Herb & supplement monograph

Datura Wrightii Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Datura Wrightii 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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Datura Wrightii 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 Datura Wrightii drug interaction is moderate, largely because this plant acts as a drug itself rather than a mild supplement. Every interaction on record is rated moderate, with none classed as major and none as minor.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The clearest concern involves anticholinergic drugs, such as amantadine, scopolamine, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants, since Datura Wrightii naturally contains atropine and scopolamine and can add to their drying, sedating, and heart-rate effects; this pairing has reasonable human support. The other flagged group is anesthesia, where combined slowing of breathing could in theory be dangerous, even fatal, though this is based on weaker evidence. Anyone scheduled for a procedure should mention this plant to their care team.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of medications largely reflects these two shared mechanisms rather than hundreds of separate proven problems. Because the plant contains the same tropane alkaloids found in some prescription drugs, many medicines with similar effects get flagged as a precaution, and the anesthesia concern in particular remains theoretical rather than confirmed in people.

Check your medications against Datura Wrightii

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Datura Wrightii interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Datura Wrightii

226 medications have a known interaction with Datura Wrightii, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcepromazineAtravet› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more› Acetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps› Acetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief› Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineEx Strength Tylenol Sinus Nighttime› Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES› Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs› Aclidinium BromideTudorza Pressair› Aclidinium Bromide, Formoterol Fumarate DihydrateDuaklir Pressair› Aerosphere Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate, GlycopyrrolateBreztri› AlfentanilAlfenta› AmantadineGocovri, Osmolex ER, Symmetrel› AminoglutethimideCytadren›
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 Datura Wrightii 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 Datura Wrightii affects

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

All 2 drug categories Datura Wrightii interacts with
AnesthesiaAnticholinergic Drugs
Anesthesia

Datura wrightii causes respiratory depression. Concomitant use of Datura wrightii with anesthetics might have additive respiratory depressant effects, which can be fatal.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticholinergic Drugs

Datura wrightii contains atropine and scopolamine, as well as other tropane alkaloids with anticholinergic activity. Concomitant use of Datura wrightii with anticholinergic drugs might increase anticholinergic effects and adverse effects. Some anticholinergic drugs include amantadine, atropine, belladonna alkaloids, phenothiazines, scopolamine, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monograph

Datura Wrightii: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Datura wrightii (sacred datura or jimsonweed relative) is a highly poisonous desert plant that has been used in some traditional and ceremonial settings. It is not a safe dietary supplement — even small amounts can cause severe poisoning, hallucinations, and death. We strongly advise against using it.

Scientific name
Datura wrightii
Family
Solanaceae
Part used
Leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots (all parts are toxic)
Common forms
Traditional ceremonial preparations, topical pastes, smoked plant material (not a standard commercial supplement)
People commonly use it for
  • Traditional ritual and ceremonial use
  • Pain relief (traditional/topical)
  • Asthma and breathing complaints (historical)
  • Hallucinogenic/psychoactive effects
  • Skin and wound applications (folk use)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

All parts are highly toxic and poisonings can be fatal; this plant should not be used as a supplement.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When plant parts are used orally; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When plant parts are used orally; 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

Datura wrightii, often called sacred datura, sacred thorn-apple, or southwestern thorn-apple, is a flowering plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It grows in dry, open areas across the southwestern United States and Mexico and is known for its large, trumpet-shaped white flowers and spiny seed pods.

The plant has a long history in some Native American and traditional cultures, where it was used in ceremonies and rituals because of its powerful mind-altering effects. It is closely related to Datura stramonium (jimsonweed).

Despite this traditional use, every part of the plant is poisonous. It is not sold or recommended as a normal dietary supplement, and there is no safe home or recreational way to use it.

Uses & effectiveness

People have traditionally used Datura wrightii for ceremonial and spiritual purposes, for its hallucinogenic effects, and in folk medicine for pain, asthma, and skin problems. These uses reflect tradition, not proof that the plant is safe or effective.

The scientific evidence supporting any health benefit is very limited and does not justify use. While the plant contains compounds (tropane alkaloids) that are chemically related to some real medicines, the whole plant cannot be dosed safely. The amount of active chemicals varies widely from plant to plant and even between parts of the same plant, which makes poisoning very easy.

