Herb & supplement monograph

Turpentine Oil Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Turpentine Oil 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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Turpentine Oil 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 Turpentine Oil drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and even the moderate ones rest on lab and animal findings rather than solid human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction with the best support involves topical medications, meaning drugs applied to the skin. Animal research found that turpentine oil applied to the skin increased how much ibuprofen was absorbed, so using it alongside other medicated creams, gels, or patches could in theory raise their effects and side effects. This has not been confirmed in people, and lab testing found no similar increase with some other topical drugs, so the evidence is mixed.

What the rest of the list means

Although turpentine oil is linked to a long list of medications, that number mostly reflects two broad categories rather than hundreds of proven problems. Concerns about it slowing an enzyme the body uses to clear certain medications come from lab theory, and animal research suggests this effect does not actually change how those drugs are handled. For most oral medications, no meaningful interaction has been shown in humans.

Check your medications against Turpentine Oil

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Turpentine Oil interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Turpentine Oil

376 medications have a known interaction with Turpentine Oil, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
"phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + "phentolamine interaction
AcyclovirAvaclyr, Sitavig, Zovirax, Zovirax Injection
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Acyclovir interaction Acyclovir drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Adapalene, Benzoyl PeroxideEpiduo Forte, Tactuo
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide interaction
AlclometasoneAclovate
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Alclometasone interaction
Aluminum AcetateBurow's Solution
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Aluminum Acetate interaction Aluminum Acetate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aluminum ChlorideAluminum Chloride, Anhydrol Forte, Driclor, Drysol
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Aluminum Chloride interaction
AmcinonideCyclocort cream, Cyclocort lotion, Cyclocort ointment
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Amcinonide interaction
Aminolaevulinic AcidLevulan
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Aminolaevulinic Acid interaction
Anacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Anacaulase-bcdb interaction
AsenapineSaphris, Secuado
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Asenapine interaction Asenapine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Atropine SulfateAtropine Sulfate, Isopto Atropine
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Atropine Sulfate interaction
Azelaic AcidAzelex, Finacea
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Azelaic Acid interaction
AzithromycinAzasite, Zithromax, Zmax
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Azithromycin interaction Azithromycin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
BacitracinBaci-IM, Baciguent, Bacitracin Ointment
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Bacitracin interaction Bacitracin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Bacitracin, Neomycin , Polymyxin BNeosporin, Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Bacitracin, Neomycin , Polymyxin B interaction
Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, LidocaineLanabiotic
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Lidocaine interaction
BentoquatamIvy Block
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Bentoquatam interaction
BenzocaineBi-Zets, Hurricaine, Orajel, Topex
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Benzocaine interaction
Benzocaine, DextromethorphanTetra-Formula
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Benzocaine, Dextromethorphan interaction
Benzocaine, Tetracaine, ButambenCetacaine
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Benzocaine, Tetracaine, Butamben interaction
Benzocaine/mentholAnbesol, Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lozenges
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Benzocaine/menthol interaction
Benzoyl PeroxideBenoxyl
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Benzoyl Peroxide interaction
Benzoyl Peroxide, ErythromycinBenzamycin
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Benzoyl Peroxide, Erythromycin interaction
Benzyol PeroxideAcnecide, Brevoxyl, PanOxyl
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Benzyol Peroxide interaction Benzyol Peroxide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
BerdazimerZelsuvmi
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Berdazimer interaction
BetamethasoneCelestone, Diprolene AF, Diprosone
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Betamethasone interaction Betamethasone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Betamethasone DipropionateSernivo
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Betamethasone Dipropionate interaction Betamethasone Dipropionate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Betamethasone Dipropionate, CalcipotrieneEnstilar, Wynzora
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Betamethasone Dipropionate, Calcipotriene interaction
Betamethasone ValerateLuxiq
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Betamethasone Valerate interaction Betamethasone Valerate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
BimatoprostDurysta, Lumigan
Moderate Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically.

