Herb & supplement monograph

Corn Poppy Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Corn Poppy interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Corn Poppy is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Corn Poppy is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Corn Poppy Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Corn Poppy drug interaction appears low for most people. Although the interactions on record are rated moderate, every one of them traces back to a single theoretical concern that has not been confirmed in human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one area worth watching is combining Corn Poppy with CNS depressants, meaning medicines that slow the nervous system and cause drowsiness, such as sedatives and sleep aids. Animal research suggests corn poppy leaf extract may have a calming, sedative effect of its own, so pairing it with these medicines could in theory add to their drowsiness. This has not been shown to happen in people, but extra sleepiness would matter most for anyone who needs to stay alert.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications can look worrying, but it reflects this single sedation concern applied across the many drugs that can cause drowsiness. The supporting evidence comes from animal research only, and no clinically meaningful effect has been documented in people. In other words, the size of the list says more about how many sedating medicines exist than about proven harm from Corn Poppy.

Check your medications against Corn Poppy

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Corn Poppy interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Corn Poppy

248 medications have a known interaction with Corn Poppy, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcepromazineAtravet› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8› Acetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol› Acetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8› Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine› Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin› Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom› Acetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief› Acetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more› Acetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP› Acetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR› Acetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen› Acetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› AlfentanilAlfenta› AlprazolamNiravam, Xanax› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2› AminoglutethimideCytadren› Aminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction 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.
  • Possible. 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
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Corn Poppy combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Corn Poppy affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Corn Poppy is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Corn Poppy interacts with
Cns Depressants
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of corn poppy with CNS depressants might increase the risk of sedation.
Animal research suggests that corn poppy leaf extract has sedative effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Corn Poppy: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Corn poppy is a red-flowered plant traditionally used in teas and syrups for cough, sleep, and mild pain. Solid human research is very limited, so its benefits are not well proven, and unlike its relative the opium poppy, it contains only small amounts of weak alkaloids. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Corn Poppy
Scientific name
Papaver rhoeas
Family
Papaveraceae
Part used
Flowers (petals) and leaves
Common forms
Tea, syrup, dried petals, tincture, capsules
People commonly use it for
  • Cough and sore throat
  • Sleep and restlessness
  • Mild pain
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Digestive complaints

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally low in strong alkaloids, but human safety data are limited and it should be used cautiously.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is an annual plant with bright red flowers. It is native to Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, and parts of South Asia, and it often grows in fields and along roadsides. It is sometimes called the Flanders poppy, field poppy, or coquelicot.

People have long used the petals and leaves in foods, drinks, and folk remedies. The petals are commonly made into teas and syrups. In traditional medicine, corn poppy has been used for cough, trouble sleeping, restlessness, and mild pain.

It is important to know that corn poppy is not the same as the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Corn poppy contains only small amounts of weaker alkaloids and is not a source of morphine or codeine.

How it works

Corn poppy contains a group of plant compounds called alkaloids, including rhoeadine, along with other substances such as flavonoids and anthocyanins (the pigments that give the petals their red color).

Researchers think these compounds may have mild calming and pain-easing effects, which could explain the plant's traditional use for sleep, restlessness, and cough. The anthocyanins and flavonoids also have antioxidant activity in laboratory tests.

It is important to stress that most of this information comes from test-tube and animal research. How well these effects apply to people, and at what doses, is not well understood.

Effectiveness

Does Corn Poppy work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 4 uses evaluated
4 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Corn Poppy, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cough
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral corn poppy for cough, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of corn poppy for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Insomnia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral corn poppy for insomnia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of corn poppy for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Opioid withdrawal
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral corn poppy for opioid withdrawal, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of corn poppy for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pain (acute)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral corn poppy for acute pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of corn poppy for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

When used in small amounts as a food or traditional tea, corn poppy is generally thought to have a low risk of strong effects, since it contains only weak alkaloids. However, reliable safety data in people are limited, so caution is wise.

Take care to correctly identify the plant. Some poppies and look-alike plants can be more toxic, and using the wrong plant or a concentrated extract could be harmful. Children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions should be especially careful.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough information to consider corn poppy safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid it during these times. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before using any herbal product if you are pregnant, nursing, or giving it to a child.

Side effects

Reported side effects from normal food or tea amounts are not well documented, but mild effects such as drowsiness or stomach upset are possible.

Larger amounts or concentrated extracts could cause more noticeable drowsiness or sedation. As with any plant product, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using it and seek medical care if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Corn Poppy: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Corn Poppy from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, corn poppy seems to be well tolerated when used in appropriate doses. Large doses of 250 grams or more can cause intoxication.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Topically: Urticaria.

Reports by condition
Urticaria Dermatologic

Topically, corn poppy flowers may cause allergic contact urticaria.

  1. Gamboa, P. M., Jauregui, I., Urrutia, I., Gonzalez, G., Barturen, P., and Antepara, I. Allergic contact urticaria from poppy flowers (Papaver rhoeas). Contact Dermatitis 1997;37(3):140-141.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established or standardized dose for corn poppy. Traditional use generally involves small amounts of the dried petals made into a tea or syrup.

Because products vary widely in strength, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the suggested amount. Check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition. Avoid giving it to infants or young children.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Corn Poppy & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Corn Poppy & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our Corn Poppy monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Soulimani, R., Younos, C., Jarmouni-Idrissi, S., Bousta, D., Khalouki, F., and Laila, A. Behavioral and pharmaco-toxicological study of Papaver rhoeas L. in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 3-3-2001;74(3):265-274. PubMed
  2. Gamboa, P. M., Jauregui, I., Urrutia, I., Gonzalez, G., Barturen, P., and Antepara, I. Allergic contact urticaria from poppy flowers (Papaver rhoeas). Contact Dermatitis 1997;37(3):140-141.
Keep reading

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.

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

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Corn Poppy

1 brand in our database make a supplement containing Corn Poppy.

Product directory

Supplement products with Corn Poppy

1 product in our database contain Corn Poppy. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Corn Poppy: Common Questions

What is Corn Poppy used for, and does it work?
People use Corn Poppy for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Corn Poppy interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 248 medications with a known interaction with Corn Poppy. Use the checker above to see how Corn Poppy interacts with a specific drug.
How are Corn Poppy interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Corn Poppy with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Corn Poppy interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is Corn Poppy the same as opium poppy?
No. Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is a different plant from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and contains only small amounts of weaker alkaloids, not morphine or codeine.
What do people use Corn Poppy for?
People traditionally use it for cough and sore throat, trouble sleeping, restlessness, mild pain, and digestive complaints, though strong scientific proof for these uses is lacking.
Can Corn Poppy make you drowsy?
It may have mild calming effects, and larger amounts or concentrated products could cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Is Corn Poppy safe during pregnancy?
There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid Corn Poppy during pregnancy and breastfeeding and to check with your doctor first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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