Because of the serious danger and lack of reliable evidence, no responsible use of this plant as a remedy can be recommended.

How it works

Datura wrightii contains tropane alkaloids, mainly atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These compounds block a part of the nervous system that uses a chemical messenger called acetylcholine (this is called an anticholinergic effect).

Blocking this system can speed up the heart, dry up saliva and sweat, widen the pupils, and cause confusion and hallucinations. In purified, carefully measured forms, related alkaloids are used in real medicines — but in the raw plant the doses are unpredictable and dangerous.

Much of what we know comes from poisoning reports and laboratory study of the alkaloids rather than from controlled trials of the plant itself.

Safety & precautions

Datura wrightii is highly poisonous and should be avoided. Poisonings have caused hospitalizations and deaths. There is no reliable safe dose, and the gap between an effect and a fatal overdose can be very small.

Children, teenagers, and anyone curious about its psychoactive effects are at especially high risk. Accidental poisoning can also occur when the plant is mistaken for an edible plant.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not use this plant if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The toxic alkaloids can harm both the parent and the baby.

If you suspect someone has eaten or used any part of this plant, treat it as a medical emergency and contact poison control or emergency services immediately.

Side effects

Even small amounts can cause serious anticholinergic poisoning. Symptoms include:

  • Dry mouth, intense thirst, and trouble swallowing
  • Blurred vision and widely dilated pupils
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Flushed, hot, dry skin and high body temperature
  • Agitation, confusion, and frightening hallucinations
  • Trouble urinating

Severe poisoning can lead to seizures, coma, dangerous heart rhythms, and death. These reactions can happen quickly and require emergency care.

Datura Wrightii: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, Datura wrightii causes visual and auditory hallucinations, panic, respiratory depression, and death.

  1. Adams, JD Jr, Garcia C. Spirit, Mind and Body in Chumash Healing. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2005;2(4):459-463.
  2. Garcia C, Adams J. Healing with medicinal plants of the west - cultural and scientific basis for their use. La Crescenta, CA: Abedus Press; 2005.
  3. Adams JD, Garcia C. The advantages of traditional chumash healing. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2005;2(1):19-23.
Reports by condition
Depression Pulmonary/Respiratory

Orally, Datura wrightii causes respiratory depression sometimes leading to death.

  1. Adams, JD Jr, Garcia C. Spirit, Mind and Body in Chumash Healing. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2005;2(4):459-463.
  2. Adams JD, Garcia C. The advantages of traditional chumash healing. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2005;2(1):19-23.
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 safe or established dose of Datura wrightii. Because the amount of toxic alkaloids varies enormously between plants and plant parts, there is no way to measure a safe amount at home.

We do not provide dosing for this plant because we cannot recommend its use. If you are looking for a treatment for pain, asthma, or any other condition, please talk with a pharmacist or doctor about proven, regulated options instead.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
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 4 references that drive our Datura Wrightii 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. Adams, JD Jr, Garcia C. Spirit, Mind and Body in Chumash Healing. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2005;2(4):459-463. PubMed
  2. Garcia C, Adams J. Healing with medicinal plants of the west - cultural and scientific basis for their use. La Crescenta, CA: Abedus Press; 2005.
  3. Evans WC, Woolley JG. The alkaloids of Datura meteloides D.C. J Chem Soc Perkin 1. 1965;4936-4939.
  4. Adams JD, Garcia C. The advantages of traditional chumash healing. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2005;2(1):19-23. PubMed
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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Datura Wrightii: Common Questions

Does Datura Wrightii interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 226 medications with a known interaction with Datura Wrightii. Use the checker above to see how Datura Wrightii interacts with a specific drug.
How are Datura Wrightii 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 Datura Wrightii 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 Datura Wrightii 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.
What is Datura Wrightii used for?
It has been used traditionally in ceremonies and folk medicine for its mind-altering effects and for problems like pain and asthma, but it is not a safe or proven remedy and should not be used.
Is Datura Wrightii safe to take?
No. All parts of the plant are highly poisonous, and even small amounts can cause severe poisoning, hallucinations, or death.
Can I use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. The toxic alkaloids can harm both you and your baby, so it must be completely avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What should I do if someone eats this plant?
Treat it as a medical emergency right away — call poison control or emergency services, because poisoning can become life-threatening quickly.

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

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