| Herbal Medications and Drug Interactions - Ginko Biloba: taken for alzheimers, vascular dementia, peripheral vascular disease, erectile dysfunction, and tinnitis. Aspirin-spontaneous hyphema; Coumadin-intracerebral hemorrhage; Thiazide diuretics-hypertension; Acetominophen, ergotamine/caffeine-subdural hematoma.
- St. John's Wort: taken for mild depression. anti-virals, cyclosporine, theophylline, coumadin-decreases levels of drugs available; Digoxin-decreased drug absorption for stomach; SSRI-lethargy/incoherence
- Saw Palmetto: taken for prostrate. No specific drug interactions. However may cause headaches or stomach upset
- Ginseng: taken as a cure-all herb. Coumadin- decreased clotting; Alcohol- increased alcohol effect
- Yohimbine: taken for sexual dysfunction Amitriptyline-hypertension
- Senna, cascara: taken as laxative. interferes with intestinally absorbed drugs: decrease drug effect
Over-the-Counter Medications (OTC) - Always the label: what it is for, how to take it, ingredients, side effects, warnings, precautions
- Know what types of OTC's to avoid while taking your prescriptions; ask your Pharmacist
- Select OTC's that treat only the symptoms you have; avoid combination products
- Take OTC's exactly as stated on the label: more is not better, never guess. Ask your Pharmacist
- Use extra caution when taking more than 1 OTC. Many products contain the same active ingredients
- As with Rx medications, do not use after thei expiration date. Flush down the toilet
- Most OTC's are for temporary use. Talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist if taken longer than recommended
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