ParaFree Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Herbs Etc.
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking ParaFree 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
ParaFree is a dietary supplement by Herbs Etc. with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and poor appetite, intestinal parasites, crohn's disease symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 1,089 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Clove Flower Bud Extract, Quassia Inner Wood Extract, Wormwood Herb Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against ParaFree by Herbs Etc.
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with ParaFree by Herbs Etc. — 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
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of ParaFree by Herbs Etc.
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
Low disclosure
ParaFree contains four active ingredients in a proprietary blend: wormwood herb extract, quassia inner wood extract, clove flower bud extract, and male fern root extract. These are combined in a softgel capsule with several inactive ingredients including bovine gelatin, glycerine, olive oil, and others that help make the capsule and preserve the product.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for ParaFree's ingredients is limited. Wormwood has insufficient reliable evidence to support its use for biliary disorders, Crohn disease, depression, dyspepsia, or osteoarthritis.
Quassia also shows insufficient evidence for seborrheic dermatitis, lice, rosacea, or other conditions. Clove flower bud extract is possibly effective for ventilator-associated pneumonia, but shows insufficient evidence for cough, acute pain, or dyspepsia.
Male fern root has insufficient evidence for hemorrhoids, intestinal parasite infection, rheumatoid arthritis, or wound healing. In short, we don't hold established evidence that this product works for its intended purpose.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
This product carries serious safety concerns. Wormwood contains thujone, a neurotoxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and in rare cases acute kidney toxicity, rhabdomyolysis, and seizures.
Wormwood is considered unsafe in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus, and there isn't enough safety data to use it while breastfeeding. Quassia can irritate your digestive tract, causing nausea and vomiting, and long-term use has been linked to vision changes and blindness; it is unsafe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Clove is generally well tolerated in food amounts, but concentrated doses are caution—and medicinal or essential-oil doses should be cleared by your provider first. Clove is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation in food amounts.
Male fern is potentially toxic with a very narrow margin between an effective dose and a poisonous one—it is considered unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding due to toxicity risk.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking ParaFree, double-check with your pharmacist if you take anticonvulsant drugs (seizure meds), antidiabetes drugs, diuretics, digoxin, H2-blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, or any medication metabolized by your liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, or CYP2C9). The medication checker below can help identify whether your drugs are affected.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
ParaFree is a multi-ingredient herbal product with significant interaction potential and serious safety concerns, particularly wormwood and male fern. If you take seizure medications, diabetes drugs, diuretics, or heart medications, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use this product without talking to your pharmacist or doctor first.
Check your exact medications with the tool on this page before considering it.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 2025.
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 ParaFree, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Herbs Etc. |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 765704525364 |
| Net contents | 60 Softgel(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Feb 23, 2025 |
| DSLD ID | 320877 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Softgel Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten 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 ParaFree by Herbs Etc., sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Extract Blend | 200 mg | -- |
| Wormwood Herb Extract | 0 NP | -- |
| Quassia Inner Wood Extract | 0 NP | -- |
| Clove Flower Bud Extract | 0 NP | -- |
| Male Fern Root Extract | 0 NP | -- |
Other ingredients: Bovine Gelatin, Glycerine, Water, Purified, Carob, Chlorophyll, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Beeswax
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
Liquid in a fast-acting softgel Intestinal cleansing for travelers
Gluten free No artificial preservatives.
Manufactured in Santa Fe, NM.
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Formula
ParaFree is made with intestinal cleansing herbs, including Wormwood, Quassia and Male Fern.
General Statements
We apply our company philosophy to ParaFree, as we do to all of our herbal medicines. That philosophy is to do what's right, which extends to choosing the right herbs, using the right processes, and making the right formulations that support your health needs. We do all of this to bring you herbal medicines made right.
Herbal medicine
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use: Take one softgel with water three times a day before meals.
Precautions
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing.
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 disease.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
ParaFree by Herbs Etc. 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 ParaFree by Herbs Etc.
These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Proprietary Extract Blend
Other (inactive) ingredients: Bovine Gelatin, Glycerine, Water, Purified, Carob, Chlorophyll, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Beeswax. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
ParaFree by Herbs Etc. Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
ParaFree by Herbs Etc. interacts with a broad range of medications, with the most serious concern being wormwood's moderate interaction with anticonvulsant drugs (seizure medications).
