Herb & supplement monograph

Pleurisy Root Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Pleurisy Root 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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Pleurisy Root 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 Pleurisy Root drug interaction is moderate for most people, and it is meaningfully higher for anyone taking digoxin. Nearly all of the listed interactions are rated moderate and rest on theoretical reasoning, but one is major and reasonably well documented.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that matters most involves digoxin. Pleurisy root naturally contains digitalis-like compounds that act on the heart the same way digoxin does, so combining them could push levels of that effect into toxic territory. A related concern applies to potassium-depleting diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, because losing potassium can make these heart-active compounds more toxic, though this is a theoretical risk. There is also a theoretical concern that large amounts of pleurisy root might interfere with estrogen therapy.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications should not be read as proof that every combination is harmful. Outside the digoxin concern, most entries reflect theoretical reasoning, such as predicted effects on potassium levels or hormones, rather than problems actually observed in people. The severity ratings signal caution, not confirmed harm.

Check your medications against Pleurisy Root

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Pleurisy Root interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Pleurisy Root

117 medications have a known interaction with Pleurisy Root, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

1 major interaction. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Pleurisy Root.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Pleurisy Root using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Pleurisy Root interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

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 Pleurisy Root 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 Pleurisy Root affects

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

All 3 drug categories Pleurisy Root interacts with

Digoxin (lanoxin)Diuretic DrugsEstrogens

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Pleurisy root contains digitalis-like cardenolide glycosides. Taking pleurisy root in combination with digoxin could increase the risk of adverse effects and toxicity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of potassium-depleting diuretics and pleurisy root can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity due to potassium depletion. Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Estrogens

Theoretically, excessive amounts of pleurisy root might interfere with hormone drug therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Pleurisy Root: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Pleurisy root is the dried root of Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed), a plant used in traditional North American and herbal medicine mainly for respiratory complaints. There is very little modern scientific evidence that it works for any condition, and it contains compounds that can be toxic, so caution is strongly advised. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it, and anyone considering it should check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Scientific name: Asclepias tuberosa
Family: Apocynaceae
Part used: Dried root
Common forms: Tea, tincture, capsules, dried root

People commonly use it for

Respiratory congestion
Pleurisy and chest discomfort
Coughs and bronchitis
Promoting sweating during fevers
Loosening mucus

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

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

It contains potentially toxic compounds and has little safety data, so use cautiously and under guidance.

PregnancyBest avoided

Traditionally used to stimulate the uterus and considered unsafe in pregnancy.

BreastfeedingPossibly Unsafe

When 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

Pleurisy root is the dried root of Asclepias tuberosa, also called butterfly weed. It is a flowering plant in the milkweed group that grows across much of North America, often in dry fields and along roadsides with bright orange blooms.

The plant got its common name because Native American and early American herbalists used the root to treat pleurisy, a painful inflammation of the lining around the lungs, as well as other breathing problems. Today it is sometimes found in herbal teas, tinctures, and capsules marketed for respiratory health.

Uses & effectiveness

People have traditionally used pleurisy root for chest congestion, coughs, bronchitis, pleurisy, and to encourage sweating during fevers. These uses come from folk and traditional practice, not from strong clinical research.

There is very little modern scientific evidence that pleurisy root helps with any of these conditions. Well-designed human studies are lacking, so its effectiveness is essentially unproven. If you have a breathing problem like pleurisy, bronchitis, or pneumonia, these can be serious and need proper medical evaluation rather than self-treatment with herbs.

How it works

Pleurisy root contains plant compounds called cardiac glycosides (similar in type to compounds that affect the heart), along with other substances found in milkweed plants. Traditional herbalists believed it acted as an expectorant (to loosen mucus) and a diaphoretic (to promote sweating).

These proposed effects are based mostly on traditional use and limited laboratory information, not on detailed human studies. The presence of cardiac glycosides is also one reason there are safety concerns, since these compounds can affect the heart if too much is taken.

Safety & precautions

Pleurisy root has limited safety data, and it belongs to the milkweed family, which contains compounds that can be toxic in larger amounts. For this reason it should be used cautiously and ideally under the guidance of a qualified health professional.

People with heart conditions should be especially careful because of the cardiac glycoside content. Pregnant people should avoid it, since it has traditionally been used to stimulate the uterus and may pose a risk. Breastfeeding people should also avoid it because its safety for nursing infants is unknown.

Children, older adults, and anyone with kidney or liver problems should not use it without medical advice. Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor before trying pleurisy root.

Side effects

Reported and expected side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially at higher doses. The root can irritate the stomach.

