herbals & OTC Flashcards
DHEA (dihydroepiandrosterone)
-naturally occurring steroid hormone
-promoted to slow the aging process, vaginal thinning (recommend vaginal suppositories), & depression
-make sure pt does NOT have breast cancer (fueled by estrogen) or prostate cancer (fueled by testosterone). DHEA increases risk of hormone-sensitive cancers
Lysine or L-lysine
-used for cold sores
-administer on an empty stomach + have low amounts of arginine (this competes w/ lysine for absorption)
-what naturally has lysine: food rich in PRT, meat, cheese (parmesan), yogurt, certain fish (cod, sardines), eggs
-our bodies don’t make it (essential amino acid)
FAV: famcyclovir, acyclovir valcyclovir –> all FDA approved to treat cold sores
Lutein
EYE HEALTH (Lut”eye”in)
St. Johns Wort
-used for depression
-effects 5-HT1 and 5-HT2
-increases serotonin (serotonergic agent)
-potent CYP450 inducer (DDI) –> decreases birth control (ethinyl estradiol), warfarin (increased clot risk), cyclosporine, non-DHPS, antifungal (keto, itraconazole), chemotherapy agents (etoposide - G2 phase; caps in the fridge, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine)
dextromethorphan
INCREASES SEROTONIN
serotonin symptoms
-agitation or restlessness
-insomnia
-confusion
-rapid heart rate + high bp
-dilated pupils
-loss of muscle coordination OR twitching muscles (tremors)
-muscle rigidity
-diarrhea
-fever
TCA
Increases serotonin + norepinephrine
serotonin syndrome: what drugs to look out for DDI (can increase or decrease)
-SSRIs
-SNRIs
-TCAs
-cyclobenzaprine (remember: looks like TCAs)
-triptans
-ergots
-MAOI (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, safinamide, selegiline, rasagiline, linezolid, tedizolid, methylene blye, procarbazine)
-5-HT3 receptor antagonists (example: ondansetron –> decreases serotonin)
-tramadol
-meperidine
-methadone
-fentanyl
-dextromethorphan (delsym: long acting)
SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine)
-used for depression (can be rec’d instead of St. John’s Wort since it is NOT AN INDUCER)
-also used for osteoarthritis
-naturally occurring in the body; concentrations highest in childhood
[CAUTION]
-theoretically, SAM-e might increase serotonin levels i.e., pts with bipolar d/o should NOT take SAM-e for their depressive symptoms
-theoretically, SAM-e might increase chance of PCP infection in pts with AIDS
lithium orotate (symmetry, serenity)
promoted for addiction, insomnia, mood swings, stress
many SEs: cognitive, wt gain, risk for hypothyroidism. polyuria & DM can also occur
narrow therapeutic index drug
-early lithium toxicity < 2 mEq/L –> diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness & vomiting
-blood levels > 2 mEq/L can cause ataxia, blurred vision, tinnitus, polyuria
-blood levels > 3 mEq/L can causes cardiac arrhythmias, kidney damage, and neurologic toxicity
always take w/ food
balance electrolytes
DDI
-NSAIDs increase lithium levels (but not ASA and sulindac)
-lithium goes in the opposite direction of sodium
-thiazides, ACEi both increase lithium toxicity
SE mnemonic = LITHIUM
L = leukocytosis, check Levels (maintenance levels 0.6 - 1 mEq/L; Max = 1.2)
I = Increase in polyuria & polydipsia
T = tremor, hypothyroidism (check TSH; can also cause hyperthyroidism)
H = hypercalcemia
I = increase in dermefex, increase in CNS effects
U = 100% through kidneys; bUn = remember renal
M = monitor the web (Wt, EKG, BetaHCG = don’t want to give in pregnancy)
*no proof that lithium orotate is effective
[ lithium carbonate / lithium citrate = rx for bipolar disorder ]
glucosamine sulfate
used for osteoarthritis (SAMY also used for osteoarthritis) [there IS evidence showing efficacy]
caution w/ DM pts
glucosamine is involved in building tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the fluid that surrounds joints
some products made from the shells of shrimp = concern for shellfish allergy (but allergy is typically with the meat of the shellfish = allergy w/ glucosamine not actually seen)
chondroitin
used for osteoarthritis
normally found in cartilage around joints in the body
glucosamine / chondroitin
used for osteoarthritis (takes 2 - 3 months to work)
caution w/ DM pts (may increase blood sugar –> use under close medical supervision)
some reports, w/ blood-thinning meds, of increased INR and bleeding w/ Coumadin
kava (or kava-kava)
used for anxiety disorders, stress & insomnia (think alcohol –> sedating effect)
can cause hepatotoxicity and liver failure
kava kava + alcohol –> CNS depression
valerian
ONLY INSOMNIA
chamomile
used for anxiety & as a bedtime tea