Wormwood contains thujone, a compound with convulsant properties that may theoretically interfere with how your seizure meds work.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Quassia and clove extracts each carry moderate interactions with antidiabetes drugs—both may lower blood sugar, raising the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Quassia also interacts moderately with diuretic drugs and digoxin (a heart medication), and may increase stomach acid, which could reduce the effectiveness of acid-reducing drugs like H2-blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and antacids (all minor interactions).
Clove extract interacts moderately with several medications metabolized by your liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes—this means clove may raise blood levels of those drugs. Minor interactions with clove also include anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and topical ibuprofen.
Male fern root extract, the fourth ingredient, has no documented interactions in our data.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,078 individual medications. Use the medication checker on this page to confirm whether any of your prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs are affected before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against ParaFree?
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 ParaFree interact with 1,089 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
3 of the 4 ingredients in ParaFree interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Clove Flower Bud Extract Quassia Inner Wood Extract Wormwood Herb Extract
Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
How Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, clove oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acalabrutinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with ParaFree — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove extracts with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acarbose interactionQuassia Inner Wood ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
In animals, quassia extract reduced levels of fasting glucose.
Read the full Quassia Inner Wood Extract + Acarbose interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, clove oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + 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 ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with ParaFree — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionQuassia Inner Wood ExtractDiuretic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Overuse of quassia might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss.
Read the full Quassia Inner Wood Extract + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interacts with ParaFree — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Clove Flower Bud ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Clove Flower Bud Extract + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in ParaFree with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Clove Flower Bud Extract
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove extracts with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical and laboratory research suggest that polyphenol extracts from clove flower buds might lower blood glucose levels. Dosing adjustments for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may be necessary when taken with clove. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that eugenol, the principal constituent of clove, can inhibit CYP1A2 in a dose-dependent manner,. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that eugenol, the principal constituent of clove, inhibits CYP2C9 in a dose-dependent manner. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research shows that eugenol, the principal constituent of clove, can inhibit CYP2D6 in a dose-dependent manner. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, concomitant use of clove may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that eugenol, the principal constituent of clove, can inhibit CYP3A4 in a dose-dependent manner. This effect has not been reported in humans.
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, clove oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that eugenol, a constituent of clove, has antiplatelet activity. This interaction has not been reported in humans.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Others)
Theoretically, topical application of clove oil with ibuprofen might increase the absorption and side effects of topical ibuprofen.
Laboratory research shows that topical application of clove oil increases the absorption of topical ibuprofen. This interaction has not been reported in humans.
Quassia Inner Wood Extract
Antidiabetes Drugs
In animals, quassia extract reduced levels of fasting glucose. Theoretically, quassia might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs. This might increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.
Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Theoretically, concomitant use with cardiac medications might increase the risk of therapeutic and adverse effects.
Diuretic Drugs
Overuse of quassia might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. There is some concern that people taking quassia along with potassium depleting diuretics might have an increased risk for hypokalemia. Initiation of potassium supplementation or an increase in potassium supplement dose may be necessary for some patients.
Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.
Antacids
Theoretically, due to reports that quassia increases stomach acid, quassia might decrease the effectiveness of antacids.
H2-Blockers
Theoretically, due to reports that quassia increases stomach acid, quassia might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers. The H2 blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), nizatidine (Axid), and famotidine (Pepcid).
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)
Theoretically, due to reports that quassia increases stomach acid, quassia might decrease the effectiveness of PPIs. PPIs include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).
Wormwood Herb Extract
Anticonvulsants
Theoretically, taking wormwood might interfere with the effects of anticonvulsant drugs.
Thujone, a constituent of wormwood, has convulsant effects.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for ParaFree, from the product label.
Herbs Etc.
- Name
- Herbs, Etc., Inc.
- Street Address
- 1340 Rufina Circle
- City
- Santa Fe
- State
- NM
- ZipCode
- 87507
- Web Address
- www.herbsetc.com
ParaFree by Herbs Etc.: Common Questions
Does ParaFree by Herbs Etc. interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is ParaFree safe to use while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What is male fern root and why is it in this product?
What are the side effects I should watch for?
