Drug Interactions - Drug interactions with herbs & healthfoods

Drug interactions with herbs & healthfoods

Vitamin & Mineral	Nutritional Benefit and Function	Relationships & Interactions
Vitamin A	Essential for the health of the skin Necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. Important for good vision. Needed for maintenance & growth of teeth, nails bones, and hair In Beta-Carotene form: Antioxidant, free radical fighter	Works synergistically with Vitamins C and E Occurs with Vitamin D in fish oils
Vitamin C	Contributes to the health of teeth and gums. Necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system Required for production of collagen Antioxidant, free radical fighter	Enhances the absorption if Iron Enhances effectiveness of B-12, Folic, Acid, B-6 Works with Vitamin E
Vitamin D	Necessary for the formation of strong teeth and bones	Occurs naturally with Vitamin A in fish oils. Regulates metabolism of Calcium & phosphorus
Vitamin E	Antioxidant, free radical fighter Necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. prolongs life of red blood cells. Involved in metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids	Works synergistically with Selenium and Vitamin A. Inorganic Iron can destroy Vitamin E when taken together
Thiamine (B-1)	Necessary for carbohydrate metabolism Necessary for good muscle coordinates maintains normal appetite, digestion & nerve activity. Involved in normal energy production	Interacts with other B-Vitaminns
Riboflavin (B-2)	Helps maintain health skin and eyes Involved in converting fats, proteins and carbohydrates into energy	Interacts with other B- Vitamins
Niacin	Involved in metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Involved in normal stomach fluid & bile secretions	Interacts with other B- Vitamins
Vitamin (B-6)	Involved in carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism. Needed for production of antibodies and red blood cells	Interacts with other B-Vitamin & Vitamin C Involved in metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids
Folic Acids	Helps maintain healthy blood Involved in the formation of red blood cells. Essential for synthesis of generic material and the metabolism and amino acids	Interacts with other B- Vitamins & Vitamin C
panthothenic Acids	Involved in formation of hormones and vital compounds which regulate nervous system. Essential for the release of energy from carbohydrates	Interacts with other B-Vitamins
Biotin	Involved in the normal metabolism carbohydrates, fats & proteins. Needed for maintenance of skin cells, nervous system & intestines	Works with Vitamin B-2, B-6, A & D for skin maintenance
Cobalamin (B-12)	Required for the development of normal red blood cells. Necessary for normal function of skin cells, nervous system & intestines	Interacts with other B-Vitamins Enhances utilization of Vitamin A & Beta Carotene
Calcium	Most abundant minerals in the human body. Essential for the strong bones and teeth. Essential for muscle contraction & heartbeat. plays an important nutritional role in preventing osteoporosis (fragile bones)	phosphorus Magnesium Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption
Magnesium	Is found in bones and teeth Helps to maintain muscle contractions Activates enzymatic reactions related to metabolism and energy productions	Calcium Vitamin D phosphorus
phosphorus	Aids Calcium in forming bones and teeth Needed for metabolic processes of all cells	Calcium
Iron	Essential for transport of oxygen through the blood	Some inorganic Iron can destroy Vitamin E. Vitamin C enhances Iron uptake
Zinc	Necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. Involved in many enzymatic reactions including carbohydrate metabolism and the synthesis of protein and genetic material Involved in normal function of the prostate	Balances with Copper
potassium	Works with Sodium to maintain proper muscle function. plays a role in the normal activity of the heart, muscle and nervous system	Balances with Sodium
Iodine	Involved in production of thyroid hormones. Necessary for proper growth	Not to be taken if on medication for Thyroid
Chromium	Involved in the conversion of blood sugar into energy
Manganese	Involved in metabolism of fats and proteins. Involved in energy production Necessary for the synthesis of cartilage
Selenium	A component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxides. Necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. Antioxidant, free radical fighter

Herb and Drug Interactions

Following is information not verified or researched by me. The apparent author source is listed below. This information suggests certain circumstances in which using herbs may cause concerns. Since this information was not confirmed please use it in an advisory manner. To me this information suggests caution if considering using herbs.

