Herb and Dietary Supplements

Question 1

Chamomile

Answer 1

Increased risk for bleeding with anticoagulants

Question 2

Cranberry

Answer 2

Decreased elimination of many drugs that are renally excreted

Question 3

Echinacea

Answer 3

Possible interference with or counteraction to immunosuppressant drugs and antivirals

Question 4

Evening Primrose

Answer 4

Possible interaction with antipsychotic drugs

Question 5

Garlic

Answer 5

Possible interference with hypoglycemic therapy and the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin)

Question 6

Gingko

Answer 6

May increase risk for bleeding with anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) and antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel)

Question 7

Ginger Root

Answer 7

At high doses, possible interference with cardiac, antidiabetic, or anticoagulant drugs

Question 8

Grapefruit

Answer 8

Decreases metabolism of drugs used for erectile dysfunction, estrogens, and some psychotherapeutic drugs

Increases risk for toxicity o immunosuppressant, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and some psychotherapeutic drugs

Question 9

Hawthorn

Answer 9

May lead to toxic levels of cardiac glycosides (digitalis)

Question 10

Kava

Answer 10

May increase the effect of barbiturates and alcohol

Question 11

Saw Palmetto

Answer 11

May change the effects of hormones in oral contraceptive drugs, patches, or hormonal replacement therapies

Question 12

St. John’s Wart

Answer 12

May lead to serotonin syndrome if used with other serotonergic drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) May interact with many drugs, including antidepressants, antihistamines, digoxin, immunosuppressants, theophylline, and warfarin

Question 13

Valerian

Answer 13

Increases central nervous system depression if used with sedatives