Pharmacology Quiz 1 Herbals/Alternatives Flashcards
Glucosamine
Glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride, Chitosamine
Often combined with chondroitin; used for pain, inflammation of articulate/joint diseases. (E.g., arthritis and (TMJ) teporo-mandibular disorder)
Side effects: may increase insulin-resistance and affect blood-glucose levels (diabetics may need insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic doses adjusted) studies have yielded controversial findings
Ginseng
American Xi yang Shen, Tienchi ginseng, western ginseng, five-fingers
Used to improve athletic performance, strength, and stamina, and to treat diabetes and cancer. In Chinese herbal formulas, frequently used to nourish ‘Yin’
Increased rush of bleeding, especially when combined with anti-platelet or anti-coagulant agents.
Breast cancer clients: use with caution because it may stimulate growth of breast-cancer cells
Glutamine
GLN, L-glutamine
Most abundant amino-acid in the body; used to treat cancer and HIV/AIDS related cachexia and to recover from catabolic-states such as surgery, sepsis, and intense exercise. Also used to treat peptic-ulcers, enhance gut-integrity, boost immune-function, and protein-synthesis. Popular with body builders; used to increase strength and stamina.
No significant adverse reactions reported. May interact favorably with methotrexate, an anti-neoplastic, immunosuppressant, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), thereby increasing its therapeutic efficiency
Goldenseal
Eye-root, yellow Indian plant, turmeric/orange-root, yellow-paint/golden root
Used to treat bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections of mucous-membranes in the respiratory , gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts, as well as the oral and sinus cavities. Also used to treat inflammation of the gallbladder and to help correct liver-dysfunction. Has long history of use for skin and eye irritations, and is still an ingredient in some sterile eye-washes.
Contraindicated: in pregnant and lactation; clients with hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Relatively non-toxic at therapeutic doses. Often sold in combination with echinacea.
Green-tea
Chinese-tea, Camellia-tea, Japanese-tea
Used as dietary beverage and to prevent and treat cancer, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Also used to treat GI-disorders and for weight loss
Contains tannins that may reduce absorption and bioavailability of codeine, atropine, and iron supplements. Moderate intake appears safe; however, pregnant or breast feeding women should limit intake, due to caffeine content
Hawthorn
May flower, quick thorn, whitehorn
Has been used as digestive aid in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Currently used primarily to treat hear failure.
Adverse reactions: nausea, fatigue, sedation, sweating.
Contraindications: women who are pregnant or lactating.
Herb-Drug interactions: Enhances actions of digoxin (Lanoxin); dose may need to be lowered. May potentiate effects of anti-hypertensives and anti-arrhythmics. May have additive effects with CNS-depressants.
Hoodia
Carrion-plant, Queen of the Namib, African Hats, Xhoba, P57
Used for weight loss. (Comes from a cactus that is prevalent in southeastern Africa; local tribesmen are known to consume it to ease hunger, during periods of starvation.)
Note: Research is underway to determine effectiveness; so far there is no data regarding its safety of efficacy.
Contraindications: none known
Adverse reactions: none reported
Note: the FDA has warned the manufacturer/distributor of a Hoodia product against making unsubstantiated and misleading claims about weight loss
Kava
Kawa, Kavain, intoxicating long pepper, tonga, yagona
Used to relieve anxiety and restlessness, promote sleep, and relax muscles. In U.S., is promoted as natural alteration to benzodiazepines (diazepam/Valium) for treating anxiety and stress.
Generally well tolerated, however; can cause excessive CNS-depression, skin-problems, and liver damage (hepatotoxicity). Effects of high doses are similar to alcohol. Caution if combined with CNS-depressant agents.
Note: used for over 3000 years in ceremonial rituals among natives of the South Pacific. There is some potential for abuse, due to mind altering properties.
Licorice-Root
Sweet root, liquorice, gan zao (Chinese)
Most is grown in Greece, turkey, and Asia. Used for stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat, as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.
Side-Effects: HTN, salt and water retention, and low potassium-levels, which could lead to cardiac problems.
Drug interactions: combined with diuretics or other mess that decrease potassium could cause dangerously low potassium levels. Consuming large amounts can affect the levels of a hormone called cortisol and related steroid drugs.
Contraindications: pregnant women should avoid its use as a supplement and or eating large amounts; may increase risk of pre-term labor.
Melatonin
Pineal-hormone, MLT
Used to treat insomnia, jet lag, and cancer.
Adverse effect: rare reports of drowsiness, headache, pruritus, abdominal cramps, hypothermia ]], and tachycardia.
Herb-drug interactions: may interact with nifedipine (Procardia XL) and result in elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
Milk-thistle
Holy thistle, lady’s thistle, Mary thistle, Marian thistle
Use primary to manage various liver diseases. Also sued for indigestion, cancer prevention, and food poisoning.
Common adverse reactions: diarrhea, uterine and minstrel stimulation.
Herb-drug interactions: inhibits cytochrome P-4503A4, resulting in inhibition of drug metabolism for several agents such as erythromycin (macrolide anti-infective) and ketoconazole (anti-fungal)
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil
Used for nausea, indigestion, and cold symptoms. Also used for headaches, muscle and nerve-pain, stomach and bowel conditions.
Possible side effects: allergic reactions and heartburn
Saw-Palmetto
Cabbage-Palm, saw, American dwarf-Palm tree, palmetto-berry
Used primarily to relieve urinary-symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophic (BPH). Very well tolerated. May rarely cause stomach upset or HA. High doses may cause diarrhea. Can reduce PSA levels, a marker for prostate cancer and result in false-negative test results.
Contraindications: pregnant women should NOT ingest or EVEN TOUCH this herb
St. John’s Wort
Hypericum, God’s wonder plant, witches herb, got weed
Generally used for depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), anxiety; also used for insomnia and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Common adverse reactions: HA, nausea, fatigue, dry mouth. May cause photo sensitivity; discontinue one week before surgery or chemotherapy.
Herb drug interactions: warfarin, digoxin, theophylline, tricyclic anti depressants (TCAs), and others.
Valerian
Indian-, Garden-, Pacific-, and Mexican- valerian, garden-heliotrope
Used as a sedative, primarily to promote sleep and eleven restlessness. One term use associated wit hepatotoxicity.
Common side effects: HA, morning drowsiness, cardiac disturbances.
Herb drug interactions: additive sedative effect, if combined what barbiturates and benzodiazepines. May interact with anesthesia; should be discontinued about one week PRIOR to surgery.
