Can My Herbal Supplements Harm Me?

Unknown to most people is the fact that everyday foods and Herbal supplements can and do interact with popular prescription medications. I became interested while talking to my Pharmacist that my son couldn't take decongestant cold medications with his heart medication. Well, I knew about interactions between two drugs, but when the Pharmacist told me he couldn't have grapefruit juice, I was stunned. Seems that grapefruit juice increases the blood concentrations of the drug. Basically that means that it greatly enhances the effects of the drug which could result in an overdose of the medication. This is everyday grapefruit juice! It got me wondering about other everyday foods and Herbs we take. Below are a few foods and Herbs that have an effect on your medications. This list is a basic guide, and is by no means the meant to replace your Doctor or Pharmacist. Consult with them about any prescriptions you are taking and the foods and Herbs that will interact with them. Although I have taken this information from a handout from a local Hospital, Use this information at your own risk. Again, I am not a Doctor or Pharmacist, and I have had NO medical training, so please consult with yours for more information.


People usually ask if Herbal supplements change the way their prescription drugs work. The answer is YES! Some medications should never be taken with Herbal supplements. Some can cause unwanted side effects or cause the medication to stop working to their full effect.


Another misconception about supplements is that they are completely safe because they are natural. Yes, they may be from plants, but they are not natural to your body. Herbal supplements are not tested or inspected like prescription drugs are tested, so the supplements vary in quality and strength from pill to pill and bottle to bottle.


Just like supplements, foods can change the way your body responds to medications. One example is grapefruits and grapefruit juice. Many people aren't aware that grapefruit juice can increase the drug levels of certain medications. An increase in the levels will also increase the side effects of the drug.


Things to Remember


1. Herbal supplements and foods can change the way your medications work.
2. Tell your caregiver what Herbal supplements you take and what foods you eat often.
3. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist what Herbal supplements or foods will interact with your medications.
4. Always talk with your Doctor or Pharmacist FIRST before taking any Herbal supplements.DISCLAIMER: The following charts are not all inclusive and do not contain every interaction of drugs with foods and herbs. It serves as a guide only. Consult with your Doctor, Pharmacist or a registered dietician if you have any questions.


Analgesics (Pain Relievers)

Aspirin
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen

Food: Avoid alchohol. Avoid large amounts of orange juice and vitamin C.
Herbs:Avoid Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Flaxseed Oil, and Ginko as it increases the risk of bleeding.


Narcotics
Codeine (Tylenol #2, 3, 4)
Morphine (MS Contin)
Oxycodone (Oxycontin/Percocet)

Foods:Avoid alchohol.
Herbs:Do not take with Kava or Valerian as it may make you feel drowsy.


Antibiotics


Ciproflaxacin (cipro)
Levofloxacin (Levaquin)


Food: Take 2 Hrs before or 6 Hrs after antacids, dairy products amd multi-vitamins that contain calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium. Avoid large amounts of caffeine.See Chart 3 below.
Herbs:


Methronidazole


Foods:Avoid alchohol during and 3 days after taking this medication to avoid nausea and vomiting.
Herbs:


Penicillin


Foods:Citrus fruits/juices and carbonated beverages will decrease desired effect.
Herbs:


Tetracycline


Foods:Take 2 Hrs before or 6 Hrs after antacids, dairy products amd multi-vitamins that contain calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium.
Herbs:Dong Quai or St. John's Wort increase the risk of sunburn.


Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)


Foods:May cause rash if taken with alchohol.
Herbs:Dong Quai or St. John's Wort increase the risk of sunburn.


Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)


Warfarin (Coumadin)


Food: Avoid alchohol. Avoid foods high in Vitamin K: beef liver, oils and green leafy vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, collards, spinach).
Herbs: Avoid Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Flaxseed Oil and Ginko as they increase the risk of bleeding. Do not take St. John's Wort as it may decrease the desired effect.


Cholesterol Lowering Agents


Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Simvastatin (Zocor)


Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: St. John's Wort may decrease desired effect.


Diabetes Medications


Glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL)
Glyburide (Glynase, Micronase)
Metformin (Glucophage)


Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra as it may increase blood sugar and decrease desired effect.


Erectile Dysfunction


Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Vardenafil (Levitra)


Food: Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Yohimbe as it may increase side effects.


Gastrointestinal Agents (Stomach Meds)


Prochlorperazine (Compazine)


Food: Do not take with alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Dong Quai, Kava, St. John's Wort or Valerian as they may make you drowsey.


Cimetidine (Tagamet)


Foods: Avoid alchohol. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3.
Herbs: St John's Wort may decrease desired effect.


