The A-Z Guide to Herb-Herb-Vitamin Interactions is based on the mission of providing comprehensive, science-based information from leading natural medicine experts, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Generic Drugs—All prescription and over-the-counter medications covered in the A–Z Guide to Drug-Drug-Vitamin Interactions are listed alphabetically in the table of contents by generic name (active ingredient).
Vitamin D Depletion or interference None known Side effect reduction/prevention None known Decreased drug absorption/bioavailability None known. Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorder, and is in a family of drugs known as benzodiazepines (page 36).
Several cases of excessive bleeding have been reported in people taking antibiotics. This side effect may be the result of reduced vitamin K activity and/or reduced vitamin K production by bacteria in the large intestine. Several cases of excessive bleeding have been reported in people taking antibiotics. This side effect may be the result of reduced vitamin K activity and/or reduced vitamin K production by bacteria in the large intestine.
ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME (ACE) INHIBITORS
ACE inhibitors are also used to slow the progression of kidney disease in people with diabetes. Summary of Interactions for ACE Inhibitors In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory.
In addition, pregnant women or women who may become pregnant while taking anticonvulsants should discuss folic acid supplementation with their doctor. Although many researchers believe that there are low levels of folic acid in the blood, the effects may be caused by vitamin B12.
Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious disease affecting children and teenagers, has been linked to aspirin use. Taking aspirin has been associated with increased urinary loss of vitamin C and has been associated with vitamin C deficiency.4 People who take aspirin regularly should consider supplementing with at least a few hundred milligrams of vitamin C per day.
There have been two case reports suggesting a possible interaction between ginkgo and an anticoagulant drug or aspirin leading to increased bleeding.11, 12 In the first, a 78-year-old woman taking warfarin (page 281) developed bleeding in the brain after the simultaneous use of ginkgo (the amount used is not specified in the case report). In the second, a 70-year-old man developed slow bleeding behind the iris of the eye (spontaneous hyphema) after using ginkgo (80 mg per day) along with aspirin (325 mg per day).
The flavonoids found in the licorice extract known as DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) are helpful in avoiding the irritating effects that aspirin has on the stomach and intestines. Since pleurisy and other plants in the Aesclepius species contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid using pleurisy with cardiac medications such as atenolol.3.
ATO RVA S TAT I N
Ꮬ Avoid: Unwanted interaction Alcohol Depletion or interference None known Side effect reduction/prevention None known. John's wort (alprazolam) Depletion or interference None known Adverse effect reduction/prevention None known Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known.
Since pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid using pleurisy root with cardiac medications such as beta blockers.3. Since pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid using pleurisy root with cardiac medications such as beta blockers.3.
Common interactions for many, if not all, beta-adrenergic blockers are described in this article. Summary of Bile Acid Sequestrant Interactions In some cases, a drug or supplement may appear in more than one category, which can seem contradictory.
Ꮬ Avoid: Adverse interaction Alcohol deficiency or interference None known Reduction/prevention of side effects None known Reduced absorption/bioavailability of drugs None known. Ꮬ Avoidance: Adverse interaction Kava Exhaustion or interference None known Reduction/prevention of side effects None known.
People with kidney failure may develop high blood calcium levels while taking calcium acetate. Calcium-containing antacids, when taken together with calcium acetate, can result in abnormally high blood calcium levels.5 Therefore, people taking calcium acetate should avoid taking calcium-containing antacids.
Further studies will be required to determine whether niacin supplementation is appropriate for people taking carbidopa. An animal study has found that carbidopa inhibits an enzyme involved in the synthesis of niacin in the body. 6 In addition, there is evidence that niacin synthesis is decreased in humans taking carbidopa and other drugs in its class. 7 Further studies are needed. further. to determine whether niacin supplementation is appropriate for people taking carbidopa.
In one study, taking 500 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii twice daily increased the effectiveness of the antibiotic vancomycin in preventing recurrent Clostridial infections.4 Therefore, people who take antibiotics and later develop diarrhea may benefit from supplementing with saccharomyces organisms . In one study, taking 500 mg of Saccharomyces boulardiit twice daily improved the effectiveness of the antibiotic vancomycin in preventing recurrent Clostridial infections.4 Therefore, people who take antibiotics and later develop diarrhea may benefit from supplementing with saccharomyces organisms .
Until more information is available, individuals taking clozapine should talk to their healthcare practitioner before making any changes to their caffeine intake. Therefore, people taking clozapine should talk to their doctor first before making any changes to their smoking habit.
Colestipol is a bile acid sequestrant (page 39) (prevents the absorption of bile acids in the digestive system). Animal studies suggest that calcium and zinc may be decreased by the administration of cholestyramine, another bile acid sequestrant.4 It is not known whether these same interactions will occur with colestipol.
In one trial, people were given 4 grams of glutamine in a mouthwash, which they rinsed through their mouth and then swallowed twice a day.9 Thirteen of the fourteen people in the study therefore had fewer days with mouth sores. At least one study suggests that NAC, at a dose of 1,800 mg per day, may reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.22.