Because it contains cardiac glycoside–type compounds, large amounts could in theory cause serious heart rhythm problems or other signs of poisoning. If you take pleurisy root and develop an irregular heartbeat, severe vomiting, dizziness, or confusion, stop using it and seek medical care right away.

Pleurisy Root: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, pleurisy root can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and vomiting. When consumed in large quantities, pleurisy root may cause digitalis-like poisoning symptoms. Acute digitalis poisoning symptoms include gastrointestinal upset, contracted pupils, blurred vision, strong slow pulse, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, excessive urination, fatigue, muscle weakness and tremors, stupor, confusion, convulsions, atrial arrhythmias, bradycardia, AV block, cardiovascular shock, and death.

Topically, pleurisy root may cause dermatitis.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Gossel TA, Bricker JD. Principles of Clinical Toxicology. New York, NY:Raven Press, 1994.
De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, Chandler RF, Eds. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 1. Verlag, Berlin: Springer, 1992.

Reports by condition

Arrhythmia Cardiovascular

Orally, consuming large quantities of pleurisy root may cause digitalis-like poisoning symptoms. Acute digitalis poisoning symptoms include strong slow pulse, atrial arrhythmias, bradycardia, AV block, cardiovascular shock, and death.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Gossel TA, Bricker JD. Principles of Clinical Toxicology. New York, NY:Raven Press, 1994.
De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, Chandler RF, Eds. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 1. Verlag, Berlin: Springer, 1992.

Dermatitis Dermatologic

Topically, pleurisy root may cause dermatitis.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Fatigue Neurologic/CNS

Orally, consuming large quantities of pleurisy root may cause digitalis-like poisoning symptoms. Acute digitalis poisoning symptoms include dizziness, stupor, confusion, convulsions, and fatigue.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Gossel TA, Bricker JD. Principles of Clinical Toxicology. New York, NY:Raven Press, 1994.
De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, Chandler RF, Eds. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 1. Verlag, Berlin: Springer, 1992.

Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Gossel TA, Bricker JD. Principles of Clinical Toxicology. New York, NY:Raven Press, 1994.
De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, Chandler RF, Eds. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 1. Verlag, Berlin: Springer, 1992.

Poisoning Ocular/Otic

Orally, consuming large quantities of pleurisy root may cause digitalis-like poisoning symptoms. Acute digitalis poisoning symptoms include contracted pupils and blurred vision.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Gossel TA, Bricker JD. Principles of Clinical Toxicology. New York, NY:Raven Press, 1994.
De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, Chandler RF, Eds. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 1. Verlag, Berlin: Springer, 1992.

Poisoning Renal

Orally, consuming large quantities of pleurisy root may cause digitalis-like poisoning symptoms. Acute digitalis poisoning symptoms include excessive urination.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Gossel TA, Bricker JD. Principles of Clinical Toxicology. New York, NY:Raven Press, 1994.
De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, Chandler RF, Eds. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 1. Verlag, Berlin: Springer, 1992.

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 pleurisy root, and the strength of products can vary widely. Because of its potential toxicity, more is not better and self-dosing can be risky.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed them. It is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor first, particularly if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pleurisy Root & Breastfeeding

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 7 references that drive our Pleurisy Root 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.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Gossel TA, Bricker JD. Principles of Clinical Toxicology. New York, NY:Raven Press, 1994.
De Smet PAGM, Keller K, Hansel R, Chandler RF, Eds. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 1. Verlag, Berlin: Springer, 1992. DOI

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.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pleurisy Root: Common Questions

Does Pleurisy Root interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 117 medications with a known interaction with Pleurisy Root, including 1 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Pleurisy Root interacts with a specific drug.

How are Pleurisy Root 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 Pleurisy Root 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 Pleurisy Root 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 Pleurisy Root used for?

It has traditionally been used for respiratory problems such as chest congestion, coughs, bronchitis, and pleurisy, and to promote sweating during fevers. However, there is little scientific evidence that it actually works for these uses.

Is Pleurisy Root safe to take?

It has limited safety data and contains compounds related to those that affect the heart, so it should be used cautiously and ideally with professional guidance. High doses can cause stomach upset and potentially serious heart problems.

Can I take Pleurisy Root if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. It has traditionally been used to stimulate the uterus and is considered unsafe in pregnancy, and its safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so it should be avoided in both cases.

Does Pleurisy Root cure pleurisy or lung infections?

There is no good evidence that it cures pleurisy or any lung infection. These conditions can be serious and need proper medical care, so do not rely on this herb to treat them.

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

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