COMPLEMENTARY MEDICATIONS

Echinacea

• Stimulates the immune system

• Decreases inflammation

• Possibly treats viruses

• Used to increase T lymphocyte count

• Allergic reactions: people who are allergic to ragweed – makes it worse.

Interactions: Can decrease the effects of HIV meds, cancer meds, TB med

Garlic

• Crushed garlic creates– enzyme allicin

• Blocks LDL, Cholesterol and raises HDL decrease triglycerides

• Causes vasodilation so monitor for blood pressure

• Has antiplatelet qualities so increases the risk for bleeding

What meds would you be worried about an interaction causing increased risk ?

Over the counter meds: aspirin, NSAIDS

Prescribed meds: blood thinners, HIV meds

Ginger Root

• Relieves vertigo, N&V

• Increased GI motility

• Decreases GI spams

• Anti-inflammatory effect

Suppresses antiplatelet aggregation so avoid use of aspirin or clopidogrel

Interacts with what meds? Warfarin, diabetes meds, calcium channel blockers

Also can interact with DM meds – hypoglycemia

Monitor for what if patient uses ginger? Heartburn, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, mouth/throat irritation

Gingo Biloba

• Promotes vasodilation

• Decreases leg pain from arterial disorders

• Decreases platelet aggregation

• Decreases risk of thrombosis

• Increase blood flow to the brain so why do you think people use this? Improve memory, enhance cognitive function

Adverse Reactions: Mild GI upset, headache

Do NOT use with people who have a history of seizures

Interacts with what types of drugs?

OTC: aspirin, NSAIDS

Prescribed: anticoagulants, seizure meds, statins, diabetes meds

St. John's Wort

• Affects serotonin so treats depression

• Can be used orally as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory

• Mild adverse effects like SSRI so: dry mouth, lightheaded, GI upset, constipation

• Skin rash – careful in sun

• Allergic skin reaction to ragweed

• Increase risk of Serotonin Syndrome with SSRIs

• In general can accelerate the metabolism of many drugs so ask about what? Birth control pills, immunosuppressants, blood thinners, digoxin, HIV/AIDS meds, cancer drugs

Saw Palmetto

Method of action: effects the levels of testosterone so decreases the growth of prostate cells so it is used to treat BPH

• Can interact with antiplatelet and anticoagulation meds (also iron supplements)

• What type of drug-drug interactions might occur?

1. Oral contraceptives, estrogen replacements

2. Other BPH meds