Compiled by Pam Duff, RN, CSNC 2009
Information has been obtained from various sources. (See References.)
- The following is not a comprehensive list and only meant to be used as a guide. It is not a means to diagnose. If in doubt, always check with your doctor or pharmacist for possible interactions.
- NEVER take any supplement at the same time as a medication. This includes herbs as well as vitamins and minerals. Unless completely contraindicated, allowing two to three hours away from each other prevents or minimizes any possible interference.
- The nutrients listed are ones that have been studied and known to be depleted by these medications. However, it is strongly suspected that other nutrients in the same family should be included. For example, if a drug depletes one fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, E, or K) or one B-vitamin, then most likely other fat soluble vitamins and other B vitamins will be affected as well.
- Grapefruit juice should NEVER be taken when someone is on a medication. This is because grapefruit, and its juice, contains certain flavonoids (naringenin, quercetin, kaempferol) which increase the concentrations of many drugs, sometimes tripling the amount. Effects can last for three days or more. (It is suspected that pomegranate juice may cause similar problems).
- Ethanol: Although it is not an herb or a drug, it is found in many herbal preparations and supplements. It does interact with a great many medications; increasing sedation, mental depression, and impairment, depending on the quantity taken. Therefore, it should be avoided as much as possible.
(We invite you to check the books which we have compiled.)
