaction 1,909 drugs checked — show the list
We also checked Propolis against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.
- Levothyroxine ›
- Methylphenidate ›
- Ivermectin ›
- Rosuvastatin ›
- Escitalopram ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Docusate ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Bupropion ›
- Metformin ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Mannitol ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Levodopa ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Procainamide ›
- Lenvatinib ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Phentermine, Topiramate ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Digoxin ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Triptorelin ›
Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,909 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Propolis 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, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine Is Linked to Lower Levels of One Nutrient
Natural Medicines records Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Propolis — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:
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 Propolis and Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine Together: Common Questions
Can you take Propolis with Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine?
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Propolis and Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine?
How serious is the Propolis and Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine 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.