Does this product actually work for parasites?
Why does wormwood contain a neurotoxin?
Can I use this with my diabetes medication?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if ParaFree is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind ParaFree’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Wormwood
Interacts with 50 drugsWormwood is a very bitter herb traditionally used to stimulate appetite and ease digestion, and it has early research interest in Crohn's disease. It contains thujone, which can be toxic in...
Read the full Wormwood monograph → Herb & supplement monographQuassia
Interacts with 198 drugsQuassia is a tropical wood known for its very bitter taste, traditionally used as a digestive bitter and as a folk remedy for parasites and head lice. Human evidence for these uses is limite...
Read the full Quassia monograph → Herb & supplement monographClove
Interacts with 977 drugsClove is a common cooking spice that is also used in traditional medicine, especially as a topical numbing agent for tooth pain thanks to its main compound, eugenol. Food amounts are general...
Read the full Clove monograph → Herb & supplement monographMale Fern
Male fern is an old herbal remedy that was once used as a powerful treatment to expel tapeworms. It is now considered outdated and potentially dangerous because of its narrow safety margin a...
Read the full Male Fern monograph →Sources & How We Checked
ParaFree'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 47 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.
Wormwood 10 references
- Weisbord SD, Soule JB, Kimmel PL. Poison on line-acute renal failure caused by oil of wormwood purchased through the internet. N Engl J Med 1997;337:825-7. PubMed
- Gambelunghe C, Melai P. Absinthe: enjoying a new popularity among young people? Forensic Sci Int 2002;130:183-6.
- Hold KM, Sirisoma NS, Casida JE. Detoxification of alpha- and beta-Thujones (the active ingredients of absinthe): site specificity and species differences in cytochrome P450 oxidation in vitro and in vivo. Chem Res Toxicol 2001;14:589-95.
- Lachenmeier DW, Walch SG, Padosch SA, Kroner LU. Absinthe--a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2006;46:365-77.
- Padosch SA, Lachenmeier DW, Kroner LU. Absinthism: a fictitious 19th century syndrome with present impact. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2006;1:14. PubMed
- Lachenmeier DW, Emmert J, Kuballa T, Sartor G. Thujone--cause of absinthism? Forensic Sci Int 2006;158:1-8. PubMed
- Dettling, A., Grass, H., Schuff, A., Skopp, G., Strohbeck-Kuehner, P., and Haffner, H. T. Absinthe: attention performance and mood under the influence of thujone. J Stud.Alcohol 2004;65(5):573-581. PubMed
- Benezet-Mazuecos, J. and de la Fuente, A. Electrocardiographic findings after acute absinthe intoxication. Int J Cardiol. 11-10-2006;113(2):e48-e50. PubMed
- El Makrini NI, Hassam B. Artemisia absinthium: burning plant! Pan Afr Med J. 2016 Jan 22;23:10. PubMed
- Kocaoglu C, Ozel A. Persistent metabolic acidosis and severe diarrhoea due to Artemisia absinthium poisoning. J Pak Med Assoc. 2014 Sep;64(9):1081-3.
Quassia 8 references
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- Robbers JE, Speedie MK, Tyler VE. Pharmacognosy and Pharmacobiotechnology. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1996.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Jensen O, Nielsen AO, Bjerregaard P. Pediculosis capitis treated with quassia tincture. Acta Derm Venereol 1978;58:557-9. DOI
- Diehl C, Ferrari A. Efficacy of topical 4% Quassia amara gel in facial seborrheic dermatitis:a randomized, double-blind, comparative study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(3):312-5.
- Ferrari A, Diehl C. Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerance of a topical gel with 4% quassia extract in the treatment of rosacea. J Clin Pharmacol. 2012;52(1):84-8. PubMed
- Husain GM, Singh PN, Singh RK, Kumar V. Antidiabetic activity of standardized extract of Quassia amara in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Phytother Res. 2011;25(12):1806-12.
