Herbal Medications Flashcards
Aleo
used for topical skin ailments with little or no topical side effects. Oral aloe is used for constipation and can cause severe diarrhea. Fresh aloe is more effective than stored product.
Black cohosh
a popular treatment for acute symptoms of menopause and PMS.
Minor side effect of upset stomach may occur
May potentiate hypotensive effects of antihypertensive drugs, as well as hypoglycemic action of insulin and oral hypoglycemics
Echinacea
is used orally to stimulate the immune functions and suppress inflammation. Side effects include unpleasant taste, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
May oppose effects of immunosuppressant drugs
Feverfew
is used for treatment of migraine and fever; it stimulates menstruation and suppresses inflammation.
May suppress platelet aggregation and increase risk for bleeding in clients on anticoagulant medications (aspirin, warfarin, heparin).
Garlic
reduces levels of triglycerides and cholesterol and decreases formation of atherosclerotic plaque.
Increases risk for bleeding in clients taking antiplatelet drugs (aspirin) or anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin)
Ginger Root
Is used for nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness and perhaps nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Increases risk for bleeding in clients taking antiplatelet drugs (aspirin) or anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin)
Ginkgo biloba
Is used for increased circulation, memory, clear thinking, and impotence. It may cause stomach upset and dose-related headache.
Increases risk for bleeding in clients taking antiplatelet drugs (aspirin) or anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin)
Goldenseal
Is used for bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections of mucous membranes in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts. It is also used to treat inflammation of the gallbladder. It is generally well tolerated but can be toxic in high doses.
Kava
is used to relieve anxiety, promote sleep, and relax muscles. Long-term use and high doses cause CNS depression, skin problems, and liver damage
Intensifies the effects of CNS depressants
Should not be taken with alcohol
Ma huang (ephedra)
reduces appetite, increases energy, and relieves bronchospasm. It increases blood pressure and heart rate and is potentially dangerous to the cardiovascular system with long-term use or in high doses
Potentiates the effects of CNS stimulants; can counteract the effects of antihypertensive drugs.May cause hypertensive crisis if taken with MAO inhibitors
St Johns wort
Is used for depression. Potential interactions with other drugs are possible.
May interfere with oral contraceptives; reduced anticoagulation in clients taking warfarin; decreased effectiveness of cyclosporine; caution in use with antidepressants
Saw palmetto
Is used to relieve urinary symptoms related to BPH and is well tolerated. May cause a false-negative resulton PSA test
Avoid use in pregnancy; should not use with finasteride (Proscar) in treatment of BPH.
Valerian
is a sedative to promote sleep and reduce restlessness. One possible side effect is daytime drowsiness. With high doses and long-term use, headache, nervousness, or cardiac abnormalities can occur.
Drug/Food interactions
ACE inhibitors and Potassium-containing salt substitute
Ampicillin and Carbonated beverages, acidic juices
Aspirin and Feverfew, ginkgo, green tea
Barbiturates and Valerian
Calcium-channel blockers and Grapefruit juice
Cloxacillin and Carbonated beverages, acidic juices
Cyclosporine and Grapefruit juice, potassium-containing salt substitute
Digoxin and High-fiber foods and meals
Enteric-coated pills and Excess milk, hot beverages, alcohol
Fluoroquinolones and Foods high in calcium, iron, or zinc (dairy and red meat)
Hemorrhoid medications and Saw palmetto
Indomethacin and Potassium-containing salt substitute
Isoniazid and High-carbohydrate foods
Levodopa and Excess protein
Lithium and Significant increase or decrease in sodium intake
MAO inhibitors and Foods containing tyramine
Methyldopa and Excess protein
NSAIDs and Asian ginseng, ginkgo
Penicillin G and Carbonated beverages, acidic juices
Phenytoin and Excess protein
Potassium-sparing diuretics and Potassium-containing salt substitute
“Statin” drugs and Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
Tetracycline and Iron-rich food or supplements, calcium
Theophylline and Excess protein
Warfarin (Coumadin) and Vitamin K–richfoods and supplements, Asian ginseng, feverfew, garlic, ginger,ginkgo, St. John’s wort, green tea
Zidovudine and Excess fat
