Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Sundown
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg is a dietary supplement by Sundown with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold, flu and respiratory infections, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 816 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Echinacea. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg by Sundown
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg by Sundown — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg by Sundown
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: echinacea, 400 mg per capsule. Echinacea is a plant whose root, leaf, and flower are traditionally used to support immune function.
The capsule itself is made from gelatin.
Does it work?
Not established
The product facts we hold do not establish effectiveness for echinacea in any condition — we have insufficient reliable evidence for anxiety, athletic performance, ADHD, burns, chronic fatigue, and migraine headache. If you're considering echinacea for a specific health concern, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether the research supports its use for your situation.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Echinacea is generally well tolerated when taken short-term. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, rashes, and stomach upset.
Serious side effects are rare but have been reported — severe allergic reactions and hepatitis (liver inflammation) can occur, especially in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies). If you have a known plant allergy, are atopic (prone to allergies), or have liver problems, this product warrants extra caution.
There is not enough safety information to use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor before taking it if either applies to you.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check any drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 enzymes (your pharmacist can tell you if yours are), anything processed by CYP3A4, immunosuppressants, the cancer drug etoposide, warfarin or other blood thinners, HIV medications like lopinavir/ritonavir, and sedatives like midazolam. If caffeine-sensitive, be aware echinacea may raise caffeine levels.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Echinacea works on your liver and immune system in ways that can shift how many medications work, so checking your drugs beforehand is essential. If you take anything for HIV, blood thinning, cancer, or immunosuppression, or if you're allergic to ragweed and relatives, ask your pharmacist before starting.
For otherwise healthy people with no medication interactions and no plant allergies, short-term use is usually fine — just watch for rash, digestive upset, or signs of allergic reaction.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 2020.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Sundown |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 030768003395 |
| Net contents | 100 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jan 25, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 212172 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg by Sundown, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation
Clean nutrition Sundown believes in clean nutrition and being transparent. That's why you won't find genetically modified ingredients, gluten, wheat, dairy, lactose or artificial flavors in any of our products. Non-GMO No gluten No wheat No milk No lactose No artificial color No artificial flavor No artificial sweetener No preservatives No sugar No soy No starch No yeast No peanuts No tree nuts No fish Sodium free
Traditional use claims are based on historical or traditional practices. Echinacea has been traditionally used for a variety of reasons, including for immune health, which dates back to the American Eclectics in the early part of the twentieth century.
Gluten Free Dairy Free
Traditionally used for immune health
Precautions
Keep out of reach of children.
Tamper resistant: Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.
Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.
Avoid this product if you are allergic to sunflowers or daisy-like flowers.
Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.
Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18.
Storage
Store at room temperature and avoid excessive heat.
General Statements
Questions? Call toll free 1-888-VITAHELP (848-2435) or visit us at www.sundownnutrition.com Made in the USA with select ingredients from around the world
US Only Discard seal & empty before recycling Check locally Plastic bottle how2recycle.info Not recycled in all communities
Brand IP Statement(s)
2019 Rexall Sundown
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: For adults, take one (1) capsule seven times daily, preferably with meals. Capsules may be opened and prepared as a tea. As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg by Sundown label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg by Sundown
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.
Echinacea
Interacts with816 drugs
Echinacea is a popular herb taken to help prevent or shorten the common cold, but study results are mixed and the overall benefit appears small at bes...
Echinacea monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg by Sundown Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Whole Herb Echinacea by Sundown does interact with several types of medications.
The most serious concerns are moderate-severity interactions with drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 enzymes — echinacea can slow how your liver breaks down these medications, raising their blood levels. The clearest example is caffeine: echinacea can boost caffeine levels by around 30%, which might cause jitteriness, sleep trouble, or heart palpitations if you're sensitive.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
There are also moderate-severity interactions with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes (a major drug-processing system in your liver and gut), immunosuppressants like those used after transplants, and the cancer drug etoposide — echinacea's effects on these are variable and can push drug levels up or down, potentially reducing effectiveness or raising side effects. Altogether, these interactions span 803 individual medications.
Minor interactions exist with warfarin (a blood thinner) and certain HIV medications, though the clinical effect may be small. One ingredient we could not fully check was the gelatin capsule material itself.
Run your exact medications through the checker on this page before starting, especially if you take any prescription drugs or have a transplant or cancer treatment in your history.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg interact with 816 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Echinacea
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Echinacea + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAdo-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
How Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Echinacea + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea + Acalabrutinib interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Caffeine +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Caffeine +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCaffeine, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea can increase plasma levels of caffeine by inhibiting its metabolism.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Caffeine +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Caffeine +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCaffeine, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea can increase plasma levels of caffeine by inhibiting its metabolism.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interacts with Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
EchinaceaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Echinacea
Caffeine
Echinacea can increase plasma levels of caffeine by inhibiting its metabolism.
Echinacea seems to increase plasma concentrations of caffeine by around 30%. This is likely due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) by echinacea.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Echinacea appears to inhibit CYP1A2 enzymes in humans. Additionally, echinacea seems to increase plasma concentrations of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate, by around 30%. Theoretically, echinacea might increase levels of other drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4. This may increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Several clinical trials have shown that taking echinacea for up to one month does not significantly affect the metabolism of various CYP3A4 substrates, including midazolam, docetaxel, etravirine, lopinavir-ritonavir, and darunavir-ritonavir. However, other clinical research shows that echinacea may increase the clearance of midazolam, suggesting that echinacea might induce CYP3A4. The discrepancy is thought to be due to differing effects of echinacea on intestinal versus hepatic CYP3A4 enzymes. Echinacea appears to induce hepatic CYP3A4 but inhibit intestinal CYP3A4. In some cases, these effects might cancel each other out, but in others, drug levels may be increased or decreased depending on the level of effect at hepatic and intestinal sites. The effect of echinacea on CYP3A4 activity may differ depending on the CYP3A4 substrate.
