Herbal Supplements

Question 1

What is ginger used for?

Answer 1

nausea dyspepsia constipation colic

Question 2

Major precaution(s) with Ginger

Answer 2

*increased risk of Bleeding

Question 3

Any herbal supplement that increases the risk of bleeding should not be taken with which meds?

Answer 3

ASA or warfarin

Question 4

What is ginseng used for?

Answer 4

-increase overall physical/mental well being -lower cholesterol -reduce fatigue -enhance labido

Question 5

Major precaution(s) with ginseng

Answer 5

• increases risk of Bleeding
• BP changes (high or low)

Question 6

Which herbal supplement should be avoided w/MAOIs d/t drug interaction?

Answer 6

Ginseng *can cause mania

Question 7

Major uses for St. Johns Wort?

Answer 7

-*depression -BPH sxs -anxiety -sleep disorders

Question 8

Major precaution(s) with St.Johns Wort?

Answer 8

**many drug interactions -in combo w/SSRI–> serotonin syndrome - dec effectiveness of OCs/digoxin/alprazolam -increase effects of narcotics

Question 9

What is Echinacea used for?

Answer 9

(2 C’s) common cold

Question 10

Major SE of echinacea?

Answer 10

anaphylaxis hepatotoxicity *nephrotoxicity

Question 11

What is gingko biloba used for?

Answer 11

-memory & concentration -improving sxs of alzheimers -intermittent claudication -glaucoma

Question 12

Which herbal supplement is used for intermittent claudication?

Answer 12

gingko biloba

Question 13

major precaution(s) with gingko biloba?

Answer 13

may increase BP *B in biloba for BP

Question 14

Which herbal supplements are used for improving premenstrual & menopausal discomfort?

Answer 14

black cohosh & evening primrose

Question 15

which herbal supplement(s) increases risk for seizures?

Answer 15

black cohosh & *evening primrose

Question 16

Major precaution(s) with evening primrose?

Answer 16

• may inc BG
• may increase risk of epilepsy in pts taking antipsychotics

Question 17

Which herbal supplement may cause increase in BG?

Answer 17

evening primrose

Question 18

What is kava kava used for?

Answer 18

improves relaxation (no dec in mental clarity)

Question 19

Major precaution(s) of kava kava?

Answer 19

• used lead to HTN, liver damage, visual impairment, dry skin if used long term
• alcohol worsens toxic effects
• may worsen parkinsons sxs

Question 20

which herbal supplement should particularly be avoided with alcohol?

Answer 20

kava kava ( think 2 “a’s” = alcohol)

Question 21

which herbal supplement should be avoided if one has Parkinson’s?

Answer 21

kava kava

Question 22

What is garlic used for?

Answer 22

improve digestion increase energy levels

Question 23

If a patient has HTN which herbal supplements should be avoided?

Answer 23

gingko biloba & kava kava

Question 24

Which herbal supplement would help with glaucoma?

Answer 24

gingko biloba

Question 25

Which herbal supplement would be used to help lower cholesterol?

Answer 25

ginseng