The short answer
An exact dong quai interaction with phenobarbital has not been established. Dong quai can cause light-sensitive skin reactions, so review the product before using it.
What this answer covers
Oral Angelica sinensis products; no assumption that other Angelica species or isolated constituents behave identically.
- Supplement or preparation
- Angelica sinensis
- Medication ingredient
- phenobarbital
What the evidence actually concerns
The institutional assessment lists photosensitivity and photodermatitis from dong quai. That is a possible effect of the herb itself, rather than a measured increase caused by this exact drug combination.
Check the botanical and all ingredients
Confirm that the product contains Angelica sinensis and note the dose, extract and any added herbs. Different species, mixtures and isolated compounds cannot be treated as the same exposure.
Discuss a new skin reaction
If you develop unusual sun sensitivity, itching or redness, contact a clinician and bring the product label. The evidence does not establish that separating doses prevents a skin reaction.
Keep the prescribed medicine steady
Do not stop phenobarbital abruptly or adjust its dose to compensate for a supplement. Sudden withdrawal can provoke serious seizures. Tell the prescriber about new or worsening symptoms and all supplement changes.
Evidence and practical considerations
Side effects & toxicity
Intrinsic dong quai photosensitivity does not establish the current exact-pair photosensitivity or avoid/separate claim.
- Exact scope
- Oral Angelica sinensis products; no assumption that other Angelica species or isolated constituents behave identically. with Exact oral phenobarbital; parent and metabolites distinguished; no other drug/route assumed equivalent.
- Medication form and route
- oral supplement unless pregnancy section explicitly distinguishes neonatal injection
- Timing or duration
- Preparation, dose and duration determine applicability; chronic nutrition evidence is not a single-dose interaction.
What remains uncertain
- No exact human co-use study identified; no validated interval or demonstrated additive photosensitivity.
Factors that may matter: exact supplement identity; dose; other medicines; clinical indication; baseline nutrition; pregnancy where relevant.
Read the supporting source summaries
Source 1: current product label
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · Source check Sep 10, 2026
Population: People prescribed oral phenobarbital.
Causes CNS depression and can impair driving; other CNS depressants can add to these effects. Adult plasma half-life is prolonged. Abrupt withdrawal after dependence can cause seizures and other serious symptoms. Long-term treatment warrants periodic clinical and laboratory assessment.
How this applies: Exact RxCUI 8134 IN and UNII YQE403BP4D, oral plain ingredient; no automatic sodium-injection or other barbiturate transfer.
Does not name the requested botanicals or establish supplement-specific interaction rates or spacing. Current DailyMed listing is unapproved drug other, not evidence of FDA approval.
Source 2: institutional botanical assessment
mskcc.org · Source check Sep 10, 2026
Population: Users of Angelica sinensis products.
Lists photosensitivity/photodermatitis as possible adverse effects. Does not identify an exact phenobarbital or primidone combination study.
How this applies: Supports a supplement-specific skin precaution while leaving exact combination claims insufficient.
Secondary institutional context. Intrinsic photosensitivity is not proof of additive drug photosensitivity. Experimental CYP findings cannot establish a primidone interaction.
Research assessment: · Open full citations ↗
Review and change history
- Publication status
- Published research summary
- Clinical review
- Not yet recorded
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| Article prepared | |
| Exact current available claims reviewed against captured originals; no clinical review asserted. | |
| Research summary published |
Article revision: bc7e9b29390b85a6
This guide brings together the evidence records used by our interaction checker. Each finding retains its own preparation limits, research date, and source summaries.
Full citations require verification. Reading this answer and the source summaries does not.
Taking other supplements or medications?
Use the checker to explore your other combinations. Ask a pharmacist to review the exact products, amounts and medical conditions in your complete list.
Open the interaction checkerInformation, not medical advice. Do not change prescribed treatment based on this guide.