Is Chamomile Tea Safe With Tylenol?

Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out to us! There is potentially a very minor interaction between chamomile and Tylenol (acetaminophen), but it likely isn't clinically significant.

There is always a caveat that needs to be noted when discussing drug-herbal interactions simply due to the lack of data available. Nevertheless, looking specifically into Tylenol and chamomile, as mentioned, there may be a very minor interaction but, in all likelihood, they are safe to combine.

Interaction Details

Acetaminophen is metabolized in our system via several different processes. A very minor metabolism pathway for acetaminophen is via the CYP1A2 enzyme. Clinical studies have shown at chamomile is a minor inhibitor of this metabolizing enzyme.

Inhibition of the CYP1A2 enzyme could theoretically slow the metabolism of acetaminophen, increasing drug concentrations, which could increase the risk of side effects.

Now, acetaminophen is not primarily metabolized via CYP1A2. It is predominately metabolized via other pathways, including glucuronidation, sulfate conjugation, and via the metabolizing enzyme CYP2E1. CYP1A2 metabolism is thought to be only minor.

Any increase in acetaminophen concentrations due to CYP1A2 metabolism inhibition likely would be insignificant.

As long as you don't consistently combine chamomile and acetaminophen, and only do it once in a while, you shouldn't expect any problems, especially since you are taking a relatively low dose of Tylenol (325mg).

Final Words

Thanks so much for reaching out and please feel free to do so again in the future.