Taking Tylenol (Acetaminophen) And Astragalus Together

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the concurrent use of Tylenol and astragalus.

Question

Is acetaminophen contraindicated if I use astragalus root in a broth for immune support while I have a viral infection?

Asked by Bec On Jan 16, 2025

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Jan 18, 2025
Last updated Feb 09, 2025

Answer

Hello and thanks so much for reaching out!

Our website does not list any interactions between astragalus and acetaminophen. If you’d like more details, you can check out the page dedicated to this interaction: Astragalus - Acetaminophen Interaction Details | HelloPharmacist

Regarding astragalus, some research suggests it does have antiviral properties, as you mentioned in your question.

In a few studies involving people with hepatitis B, astragalus helped increase what researchers call “seroreversion.” In plain English, that means blood tests showing signs of the virus eventually changed back to normal. Lab tests also suggest astragalus could help fight off certain viruses like cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1).

Acetaminophen is simply a pain reliever and fever reducer. It doesn’t have any antiviral effect. However, there’s no evidence suggesting any problems with taking acetaminophen alongside astragalus, so they’re generally considered safe to use together.

Final Words

Thanks again for your question! If you have any more concerns, feel free to reach out any time. We’re always here to help.

References

  • [Experimental study of the effect of Astragalus membranaceus against herpes simplex virus type 1], PubMed
  • Clinical and experimental effectiveness of Astragali compound in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B, PubMed

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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