caution: anaphylaxis if the pt has a ragweed allergy or similar allergies
saw palmetto
used for bph
appears to non competitively inhibit 5 alpha-reductase
SEs: mild GI, HA
[ overall studies have not shown effectivity ]
Ma Huang (Ephedra)
used to increase energy levels, for wt loss (“fat burner”), and marked as a stimulant
as of 2004, dietary supplements containing ephedrine are illegal to sell in the US so wt loss products have used other stimulant substitutes instead (e.g., bitter orange - contains synephrine, synephrine, guarana - major stimulant, yerba mate, green tea)
ginseng
used for fatigue and stress
-increase athletic performance
-improve cognitive function
-stimulate immune function
-decrease blood glucose levels in pts with type 2 DM (hypoglycemia; especially w/ insulin or oral hypoglycemics i.e., an agent that secretes insulin)
SEs (think of it as a stimulant): insomnia, nervousness, tachycardia, HA, HTN (may worsen HTN w/ concomitant caffeine use), GI
Toxicity: “Ginseng Abuse Syndrome” aggressive behavior
*AMERICAN ginseng can decrease INR (cause induction of 2C9)
*ASIAN + SIBERIAN ginseng can increase INR
gingko
used for dementia, TO IMPROVE MEMORY, cerebral vascular insufficiency, Alzheimer’s, asthma
SEs: GI upset, dizziness, HA
inhibits platelet aggregation (increase INR) –> additive effect w/ warfarin, ASA, NSAIDs, heparin
because of potential bleeding risk, it should be discontinued at least 36 hours prior to a planned surgical procedure
might increase the risk of strokes in elderly patients who take it for > 6 years (don’t recommend for the long term)
[ no real proof that it is effective ]
prevagen
marketed to improve memory (this is a protein that comes from jellyfish)
SEs: CV events (e.g., stroke), may cause seizure in pts w/ predisposing conditions
[ no real proof that it is effective ]
Garlic (Allium sativum)
used for:
-prevention of atherosclerosis
-high blood pressure (weak evidence)
-immune system stimulation (weak evidence)
-hyperlipidemia (not recommended; literally no evidence)
SE: Mild GI Symptoms
DDI
-INCREASES INR (increased risk of bleeding)
-Inducer of CYP3A4 (similar to St. John’s Wort)
-Also reduces saquinavir
Echinacea (purple coneflower)
used for respiratory tract infections and general immune system stimulation (it can help prevent infections)
Possible MOA: May increase phagocytosis
SE: Mild GI
Toxicity: May include anaphylaxis
sometimes used w/ Goldenseal
Goldenseal
used as an
-antimicrobial (for colds and other RTI)
-anti-inflammatory
-laxative
-induce contract of greater tonicity of the uterus (never rec in pregnancy)
sometimes used w/ Echinacea
Feverfew
used for migraine prophylaxis
also has anti-inflammatory & anticoagulant effects
Butterbur
used for migraine prophylaxis
SE = GI upset (burping), possible hepatotoxicity
Soy
may decrease hot flashes and other postmenopausal symptoms; may have CV benefits
some evidence that is can lower risk of getting breast cancer
Yohimbe
used to treat:
-impotence
-aphrodisiac (stimulates sexual desire)
-body building (as a fat burner)
caution. associated w/:
-MI
-seizures
-GI problems
-tachycardia, anxiety, HTN (think of it as a stimulant)
tree native to western Africa
Evening Primrose Oil
used for [limited evidence]:
-eczema (think atopic dermatitis)
-inflammation such as RA
-breast pain associated w/ menstrual cycle, premenopausal & post menopausal syndrome
usually in capsule
may increase bleeding (such as when combined with Coumadin) (when hear that something is an oil –> think “this may increase INR”)
Borage Seed Oil
used for:
-skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis - eczema)
-joint pain
-menopausal disorders
caution:
-liver damage
-increase bleeding (when hear that something is an oil –> think “this may increase INR”)
Cranberry
used for PREVENTION of UTI // reducing RECURRENT UTIs
caution:
-large doses may increase anticoagulant effect (limited evidence)
-drinking large amounts may increase the risk of kidney stones, calories, and glucose
what helps is increasing fluid intake. women w/ recurrent cystitis should increase fluid intake to 2-3 L daily (i.e., it might just be the fluid increase that is helping w/ the UTIs)
Dong Quai
herbal tonic for woman called the “female ginseng”
used to regulate menstrual cycle & help w/ painful menstruation/pelvic pain (female shouldn’t take it while she’s menstruating)
may help w/ menopausal difficulties (may affect estrogen)
stimulates CNS; acts as an energizer
also given to strengthen the blood
SE: bleeding, fever, photosensitivity (limit sun exposure), diarrhea
