Alternative Therapies Flashcards
Saw Palmetto Indications
treats and prevents benign prostatic hypertrophy
Saw Palmetto Side Effects
headache
altered platelet function
Saw Palmetto Interactions
additive effect with anticoagulants
Saw Palmetto Administration
Allow 4-6 weeks for effects
discontinue prior to surgery
Valerian Root Indications
Insomnia
Migraines
Menstrual cramps
Valerian Root Complications
Drowsiness
headache
nervousness with prolonged use
Valerian Root Interactions
additive effect with barbiturates and benzodiazepines
Valerian Root Administration
advise against driving or operating machinery
advise against long term use
discontinue at least 1 week prior to surgery
St. John’s Wort Indications
depression
seasonal affective disorder
anxiety
St. John’s Wort Complications
headaches
sleep disturbances
phototoxicity
constipation
St. John’s Wort Interactions
oral contraceptives cyclosporine warfarin reduced antiretroviral effects digoxin calcium channel blockers antidepressants
St. John’s Wort Administration
should not be taken with other medications without consulting provider
should not be used to treat severe depression
should only be used with medical guidance
Echinacea Indications
Prevents and treats the common cold
stimulates the immune system
promotes wound healing
Echinacea Complications
fever
nausea
anaphylaxis
Echinacea Interactions
may reduce the effects of immunosuppressants
may increase serum levels of alprazolam, calcium channel blockers, protease inhibitors
Echinacea Administration
long term use may cause immunosuppression
Garlic Administration
blocks LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol
lowers triglycerides
suppresses platelet aggreation and disrupts coagulation
acts as a vasodilator (can lower blood pressure)
Garlic Interactions
increased risk of bleeding in clients taking NSAIDs, warfarin, heparin
Decreases levels of saquinavir and cyclosporine
Garlic Administration
avoid clients about concurrent use of NSAIDs, heparin, warfarin
Ginger Root Indications
vertigo nausea increases intestinal motility increases gastric mucous production decreases GI spasms produces anti-inflammatory effect suppresses platelet aggregation used to treat morning sickness, motion sickness, nausea from surgery can decrease pain and stiffness of rheumatic arthritis
Ginger Root Interactions
use cautiously in pregnancy
interacts with medications that interfere with coagulation
can increase hypoglycemic effects of diabetes
Ginger Root Administration
question clients about concurrent use with NSAIDs, heparin, warfarin
monitor for hypoglycemia if the client takes insulin or other medications for diabetes
Ginkgo Indications
improves cerebral circulation to treat dementia and memory loss
decreases pain with walking in clients who have PAD
Ginkgo Complications
dizziness
stomach upset
vertigo
Ginkgo Interactions
may increase effects of MAOIs, anticoagulants, antiplatelets
may reduce effectiveness of insulin
Ginkgo Administration
discontinue 2 weeks prior to surgery
may cause seizure with overdose
keep out of reach of children
Glucosamine Indications
relieves osteoarthritis
promote joint health
Glucosamine Complications
nausea
heartburn
Glucosamine Interactions
may increase resistance to antidiabetic agents and insulin
may increase risk of bleeding
Glucosamine Administration
use caution in clients who have a shellfish allergy
monitor glucose frequency in clients with diabetes mellitus
allow extended time to see effects
often used in combination with chondroitin
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Indications
improves hypertriglyceridemia
helps maintain cardiac health
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Complication
nausea
diarrhea
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Interactions
may increase risk of vitamin A or D overdose
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Administration
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils, nuts, vegetable oils
some fish contain methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls that can be harmful in large amounts especially in women who are pregnant or nursign
Melatonin Indications
insomnia
jet lag
Melatonin Complications
morning grogginess
lower body temperature
vivid dreams
Melatonin Interactions
beta blockers
warfarin
steroids
Melatonin Administration
pregnant or nursing women should not take melatonin
