Propolis + Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate
Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate brand name: Anacin w/ Codeine.
Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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 Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate
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. Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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 Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate
Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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.
Here's the wrinkle with this combo: the codeine part of your medicine is actually a prodrug. Your liver uses an enzyme called CYP2D6 to turn codeine into morphine, which is what actually relieves pain. Lab (test tube) studies suggest propolis might slow that same enzyme down. If that happened in real life, you could convert less codeine into morphine, meaning weaker pain relief, not more.
The good news is this is mostly theoretical. Animal studies didn't show a real effect, and it hasn't been reported in people, likely because not much propolis reaches the bloodstream. Normal use is unlikely to cause trouble, but if you're taking concentrated propolis daily and notice your pain isn't controlled, mention it to your pharmacist or doctor.
- 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 4Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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.
Here's the simple version. Of the three ingredients in this combo pill, the caffeine is the one handled by the CYP1A2 enzyme. In a test tube, propolis can slow that enzyme down, which in theory could let caffeine linger a bit longer and build up. If that happened, you might feel more of caffeine's usual effects, things like jitteriness, a racing heart, or trouble sleeping. The aspirin and codeine portions aren't really affected by this particular pathway.
The good news: this is mostly lab-dish science. In animal studies propolis didn't meaningfully change CYP1A2, likely because little of it survives digestion, and it has never been reported in people. Everyday amounts of propolis are very unlikely to matter. If you take high-dose propolis supplements, just mention it to your pharmacist or doctor.
- 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 4Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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.
Here's the gist with this combo product. The concern on file is that propolis, in lab dishes, might slow down a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. That enzyme helps process the codeine part of this medicine. In theory, if it were blocked, more codeine could hang around, which could mean stronger effects like drowsiness, constipation, or slowed breathing.
That said, I'd keep this in perspective. This is only test-tube and animal data, and animal studies didn't show a real effect. It has never been reported in actual people, likely because propolis doesn't reach high enough levels in the body. Normal use is probably fine, but if you're taking large propolis doses, it's worth a quick word with your pharmacist or doctor.
- 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
ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS
4 of 4Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate also falls under ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS.
In vitro research shows that propolis water extract and the propolis constituent, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, can inhibit platelet aggregation. Additionally, evidence from an animal model shows that taking propolis in addition to warfarin decreases INR, suggesting that propolis can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin.
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 contains aspirin, which already thins the blood by blocking platelets from sticking together. Propolis seems to do something similar in lab tests, so pairing the two could, in theory, make your blood a little slower to clot. That might show up as easier bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or a cut that takes longer to stop.
I want to be honest about the evidence here: this concern comes only from test tube and animal studies, not from people. So it's a possible, not a proven, issue. Occasional propolis in a cold-sore product or lozenge is unlikely to cause trouble. If you're using concentrated propolis supplements daily, just mention it to your pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you notice any unusual bleeding.
- Chen, T. G., Lee, J. J., Lin, K. H., Shen, C. H., Chou, D. S., and Sheu, J. R. Antiplatelet activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester is mediated through a cyclic GMP-dependent pathway in human platelets. Chin J Physiol 6-30-2007;50(3):121-126.
- Akbay E, Özenirler Ç, Çelemli ÖG, Durukan AB, Onur MA, Sorkun K. Effects of propolis on warfarin efficacy. Kardiochir Torakochirurgia Pol. 2017;14(1):43-46. PubMed
- Zhang YX, Yang TT, Xia L, Zhang WF, Wang JF, Wu YP. Inhibitory Effect of Propolis on Platelet Aggregation In Vitro. J Healthc Eng. 2017;2017:3050895. 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 Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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 Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate
This page covers Propolis only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate page lists 398 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: 17 major · 334 moderate · 47 minor.
From our pharmacist’s overview on the Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate page
“Anacin with Codeine combines aspirin, caffeine, and codeine, and each of the three picks up its own supplement problems, so this is a list worth real caution. Just over half of the 398 ingredients here, 202 of them, can add to aspirin's blood-thinning action and raise bleeding risk.”
Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026
Open the Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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 Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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 Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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.
#249 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days
#1,415 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 ›
- Docusate ›
- Valacyclovir ›
- Hydroxyurea ›
- Sumatriptan ›
- Semaglutide ›
- Tirzepatide ›
- Bupropion ›
- Metformin ›
- Amoxicillin ›
- Lisinopril ›
- Acyclovir ›
- Doxycycline ›
- Methotrexate ›
- Lamotrigine ›
- Gabapentin ›
- Pregabalin ›
- Azithromycin ›
- Isotretinoin ›
- Methylene Blue ›
- Ciprofloxacin ›
- Levothyroxine, Liothyronine ›
- Cyclopentolate ›
- Candesartan Cilexetil ›
- Cephalexin ›
- Mannitol ›
- Roxithromycin ›
- Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine ›
- Pegunigalsidase Alfa-iwxj ›
- Daptomycin ›
- Hexobarbitone ›
- Levothyroxine Sodium ›
- Dexmethylphenidate ›
- Levetiracetam ›
- Spironolactone ›
- Factor 7a ›
- Thyroid Hormone ›
- Carbidopa, Levodopa ›
- Mitomycin ›
- Minoxidil ›
- Levodopa ›
- Ezetimibe ›
- Cefaclor ›
- Phentermine, Topiramate ›
- Lenvatinib ›
- Phenylephrine ›
- Vancomycin ›
- Hethylphenidate Hcl ›
- Dirithromycin ›
- Bentoquatam ›
- Pentobarbitone ›
- Procainamide ›
- Amoxicillin, Clavulanate Potassium ›
- Hydroxychloroquine ›
- Digoxin ›
- Azelaic Acid ›
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
Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate Is Linked to Lower Levels of 4 Nutrients
Natural Medicines records Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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:
Read the full Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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 Propolis and Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate Together: Common Questions
Can you take Propolis with Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate?
Why are there 4 interactions listed for Propolis and Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate?
How serious is the Propolis and Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate 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.