Etoposide (Vepesid)
Echinacea may increase levels of etoposide.
In one report, concomitant use of etoposide and echinacea was associated with more severe thrombocytopenia than the use of etoposide alone, suggesting inhibition of etoposide metabolism. Etoposide is a cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrate. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but some studies have reported inhibition of the enzyme.
Immunosuppressants
Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy because of its immunostimulant activity.
Darunavir (Prezista)
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of darunavir; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Darunavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is administered with the CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to increase its plasma concentrations. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but administration of an E. purpurea root extract (Arkocapsulas Echinacea, Arkopharma) 500 mg four times daily for 14 days did not affect darunavir/ritonavir pharmacokinetics in 15 HIV-infected patients.
Dayquil Severe
Echinacea is reported to have varying effects on a number of Cytochrome P450 metabolizing enzymes in the liver, including CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, which play a role in acetaminophen and dextromethorphan metabolism (both contained in DayQuil Severe), respectively. Studies have reported both enzyme inhibition and induction, making it difficult to predict clinically significant drug interactions with reliability. Specific drug interaction studies reporting definitive results are rare, and potential drug interactions involving echinacea should likely be taken on a case-by-case basis. Based on what we know about how acetaminophen and dextromethorphan are metabolized, the risk of a clinically significant interaction between echinacea and DayQuil Severe is low.
Docetaxel (Taxotere)
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of docetaxel; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Docetaxel is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea whole plant extract (Echinaforce, A. Vogel Biopharma AG) 20 drops three times daily for 2 weeks did not alter the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in one clinical study.
Etravirine (Intelence)
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of etravirine; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Etravirine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea root extract (Arkocapsulas Echinacea, Arkopharma) 500 mg three times daily for 14 days did not alter the pharmacokinetics of etravirine in HIV-infected patients.
Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra)
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of lopinavir; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Lopinavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is administered with the CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to increase its plasma concentrations. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea (Echinamide, Natural Factors Nutritional Products, Inc.) 500 mg three times daily for 14 days did not alter the pharmacokinetics of lopinavir/ritonavir in healthy volunteers.
Midazolam (Versed)
Theoretically, echinacea may increase the metabolism of intravenous midazolam.
Echinacea induces hepatic CYP3A4 and might decrease plasma levels of midazolam by about 20%, reducing the effectiveness of intravenous midazolam. Echinacea also appears to inhibit intestinal CYP3A4, which could theoretically increase the bioavailability of oral midazolam. This may cancel out the decrease in availability caused by induction of hepatic CYP3A4, such that overall plasma levels after oral administration of midazolam are not affected by echinacea.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Echinacea seems to increase the clearance of warfarin, although the effect may not be clinically significant.
Preliminary clinical research in healthy male volunteers suggests that taking echinacea increases the clearance of the active S-isomer of warfarin after a single dose of warfarin, but there was not a clinically significant effect on the INR.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg, from the product label.
Sundown
See all Sundown products- Name
- Rexall Sundown, Inc.
- City
- Boca Raton
- State
- FL
- ZipCode
- 33487
- Phone Number
- 1-888-848-2435
- Web Address
- www.sundownnutrition.com
Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg by Sundown: Common Questions
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The Full Monographs Behind Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Whole Herb Echinacea 400 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 51 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Echinacea 51 references
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- Turner RB, Bauer R, Woelkart K, et al. An evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia in experimental rhinovirus infections. N Engl J Med 2005;353:341-8.
- Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. In vivo assessment of botanical supplementation on human cytochrome P450 phenotypes: Citrus aurantium, Echinacea purpurea, milk thistle, and saw palmetto. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2004;76:428-40. .
- Perri D, Dugoua JJ, Mills E, Koren G. Safety and efficacy of echinacea (Echinacea augustafolia, e. purpurea and e. pallida) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol 2006;13:e262-7.
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- Press Release: Echinacea herbal products should not be used in children under 12 years old. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (UK). August 20, 2012. Available at: www.mhra.gov.uk/NewsCentre/Pressreleases/CON180627. (Accessed 21 October
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- Haller J, Freund, TF, Pelczer, KG, et al. The anxiolytic potential and psychotropic side effects of an echinacea preparation in laboratory animals and healthy volunteers. Phytother.Res. 2013;27:54-61.
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- Moltó J, Valle M, Miranda C, et al. Herb-drug interaction between Echinacea purpurea and darunavir-ritonavir in HIV-infected patients. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011;55(1):326-30.
- Goey AK, Meijerman I, Rosing H, et al. The effect of Echinacea purpurea on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2013;76(3):467-74.
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- Karsch-Völk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, Bauer R, Ardjomand-Woelkart K, Linde K. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2014;(2):CD000530. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub3. PubMed
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- Ogal M, Johnston SL, Klein P, Schoop R. Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial. Eur J Med Res. 2021 Apr 8;26(1):33. PubMed
- Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. An investigation into the anxiety-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of Echinacea angustifolia (EP107 ™): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Affect Disord 2021;293:229-237.
- Weishaupt R, Buchkov A, Kolev E, Klein P, Schoop R. Reduction of viral load in patients with acute sore throats: Results from an observational clinical trial with Echinacea / Salvia lozenges [published online ahead of print, 2023 Mar 8]. Complement Med Re
- Sumer J, Keckeis K, Scanferla G, et al. Novel Echinacea formulations for the treatment of acute respiratory tract infections in adults-A randomized blinded controlled trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023;10:948787. PubMed
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