Read the full Turpentine Oil + Bimatoprost interaction Bimatoprost drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
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 Turpentine Oil 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 Turpentine Oil affects

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

All 2 drug categories Turpentine Oil interacts with
Topical DrugsCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates
Topical Drugs

Some in vitro research shows that alpha-pinene, the major constituent of turpentine oil, does not increase the absorption of chlorpromazine or haloperidol when applied topically. However, animal research shows that turpentine oil increases the absorption of ibuprofen when applied topically. Theoretically, applying turpentine oil to the skin along with other medications might increase the effects and side effects of these medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

There is some concern that turpentine oil can inhibit CYP1A2 enzyme activity by up to 90% via induction of inflammation and subsequent downregulation of CYP activity. However, animal research suggests that turpentine oil does not affect the metabolism of phenacetin, a CYP1A2 substrate, despite inducing inflammation.
Some medications metabolized by CYP1A2 include clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), fluvoxamine (Luvox), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), mexiletine (Mexitil), olanzapine (Zyprexa), pentazocine (Talwin), propranolol (Inderal), tacrine (Cognex), theophylline, tizanidine (Zanaflex), zileuton (Zyflo), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and others.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Monograph

Turpentine Oil: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Turpentine oil is a strong-smelling pine resin product used mostly in tiny amounts in topical rubs for muscle aches and congestion. It can be dangerous and even deadly if swallowed, and reliable evidence for health benefits is very limited. Never drink turpentine oil, and only use diluted, purified products on the skin with care.

Turpentine Oil
Scientific name
Pinus palustris
Family
Pinaceae
Part used
Oleoresin (sap) distilled from pine trees
Common forms
Topical oil, rectified/purified oil, ingredient in chest rubs and liniments
People commonly use it for
  • Muscle and joint aches (topical)
  • Cough and congestion (chest rubs)
  • Minor skin conditions
  • Antiseptic
  • Toothache (traditional)

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Possibly safe in small amounts in diluted topical products, but toxic if swallowed or inhaled in quantity.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally. In addition to its toxic effects, turpentine oil might be an abortifacient. There is insufficient reliable information available abo...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally. In addition to its toxic effects, turpentine oil might be an abortifacient. There is insufficient reliable information available abo...

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

Turpentine oil is a yellowish liquid made from the resin (sap) of certain pine trees, such as the longleaf pine. The raw resin is heated and distilled to make the oil, which has a sharp, pungent smell. Pine trees that supply turpentine grow in many warm regions, including the southeastern United States and parts of Europe.

Most turpentine oil is used in industry to make paints, varnishes, solvents, and cleaning products. A purified, or "rectified," form is used in very small amounts in some over-the-counter products like medicated chest rubs and warming liniments for sore muscles.

In traditional medicine, people have used turpentine oil on the skin and as an inhalant for aches, congestion, and minor skin problems. Some folk remedies even recommend swallowing it, but this is very dangerous and should never be done.

How it works

Turpentine oil contains compounds called terpenes, mainly alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. These give the oil its strong pine smell and its effects on the skin and airways.

When rubbed on the skin, turpentine oil creates a warming, slightly irritating feeling (it is a "counterirritant"). This may distract from underlying pain. When inhaled, its vapor can create a cooling sensation in the nose and chest that may make breathing feel easier, though it does not actually break up mucus the way some people believe.

Laboratory studies suggest the terpenes in turpentine may have antiseptic effects against some germs. However, much of this work is from test-tube or animal research and does not prove that turpentine oil is a safe or effective medicine in people.

Effectiveness

Does Turpentine Oil work?

