Echinacea 400 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking 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
Echinacea 400 mg is a dietary supplement by Vitamer Laboratories 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 whole plant extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Echinacea 400 mg by Vitamer Laboratories
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Echinacea 400 mg by Vitamer Laboratories — 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 Echinacea 400 mg by Vitamer Laboratories
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 whole plant extract at 400 mg per capsule. Echinacea is an herb traditionally used to support immune function.
The capsule itself and the other ingredients — cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica — are inactive components that help form and stabilize the supplement.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for echinacea's effectiveness isn't established in the data we hold. The facts show insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for anxiety, athletic performance, ADHD, burns, chronic fatigue, or migraine headaches.
If you're considering echinacea for a specific health goal, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the research actually supports.
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, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, rashes, and stomach upset.
Rare but serious adverse effects include severe allergic reactions and hepatitis, especially in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants like chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Because safety data is limited, it's best to avoid this product unless your doctor approves.
For pregnancy, the data suggests echinacea is possibly safe, but it's limited — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use. We have no data on safety during breastfeeding, so check with your healthcare provider first.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this, double-check any medications with your pharmacist, especially: drugs broken down by the CYP1A2 enzyme (caffeine and others), immunosuppressants, cancer drugs like etoposide, blood thinners like warfarin, HIV medications like lopinavir/ritonavir, and sedatives like midazolam. Echinacea's effects on how your liver processes these drugs can be significant or unpredictable.
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 may be worth considering if you want immune support and your doctor has cleared it — but only if you're not on any medications that interact with it. If you take prescription drugs, especially immunosuppressants, cancer treatments, blood thinners, or anything metabolized by your liver, check your medications with the tool on this page first.
Anyone allergic to ragweed or related plants should be cautious. Always talk with your pharmacist before you start.
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 Aug 23, 2013.
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 Echinacea 400 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Vitamer Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 719985978289 |
| Net contents | 50 Vegetarian Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Aug 23, 2013 |
| DSLD ID | 23849 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Echinacea 400 mg by Vitamer Laboratories, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Echinacea whole plant extract | 400 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Capsule, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica
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.
Brand IP Statement(s)
The Ultimate Extract(R) process makes our Echinacea easier to digest and more available than plain herb powder.
Ultimate Extract(R)
General Statements
By combining the extract with the marc (insoluble herb material remaining after extraction), all beneficial components found in nature are preserved full spectrum to deliver optimal bioavailability.
WE GUARANTEE OUR SUPPLEMENTS FOR POTENCY AND PURITY
Also known as the purple coneflower, Echinacea is native to North America and has an extensive history of success in the Western world for its use for supporting the body's natural defenses. Our Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) has been specially formulated for basic herbal support. It is a 1:1 full spectrum powdered extract. Our Echinacea conforms to the mode of administration as established by the German Commission E monograph and is made from the highest grade whole herb.
Supports the Body's Natural Defenses
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Precautions
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Pregnant and lactating women should consult their health care professional before using this product.
General
VL978-50N
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
DOUBLE VERIFIED GLUTEN FREE(R)
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
SUGGESTED USE: Take one capsule with 8 oz. warm water between meals.
Formulation
CONTAINS NO artificial colors, flavors or preservatives; no wheat, gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, crustacean shellfish or fish.
Suitable for vegans.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Echinacea 400 mg by Vitamer Laboratories 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 Echinacea 400 mg by Vitamer Laboratories
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.
Echinacea whole plant extract
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 whole plant extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Capsule, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Echinacea 400 mg by Vitamer Laboratories Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Echinacea 400 mg by Vitamer Laboratories does interact with a number of medications.
The most serious concern is with drugs that depend on your liver's CYP1A2 enzyme to be broken down — echinacea can slow that process and raise their blood levels. Caffeine is the most common example: echinacea may boost caffeine levels by around 30%, which could increase jitteriness, sleep problems, or heart palpitations in sensitive people.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Echinacea also has unpredictable effects on drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, another liver enzyme. It may speed up clearance of some medications while slowing others — a particular concern with etoposide (a cancer drug), where echinacea has been linked to worse side effects.
Additionally, echinacea's immune-boosting activity can interfere with immunosuppressant medications, which are meant to tone down your immune system. Minor interactions have been reported with blood thinners like warfarin, HIV protease inhibitors like lopinavir/ritonavir, and sedatives like midazolam, though clinical impact is often small.
Altogether, these interactions span 817 individual medications. If you take any prescription drug — especially cancer treatments, immunosuppressants, blood thinners, or sedatives — run it through the checker below before you start echinacea.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against 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 Echinacea 400 mg interact with 816 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Echinacea 400 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Echinacea whole plant extract
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, ChlorzoxazoneAcetazone Forte, Extra Strength Tylenol Aches & Strains, Parafon Forte
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Codeine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineSinadrin Plus
How Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, DextromethorphanTylenol Cough Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylephrineConar-A
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylpropanolamineAnatuss
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PseudoephedrineRobitussin Cold, Severe Cold, Suphedrine Cold/Cough
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Flu Liquid Gels, Non Aspirin Cold Caps, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Flu Daytime Ex Strength, Tylenol Flu Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interactionAcetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interactionAcetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineEx Strength Tylenol Sinus Nighttime
How Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
How Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
How Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionAcetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
How Acetaminophen, Meperidine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Meperidine interactionAcetaminophen, MethocarbamolRobaxacet
How Acetaminophen, Methocarbamol interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, OrphenadrineOrfenagesic
How Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine interactionAcetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interacts with Echinacea 400 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Whole Plant ExtractCytochrome 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 Whole Plant Extract + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in 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 whole plant extract
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 Echinacea 400 mg, from the product label.
Echinacea 400 mg by Vitamer Laboratories: Common Questions
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The Full Monographs Behind Echinacea 400 mg’s Ingredients
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Sources & How We Checked
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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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