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Herb-Prescription Medication Drug Interaction |
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If you choose to use herbal treatments of any medical condition there are a few rules that are essential. These rules are meant to help the individual one three levels.
1. Use herb correctly to protect individuals overall safety
2. Use the right herb for the right job
3. Do not over dose
The Basic Rules:
1. Do not self medicate
2. Do not medicate on the basis of a clerk at a health food store
3. See a well-trained, certified herbalist to be treated correctly with the right herb used at the right dosage
4. Be sure that if you are using any prescription medications there are no negative herb-drug interactions.
Using this philosophy will keep you from having problems, under or over medicating and prevent complication, side effects or problems with being treated correctly and obtaining optimal results.
Herb-Drug Interactions
Herb-drug interactions are generally very common. Some herbal medications will cancel the effect of certain prescription medications. Others can reduce or even eliminate the positive value of certain prescription medications. Other may even exaggerate positive effects, sometimes helping, and sometimes creating a negative situation. Individuals taking medication for HIV or medications for associated symptoms or disorders, may be particularly vulnerable and should make sure any herbal medications used are approved by their HIV physician.
General Principles
If you are generally health and using or deliberating the use of herbal medication consider the information below:
Dong Quai: Dong Quai is commonly used to treat menopausal symptom control. Dong Quai can negatively interact with warfarin (a anticoagulant), St John's Wort and also with some antibiotics such as sulfonamides, quinolones.
Echinacea: Echinacea is often used as an immune booster to prevent cold’s and the flu. You should not take Echinacea if you are using some heart medications, antifungal medications, HIV medications and anti-anxiety medications. Talk with your doctor before using Echinacea.
Ephedra: Ephedra is a powerful decongestant. It contains ephedrine and ephedrine can dilate bronchial air tubes within the lungs. Ephedra is currently very controversial because it's also a very powerful stimulant and can cause high blood pressure and insomnia. Ephedra should never be used by individuals who are also taking prescription heart medications or who are being treated for high blood pressure, glaucoma or thyroid problems.
Feverfew: Feverfew is generally used to treat severe migraine headaches. When you use feverfew do not use any other migraine medications, as the combination may cause a rise in heart rate and/or blood pressure. Feverfew also can react with warfarin anti-coagulants and increase its effect in thinning the blood.
Ginkgo: Ginkgo increases blood flow and circulation throughout the body. This can help improve memory. However, it may interact with anti-coagulant medications such as Aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or heparin and cause the blood to become too thin. This could provoke a serious bleeding disorder. A report in the New England Journal of Medicine describes a man who was using low dose Aspirin to prevent a heart attack and had spontaneous bleeding into his eye within a week of starting a daily dose of ginkgo. Ginkgo, should not be taken along with HIV medications.
Garlic: Garlic is often used to lower cholesterol and to prevent the formation of blood clots which could lead to heart attacks. Garlic capsules may increase blood thinning. If you are already on anti- coagulants you should not take garlic as a medication. It can however, still be used in cooking in regular amounts. Do not take medicinal dosages of garlic along with diabetes medication as it can cause a decrease in blood sugars. If you do use garlic appropriately lower blood sugar meds under your doctor’s supervision. Garlic should always be use with caution with HIV medications.
Ginseng: Ginseng is used to help reduce stress, boost energy and improve stamina. It may also help lower cholesterol. Ginseng can induce nervousness and excitation, and with overuse it can lead to headaches, insomnia and heart palpitations. Ginseng can also increase blood pressure. It should not be used if you are taking prescription medications for high blood pressure or if you are using warfarin (Coumadin).
Hawthorn: Hawthorn is sued by some people to reduce attacks of angina. It also can lower blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels. Hawthorn should not be taken When using the heart medication, digoxin and the combination can lower heart rate, and sometimes too much.
Kava: Kava is used to treat anxiety. It's also used to relieve insomnia and nervousness. Kava should not be used if you have a history of liver problems. Kava also should not be taken along with antidepressants, sedatives, and it should never be mixed with alcohol.
Licorice: Licorice is used to treat coughs, colds and peptic ulcers. High doses of licorice can lead to increased blood pressure, water retention and potassium loss. Do not use licorice when you are taking diuretics or digoxin as it can lead to loss of potassium which is essential for normal heart function.
St. John's wort: St. John's wort is a natural anti-depressant often used to treat mild to moderate depression. St. John's wort should not be taken along with other anti-depressants, HIV medications, oral contraceptives, some heart/blood thinning medications and Tamoxifen (anti-estrogen, a cancer drug).
Valerian: Valerian acts as a mild sedative which has secondary hypnotic effects. It is commonly used to promote sleep. Valerian should not be used along with alcohol or Valium.
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Treating Medical Conditions 