effects and safety concerns:
-should not be used if bleeding concerns (no use w/ warfarin)
-should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women, children, or patients with breast cancer
[head of the root has anticoagulant activity, and the end of the root eliminates blood stagnation]
Black Cohosh
used for menopausal symptoms (think VMS)
takes 4 - 5 weeks to see an effect
caution: causes liver failure // don’t use if have beast cancer, pregnant
CoQ10
used to reduce risk of heart damage, migraine prevention, decrease complications of heart surgery
potentially good for:
-migraine prevention (slight evidence here)
-heart failure
-statin myalgia
-HTN
-T2DM
doses up to 3,000 mg/day = safe
SE = nausea or diarrhea
milk thistle
used for liver problems to support liver cirrhosis, hepatitis and gall bladder problems
may decrease glucose
red yeast rice supplements
used to lower cholesterol (think lovastatin = products may contain monacolin K which is chemically identical to lovastatin = think statin SEs)
what other meds can cause myopathy
daptomycin and zidovudine
honey
used for wound healing (has antibacterial and antifungal activity); provides moisture barrier
medical honey = Medihoney
cough: children 1 - 5 years with cough (teaspoon and a half) (< 1 = NEVER GIVE TO CHILDREN D/T INFECTION RISK)
cinnamon
beneficial for T2DM
Kratom
opioid-like effects = low doses as a mild stimulant or in higher doses as a sedative
can be used for withdrawal effects
prohibited in some states
think what can cause bleeding
5Gs & BCCDEEFF
5Gs: garlic, Ginger, ginkgo, glucosamine, ginseng (non-American: panax // siberian)
BCCDEEFF:
borage seed oil
chondroitin, cranberry
dong quai (tell women stop during menstruation)
vitamin E, evening primrose oil [OILS]
feverfew, fish oil (high doses)
herbs w/ clotting problems
AMERICAN ginseng
green tea
CoQ10
goldenseal (induces CYP3A4 and 2D6 –> not rec’d d/t lack of proof)
herbs drug interaction potential
st johns wort - inducer (depression, increases serotonin)
American ginseng - induces CYP2C9
5Gs/BCDEEFF
fat soluble vitamins
ADEK
(“that fat man named KADE”)
vitamin A
retinol, beta-carotene
helps w/ vision, deficiency may cause night blindness
xerophthalmia (dry eyes) is a progressive eye disease caused by vitamin A deficiency
high doses may cause birth defects, increase the risk of osteoporosis, CV mortality, and lung cancer (smokers)
vitamin D
is a prohormone for calcium regulation
deficiency may cause Rickets (softening of bones in children, due to prolonged Vitamin D deficiency)
Vitamin E
(tocopherol)
is an antioxidant
[theoretically protects cells against free radicals which can damage cells & may contribute to CV dx & cancer but the use of vitamin E supplements is NOT recommended for primary prevention of CV disease and cancer since it may also increase the risk of strokes and HF in pts with DM or heart disease]
Vitamin K
is a clotting factor
Vitamin K foods include green leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, etc –> which decreases INR
what are the water soluble vitamins
Vitamins B1 - B12 (B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12), Vitamin C
vitamin B1
thiamine
deficiency causes wet beriberi (causes HF), and dry beriberi (causes peripheral neuropathy), Wernicke encephalopathy (caused by long term alcohol use)
vitamin B2
riboflavin
in many foods; deficiency is rare
vitamin B3
niacin (nicotinamide)
deficiency may cause Pellagra: marked by 3 D’s: dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis. researchers say vitamin B3 may give skin cells an energy boost- “turns back on the immune system,” helping them repair the damage
vitamin B5
pantothenate
vitamin B6
pyridoxine
if a pt is on isoniazid, must add 25-50 mg pyridoxine to prevent peripheral neuropathy
vitamin B7
biotin
may help w/ hair, nail and skin (but no evidence)
FDA warns that increased doses may affect some lab tests (e.g., such as false LOW troponin, TSH, PSA)
vitamin B9
folate
deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia; given in pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects
vitamin B12
cyanocobalamin
deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia (pernicious anemia - in which the body isn’t able to absorb B12 due to lack of intrinsic factor), with neurologic symptoms
metformin & vegan diet can also cause B12 deficiency
vitamin C
ascorbic acid
an antioxidant; helps with collagen synthesis; deficiency causes scurvy (fatigue, weakness, bruising, bleeding gums). Vitamin C increases urinary oxalate excretion and may increase risk of kidney stones