Herb And Drug Interactions

Herbs are more widely used today in energy drinks and in supplements than every before. When ingested in combination with some prescription drugs and over the counter medications, complications can lead to serious clinical consequences. Why?

Possible Contamination
The supplement industry in the U.S. is loosely regulated and physical contamination of herbal products is a major factor in the interaction process. Over the counter medications and prescription drugs are heavily regulated and standardized – they are safer to use and content pure.

Concurrent Use of Herbs May Mimic, Magnify, or Oppose the Effect of Drugs
Huh? Some herbs can cause side effects when used in combination with prescription drugs that are avoidable. A good example is the use of garlic or gingko biloba and blood thinner medications. Your physician may decide for a number of reasons to place you on blood thinners and the concurrent use with these herbs may result in internal bleeding.

Safe Consumption Levels
Some herbs may be considered safe to ingest in specific doses only. The United States loosely regulates supplements and herb levels can fluctuate from product to product. Since it is difficult for most people to track herb quantities in energy drinks, they may overload their systems without even realizing the serious consequences of excess consumption. If you are going to consume energy drinks, make sure you inform your physician. Your doctor will probably ask you what supplements you ingest daily. Be sure to inform your physician about any energy drinks and amounts (number of cans per day) consumed per day.

Patricia Zifferblatt | October 14, 2008 BLI