Pharm Final: Supplements

Question 1

St. John’s Wort
Use:
MOA:
PT Implications:

Answer 1

St. John’s Wort
Use: Depression

MOA: inhibits metabolism and reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine.

PT Implications: No more effective than placebo, not effective with major depression.
Drug interactions exist. P-glycoprotein is inhibited by SJW (which protects blood brain barrier)

Question 2

Government regulation of herbs and supplements

Answer 2

• Not regulated by any governing body
• Unsubstantiated claims go unchallenged
• Misidentification/Mislabeling
• -Many plants look alike and have similar botanical names –> may get “mixed up” unintentionally or deliberate, trying to save money
• Varying or absent active ingredients

Question 3

Garlic Supplements
Use:
MOA:

Answer 3

Garlic Supplements
Use: decrease cholesterol

MOA: potentially inhibits cholesterol synthesis. Effects plasma protein and cell membrane remodeling.

possible anti-HTN effect, but no/little cholesterol effects

Question 4

Glucosamine chondroitin, chondroprotective supplements
Use:
MOA:

Answer 4

Glucosamine chondroitin, chondroprotective supplements
Use: potential benefit in mod-severe or short-term

MOA: not known- antiinflammatory, prevent breakdown of synovial structures

you would need a much higher dose than what you can get in a pill