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

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 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 Turpentine Oil, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Wound healing
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in adults with skin abscesses shows that applying a specific topical ointment (ilon, Abszess Salbe) containing turpentine oil 7.2%, larch turpentine 5.4% and eucalyptus oil 1.2%, and other ingredients, once daily for 10 days moderately improves patient-reported symptoms scores when compared with placebo. In addition, approximately 45% more patients met complete healing criteria in the treated group. It is unclear if this effect is due to turpentine oil, other ingredients, or the combination.

Sources Ref 112200

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

Turpentine oil can be poisonous. Swallowing even a small amount can cause serious harm, and larger amounts can be fatal, especially in children. Never drink turpentine oil or give it to a child by mouth.

Breathing in large amounts of the vapor can irritate the lungs and cause breathing problems. On the skin, it can cause irritation, redness, or allergic reactions, so it should be diluted and tested on a small area first.

People with asthma, breathing problems, kidney disease, or sensitive skin should be especially careful. Keep turpentine products tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information for these situations. To be safe, avoid turpentine oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects

On the skin, turpentine oil may cause burning, redness, itching, rash, or allergic reactions. Strong fumes can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.

If swallowed or inhaled in large amounts, turpentine oil can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, confusion, difficulty breathing, kidney damage, seizures, and even death. Getting it into the lungs (aspiration) is especially dangerous.

If someone swallows turpentine oil or has trouble breathing after exposure, seek emergency medical help right away and contact a poison control center.

Turpentine Oil: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Orally, turpentine oil is generally regarded as unsafe. Turpentine oil can cause headache, insomnia, coughing, pulmonary aspiration, vomiting, hematuria, albuminuria, urinary tract inflammation, coma, and death.

By inhalation, turpentine oil can cause respiratory tract inflammation, increased airway resistance, and discomfort of the throat and airways.

Topically, turpentine oil seems to be well tolerated when used in small amounts and appropriately. Topical use can cause skin irritation, contact allergies, and hypersensitivity in some people. Topical application of large quantities of turpentine oil can result in systemic absorption, which has been reported to cause systemic poisoning.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Treudler R, Richter G, Geier J, et al. Increase in sensitization to oil of turpentine: recent data from a multicenter study on 45,005 patients from the German-Austrian information network of departments of dermatology (IVDK). Contact Dermatitis. 2000 Feb;
  4. Cal K, Kupiec K, Sznitowska M. Effect of physicochemical properties of cyclic terpenes on their ex vivo skin absorption and elimination kinetics. J Dermatol Sci. 2006 Feb;41(2):137-42.
  5. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
Reports by condition
Albuminuria Genitourinary

Orally, turpentine oil can cause hematuria, albuminuria, and/or urinary tract inflammation. Topically, applying large quantities of turpentine oil to the skin can cause symptoms of turpentine oil poisoning, including kidney damage.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Dermatologic

Topically, turpentine oil can cause skin irritation, contact allergies, and hypersensitivity in some people.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Treudler R, Richter G, Geier J, et al. Increase in sensitization to oil of turpentine: recent data from a multicenter study on 45,005 patients from the German-Austrian information network of departments of dermatology (IVDK). Contact Dermatitis. 2000 Feb;
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Pulmonary/Respiratory

Orally, turpentine oil can cause coughing. It has also been reported to cause pulmonary aspiration leading to hemorrhagic pulmonary edema. As inhalation therapy, turpentine oil can cause discomfort of the throat and airways, mild respiratory tract inflammation, and increased airway resistance. Turpentine oil can also exacerbate bronchial spasms in people with asthma and whooping cough.

