The short answer
An exact dong quai interaction with primidone 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
- primidone
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 primidone 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 primidone; 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 primidone for epilepsy.
Primidone itself and its phenobarbital and PEMA metabolites have anticonvulsant activity. Drowsiness, ataxia and vertigo can occur. Rare megaloblastic anemia may respond to folic acid without stopping therapy. Label advises maternal vitamin K1 around delivery. Abrupt withdrawal can provoke status epilepticus.
How this applies: Exact RxCUI 8691 IN primidone, UNII 13AFD7670Q, oral tablets.
Parent and metabolites are distinct active exposures. Pregnancy label advice is not proof of benefit for routine prenatal vitamin K or a general adult supplement requirement.
Source 2: current product label
medicines.org.uk · Source check Sep 10, 2026
Population: Patients receiving oral primidone for epilepsy or essential tremor.
Potent CNS depressant; long-term vitamin D supplementation may be needed. Lists folates among co-treatments requiring attention; megaloblastic anemia can respond to folic acid/B12. St John’s wort is listed under contraindicated co-use because primidone concentrations and effectiveness may decrease. Maternal vitamin K1 is advised near delivery.
How this applies: Exact primidone label supports ingredient-specific boundaries rather than inference solely from phenobarbital metabolism.
Does not quantify botanical interactions or make parent and metabolite concentrations equivalent. Maternal vitamin K guidance differs from evidence reviews. No universal supplement spacing.
Source 3: 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: 8d455d462c81fb9c
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.