These results imply that the addition of vitamin E to established cyclosporine therapy allows a decrease in the amount of cyclosporine. A common side effect of antibiotics is diarrhea, which can be caused by the elimination of beneficial bacteria normally found in the colon.
One study found that people who had taken broad-spectrum antibiotics had lower liver concentrations of vitamin K2 (menaquinone), although levels of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) remained normal.12 Several antibiotics appear to have a strong effect on vitamin K activity , while others may have no effect. Further research is needed to determine whether the amount of vitamin K1 found in some multivitamins is sufficient to prevent antibiotic-induced bleeding.
Fifteen people taking dapsone for dermatitis herpetiformis were given 800 IU of vitamin E per day for four weeks, followed by four weeks with 1,000 mg of vitamin C per day, followed by four weeks of vitamin E and vitamin C together.7 The authors only reported that vitamin E therapy provided some protection against dapsone-induced hemolysis.
More research is needed to determine whether L-tryptophan supplementation is a good idea for people taking diclofenac. Severe peripheral neuropathy (painful sensations due to nerve damage in the hands and feet) often develops in people taking didanosine or other drugs in this class.
Doxycycline can be taken with or without food and should be taken with a full glass of water.14 However, doxycycline should not be taken with milk15 or other dairy products. Henbane should not be taken except with a prescription from a physician trained in its use, as it is extremely toxic.
Conjugated estrogens and esterified estrogens are both combinations of estrogenic hormones used to treat symptoms of menopause, to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and as replacement therapy in other conditions involving insufficient estrogen production. Conjugated estrogen therapy has been reported to reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women.
Taking fenofibrate with food dramatically increases the absorption of the drug.4 Therefore, fenofibrate should be taken with food. Swallowing grapefruit juice, orange juice, or apple juice along with fexofenadine lowers blood levels of the drug.2.
Taking NSAIDs with food can reduce side effects on the stomach and intestines.6 Although taking flurbiprofen with food reduces the rate of absorption of the drug, it does not reduce the total amount that is absorbed.7 Therefore, people, in order to avoid possible side effects, in long-term treatment with flurbiprofen, the drug should be taken with meals.
Folic acid and vitamin B6 have been used to reduce elevated blood levels of homocysteine, which is associated with atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that taking folic acid with different foods can alter the absorption of the vitamin.
Hydrocodone-containing products can be taken with food to reduce or prevent indigestion.1 A common side effect of narcotic analgesics is constipation.2 Increasing dietary fiber (especially vegetables and whole grains) and water intake may relieve constipation. Interactions with food and other compounds Hydroxychloroquine should be taken with food to prevent possible stomach problems. 4.
Until more is known, people taking indinavir or other antiretroviral drugs for HIV infection should avoid taking St. Using alcohol during treatment with indomethacin increases the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding.15 People taking indomethacin should avoid alcohol.
INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS
It is not known whether orally administered thymus extracts will be useful in combination with interferon. To date, human studies have not used orally administered licorice extracts in conjunction with interferon.
Depletion or interference None known Reduction/prevention of side effects None known Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known. Potassium depletion or interference None known Reduction/prevention of side effects None known Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability None known.
A 50-year-old man developed high blood potassium levels after eight days of ketorolac treatment.2 More research is needed to determine whether taking ketorolac with supplemental potassium may increase this side effect. Lamivudine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and belongs to a class of medicines known as antiviral medicines.
Furosemide (Lasix) is most effective when taken on an empty stomach, one hour before meals.13 However, furosemide can be taken with food to prevent gastrointestinal (GI) upset.14 Torsemide (Demadex) can be taken with or without food.15 . Some cases of excessive bleeding have been reported in people taking antibiotics. 6, 7, 8, 9 This side effect may be the result of reduced vitamin K activity and/or reduced production of vitamin K by bacteria in the colon.
L O RTA B
Lovastatin is a member of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor family of drugs, which block the body's production of cholesterol. Cholestin, a dietary supplement advertised to help maintain healthy cholesterol but not to lower high cholesterol, contains several HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor chemicals, including lovastatin.
In a double-blind study, lovastatin was found to increase oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol and was reported that vitamin E protects against such damage, but does not completely reverse the negative effect of lovastatin.11 This study suggests that people taking lovastatin may benefit of supplemental vitamin E. Food increases blood levels of lovastatin.13 Lovastatin should be taken at the same time each day with a meal.14 Because of the potential for decreased absorption of lovastatin in the presence of soluble fiber, it is prudent to Do not eat fruit or oatmeal within two hours before or after taking lovastatin.
Antacids, including magnesium hydroxide, inhibit the absorption of folic acid.1 People taking antacids are advised to supplement with folic acid. Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapy drug (page 54) that interferes with the activation of folic acid and prevents cell reproduction.