In one case report, an 18-month-old male developed lung parenchymal damage with formation of multiple abscess cavities and lung necrosis after accidental turpentine oil inhalation and aspiration. In another case report, a 67-year-old female developed acute eosinophilic pneumonia after reported inhalation of turpentine oil over the course of a few minutes. Although the clinicians did not perform allergy testing or a challenge test, other causes, including medications, supplements, and household exposures, were ruled out with a structured questionnaire. The patient responded well to steroid therapy and did not sustain permanent lung damage.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Filipsson AF. Short term inhalation exposure to turpentine: toxicokinetics and acute effects in men. Occup Environ Med. 1996 Feb;53(2):100-105.
  4. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
  5. Khan AJ, Akhtar RP, Faruqui ZS. Turpentine oil inhalation leading to lung necrosis and empyema in a toddler. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2006 May;22(5):355-7.
  6. Umekage Y, Okumura S, Tenma T, et al. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia following inhalation of turpentine oil: A case report. Respir Med Case Rep. 2020;31:101143.
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, turpentine oil can cause headache, insomnia, and in more severe cases, coma and/or death.. Topically, applying large quantities of turpentine oil to the skin can cause symptoms of turpentine oil poisoning, including central nervous system damage.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  3. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, turpentine oil can cause vomiting.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
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 established safe oral dose for turpentine oil, and it should never be taken by mouth. For topical or inhaled products, a standardized dose is not well defined.

The safest approach is to use only commercial products that contain small, regulated amounts of purified turpentine oil (such as some chest rubs) and to follow the label exactly. Do not apply pure or industrial turpentine to your skin.

If you are unsure how to use a product safely, ask your pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Turpentine Oil & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. In addition to its toxic effects, turpentine oil might be an abortifacient. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of turpentine oil applied topically or inhaled as vapors during pregnancy and lactation; avoid using.

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

Turpentine Oil & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. In addition to its toxic effects, turpentine oil might be an abortifacient. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of turpentine oil applied topically or inhaled as vapors during pregnancy and lactation; avoid using.

  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
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 14 references that drive our Turpentine Oil 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. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
  4. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  5. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  6. Prasad VG, Vivek Ch, Anand Kumar P, Ravi Kumar P, Rao GS. Turpentine oil induced inflammation decreases absorption and increases distribution of phenacetin without altering its elimination process in rats. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2015;40(1):23-8. PubMed
  7. Cal K, Kupiec K, Sznitowska M. Effect of physicochemical properties of cyclic terpenes on their ex vivo skin absorption and elimination kinetics. J Dermatol Sci. 2006 Feb;41(2):137-42. PubMed
  8. Jiang Q, Wu Y, Zhang H, et al. Development of essential oils as skin permeation enhancers: penetration enhancement effect and mechanism of action. Pharmaceutical Biol. 2017;55(1):1592-1600. PubMed
  9. Almirall M, Montana J, Excribano E, Obach R, Berrozpe JD. Effect of d-limonene, alpha-pinene, and cineole on in vitro transdermal human skin penetration of chlorpromazine and haloperidol. Arzneimittelforschung. 1996 Jul;46(7):676-80.
  10. Filipsson AF. Short term inhalation exposure to turpentine: toxicokinetics and acute effects in men. Occup Environ Med. 1996 Feb;53(2):100-105. PubMed
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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.

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

Turpentine Oil: Common Questions

What is Turpentine Oil used for, and does it work?
People use Turpentine Oil 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 Turpentine Oil interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 376 medications with a known interaction with Turpentine Oil. Use the checker above to see how Turpentine Oil interacts with a specific drug.
How are Turpentine Oil 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 Turpentine Oil 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 Turpentine Oil 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 it safe to drink Turpentine Oil?
No. Swallowing Turpentine Oil can cause severe poisoning and can be deadly, especially in children. It should never be taken by mouth despite some online "detox" claims.
What is Turpentine Oil used for?
It is most often used in small amounts in topical rubs and liniments for muscle and joint aches, and in chest rubs for congestion. Strong evidence that it treats disease is lacking.
Can I use Turpentine Oil while pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is best to avoid it. There is not enough safety information, so the cautious choice is to skip Turpentine Oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Why is Turpentine Oil in products like chest rubs?
Purified Turpentine Oil is used in very small amounts for its pine scent and warming, counterirritant effect, which can make sore muscles or congestion feel better temporarily.

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

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