Clove 26 references
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Kanerva L, Estlander T, Jolanki R. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from spices. Contact Dermatitis 1996;35:157-62. PubMed
- Chen SJ, Wang MH, Chen IJ. Antiplatelet and calcium inhibitory properties of eugenol and sodium eugenol acetate. Gen Pharmacol 1996;27:629-33. PubMed
- Malson JL, Lee EM, Murty R, et al. Clove cigarette smoking: biochemical, physiological, and subjective effects. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003;74:739-45. PubMed
- Kirsch CM, Yenokida GG, Jensen WA, et al. Non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema due to the intravenous administration of clove oil. Thorax 1990;45:235-6. PubMed
- Pallares, D. E. Link between clove cigarettes and urticaria? Postgrad.Med 10-1-1999;106(4):153. PubMed
- Barnard, D. R. Repellency of essential oils to mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). J Med Entomol. 1999;36(5):625-629. PubMed
- Sanchez-Perez, J. and Garcia-Diez, A. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from eugenol, oil of cinnamon and oil of cloves in a physiotherapist. Contact Dermatitis 1999;41(6):346-347. PubMed
- Andersen, K. E., Johansen, J. D., Bruze, M., Frosch, P. J., Goossens, A., Lepoittevin, J. P., Rastogi, S., White, I., and Menne, T. The time-dose-response relationship for elicitation of contact dermatitis in isoeugenol allergic individuals. Toxicol.Appl PubMed
- Alqareer, A., Alyahya, A., and Andersson, L. The effect of clove and benzocaine versus placebo as topical anesthetics. J Dent 2006;34(10):747-750. PubMed
- Lane, B. W., Ellenhorn, M. J., Hulbert, T. V., and McCarron, M. Clove oil ingestion in an infant. Hum.Exp Toxicol. 1991;10(4):291-294. PubMed
- Quirce, S., Fernandez-Nieto, M., del, Pozo, V, Sastre, B., and Sastre, J. Occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by eugenol in a hairdresser. Allergy 2008;63(1):137-138. PubMed
- Srivastava, K. C. and Malhotra, N. Acetyl eugenol, a component of oil of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum L.) inhibits aggregation and alters arachidonic acid metabolism in human blood platelets. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 1991;42(1):73-81. PubMed
- Dyrbye, B. A., Dubois, L., Vink, R., and Horn, J. A patient with clove oil intoxication. Anaesth.Intensive Care 2012;40(2):365-366.
- Guidotti, T. L., Laing, L., and Prakash, U. B. Clove cigarettes. The basis for concern regarding health effects. West J Med 1989;151(2):220-228.
- Anonymous. Evaluation of the health hazard of clove cigarettes. Council on Scientific Affairs. JAMA 12-23-1988;260(24):3641-3644. DOI
- Romaguera, C., Alomar, A., Camarasa, J. M., Garcia, Bravo B., Garcia, Perez A., Grimalt, F., Guerra, P., Lopez, Gorretcher B., Pascual, A. M., Miranda, A., and . Contact dermatitis in children. Contact Dermatitis 1985;12(5):283-284. PubMed
- Hackett, P. H., Rodriguez, G., and Roach, R. C. Clove cigarettes and high-altitude pulmonary edema. JAMA 6-28-1985;253(24):3551-3552. DOI
- Isaacs, G. Permanent local anaesthesia and anhidrosis after clove oil spillage. Lancet 4-16-1983;1(8329):882. PubMed
- Saeed, S. A. and Gilani, A. H. Antithrombotic activity of clove oil. J Pak Med Assoc 1994;44(5):112-115.
- Hartnoll, G., Moore, D., and Douek, D. Near fatal ingestion of oil of cloves. Arch.Dis Child 1993;69(3):392-393. PubMed
- Srivastava, K. C. Antiplatelet principles from a food spice clove (Syzygium aromaticum L) [corrected]. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 1993;48(5):363-372.
- 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
- Mohan R, Jose S, Mulakkal J, Karpinsky-Semper D, Swick AG, Krishnakumar IM. Water-soluble polyphenol-rich clove extract lowers pre- and post-prandial blood glucose levels in healthy and prediabetic volunteers: an open label pilot study. BMC Complement Alt PubMed
- Alharbi NFM, Ahad A, Bin Jardan YA, Al-Jenoobi FI. Effect of eugenol on cytochrome P450 1A2, 2C9, 2D6, and 3A4 activity in human liver microsomes. Saudi Pharm J 2024;32(7):102118. PubMed
Male Fern 3 references
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
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