Echinacea,if used for more than eight consecutive weeks, could cause liver toxicity and should not be used with drugs such as anabolic steroids, amiodarone and methotrexate which are toxic to the liver as the affect may be additive.
Feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba all affect bleeding time and should not be taken by patients using warfarin or by patients that have decreased platelet counts.
St John's wort should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like prozac and paxil until more information is available. people on heart treatment, HIV treatment, Taking the birth control pill, should consult there Gp before taking St John's Wort, or if already taking St John's Wort not stop taking it before consulting there Gp
Licorice, plantain, hawthorn and ginseng may interfere with digoxin therapy and valerian root should not be taken when barbiturates are used because it could cause an increase in the barbituate effects.
'Evening primrose oil and borage are contraindicated in patients taking anticonvulsants (eg clonazepam).
lmmunostimulants such as echinacea and zinc should not be given with immuno suppressants such as corticosteroids (like prednisone) and cyclosporine and are contraindicated in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune hepatiitis.
Source: Hans Larsen is a health sciences researcher living in Victoria, British Columbia from Alive Magazine March 1999 with some changes by D. Morrow

Feverfew: taken to reduce the severity of migraines. Do not take with other migraine medications, as, it may raise heart rate and blood pressure. Feverfew has the potential to react with anti-coagulants, increasing the thinning of blood.

Ginkgo: increases blood flow and circulation throughout the body, can also help improve memory. May interact with anti-coagulant medications such as Aspirin, Coumadin, heparin and warfarin, causing the blood to thin too much, and provoking a serious bleeding disorder. A recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine describes a case of a man who'd been taking Aspirin to prevent a heart attack and had spontaneous bleeding into the eye from the iris within a week of taking a daily dose of ginkgo.

Garlic: is thought to help lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of blood clots that could lead to heart attacks. Garlic capsules may increase blood thinning if you are already on anti-coagulants. Do not take with diabetes medication because it may cause a decrease in blood sugars.

Ginseng: used to help reduce stress, boost energy and improve stamina, and may also help lower cholesterol. Can cause nervousness and excitation, and overuse can lead to headaches, insomnia and heart palpitations. Can increase blood pressure. Should not be used if you are taking prescriptions for high blood pressure or Coumadin.

Hawthorn: claimed to be effective in helping reduce angina attacks by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Should not be taken digoxin, a heart medication. The mix may lower heart rate too much.

Licorice: used to treat coughs, colds and peptic ulcers. High doses can lead to increased blood pressure, water retention and potassium loss. Do not use with diuretics or digoxin because it could lead to further loss of potassium, essential for heart function.

St. John's wort: a natural anti-depressant for mild to moderate depression. Do not take with other anti-depressant medications.

Valerian: a mild sedative with hypnotic effects, used to promote sleep, Should not be taken with alcohol or Valium.

Feverfew, featherfew, bachelors button, featherfoil, febrifuge plant, midsummer daisy

Uses: This herb has been used as an anti-inflammatory. It can also help the pain associated with migraine headaches. Feverfew can also help to soothe menstrual cramps. It may help as a digestive aid.

Route: This herb should be taken by mouth only.

precautions: If you are pregnant, do not take this herb due to its folk history as a menstruation promoter. Feverfew can cause mouth sores and sometimes abdominal pains. If you are taking blood thinners, do not take this herb.

Do not give feverfew to children under the age of two. Feverfew should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your healthcare provider.

Availability: for migraines or as an anti-inflammatory 100-200mg a day

May also use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes, drink up to 2 cups a day

Chew two fresh or frozen leaves a day

Turmeric, curcuma, Indian saffron

Uses: This herb has been used as an anti-inflammatory. It can decrease inflammation caused by arthritis. It works like ibuprofen but does not decrease the pain as effectively. It will decrease the inflammation. This herb has also been use to decrease intestinal gas, and as a poultice for pain or ringworm.

Route: please take this herb by mouth only. It is available in tablet form and also as a spice. If taken in tablet form, please take once a day.

precautions: If you are taking any blood thinners, do not take this herb without first discussing it with your physician, pharmacist, or nurse. Report any bleeding gums nosebleeds, or increased bruising to your healthcare provider. please anytime you take any additional therapies check with your healthcare provider first. If you are taking chemotherapy, do not take this herb. If you are pregnant, please discuss this with your physician before taking this herb or any herb. Do not give to children under the age of two.

Availability: 400-1200 mg daily

For an infusion, use 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder per cup of warm milk. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

Ginger, Jamaica ginger, African ginger or Cochin ginger

Uses: This herb has been used as an anti-inflammatory, for motion sickness, for nausea and vomiting.

Route: please take this by mouth only.

precautions: Do not take this herb if you are pregnant, have a history of congestive heart failure, or are taking blood thinners. If taken with other anti-inflammatories that cause stomach upset, ginger could make this worse. Do not take if you have a history of an ulcer or renal failure. Ginger is on the Food and Drug Administration's list of herbs generally regarded as safe. For healthy adults, ginger is safe in amounts typically recommended. Ginger should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Side effects: heartburn

Availability: 1500mg daily for as an anti-inflammatory

1500mg 30-60 minutes before travel for motion sickness

Ginger tea- 2 teaspoons of powdered or grated root per cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes

If You Are pregnant Or Lactating Do Not Take Any Herbal products Without Consulting Your HealthCare provider.