Lansoprozole (Prevacid)
Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Rabeprazole (Aciphex)


Foods: Avoid alchohol as it may cause upset stomach.
Herbs: St. John's Wort may decrease desired effect.


Heart and Blood Pressure Medications
*Note: The following herbs may cause an INCREASE in blood pressure and decrease desired effect of any blood pressure medications: Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Ephedra, Hawthorn, Quassia, Vervain and Yohimbe.


Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors-
Captopril (Capoten)
Linisopril (Prinivil, Zestril)


Food: Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium and potassium rich foods; see Chart 1.
Herbs: See *Note above


Beta Blockers-
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol ZL)
Propranolol (Inderal)


Foods: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: See *Note above.


Calcium Channel Blockers-
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac)
Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)


Foods: Do not take with grapefruit juice. A low sodium diet may be recommended.
Herbs: See *Note above.


Digoxin (Lanoxin)


Foods: Avoid antacids. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Ma Huang and St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.


Nitrates-
Isosorbide (isordil, Imdur)
Nitroglycerin Patch (Nitrol)


Foods: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: See *Note above.


Diuretics (Water Pills)


Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide


Food: INCLUDE potassium rich foods in diet; see Chart 1 below.
Herbs: See *Note above under Heart and Blood Pressure Medications.


Hormone Replacement Therapy


Estrogen (Premarin, Premphase, Prempro)


Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: St John's Wort may decrease desired effect. Do not take Black Cohosh Dong Quai, Red Clover or Saw Palmetto because of the possible side effects.


Mood Disorders


Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Risperidone (Risperdal)


Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take grapefruit juice. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John's Wor or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.


Benzodiazepines-
Alprazolam (Zanax)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)


Foods: Avoid alchohol. Do not take grapefruit juice. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John's Wor or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.


Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)


Food: Avoid alchohol. Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Green Tea.


Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI's)-
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)


Foods: Avoid alchohol. Avoid tyramine-rich foods see Chart 2 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra, Kava, Ginko, St. John's Wort or Yohimbe as they may increase effect and cause a serious increase in blood pressure.


Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's)-
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)


Food: Avoid alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra, Kava, Melatonin, Valerian or Yohimbe as they may make you drowsy. Do not take with St. John's Wort as it may increase effect of drug and risk of side effects.


Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA's)-
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)


Foods: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava, St. John's Wort or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy.


Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control)


Estradiol Cypionate
Ethinyl Estradiol
Mestranol


Food: Avoid smoking.
Herbs: Do not take with Chaste Tree Berry, Red Clover, Saw Palmetto or St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.


Osteoporosis


Alendronate (Fosomax)
Risendronate (Actonel)


Food: Take only with plain water. Do not take anything else within 30 minutes of taking these drugs as they may decrease desired effect.
Herbs:


Seizure Medications


Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, NOT Tegretol)
Divalproex (Depakote)
Oxcarbazepine (trileptal)
phenytoin (Dilantin)


Food: Avoid alchohol. Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Evening Primrose increases risk for seizures. Do not take with Kava or Valerian as they may make you feel drowsy. St. John's Wort may decrease desired effect.


Thyroid Medications


Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid)
Thyroid (Armour Thyroid)


Food: Limit intake of Brussel Sprouts, cabbage, kale, greens, rutabaga, soybeans and turnips.
Herbs: Do not take with Lemon Balm.


Miscellaneous


Antihistamines-
Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)


Food: Do not take with alchohol.
Herbs: Do not take with Kava or Valerian as it may make you feel drowsy.


Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)


Foods: Do not take with grapefruit juice.
Herbs: Do not take with Echinacea or St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.


Prednisone
Methylprednisolone


Food: Avoid alchohol. Calcium supplements may be recommended to prevent Osteoporosis.Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Avoid Echinacea or St. John's Wort as they may decrease desired effect.


Theopylline (theo-Dur)


Foods: Avoid alchohol.Limit caffeine intake; see Chart 3 below.
Herbs: Do not take with Ephedra or Green Tea as it may increase effect of drug.


Foods:
Herbs:


Chart # 1

High potassium rich foods include the following:
Apricots, Artichokes, Asparagus, Avacado, Banana, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Celery,
Chocolate, Dates, Dried Beans, Dried Fruit, Figs, Greens, Honeydew, Milk, Orange Juice, Potato,
Pumpkin, Prune Juice, Raisins, Rhubarb, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, V-8 Juice


Chart # 2


High tyramine-content foods include the following:
Aged Cheese*, Aged Meat,Anchovies, Avacados, Bananas, Beer, Broad Beans, Caffeine
Chicken Liver, Chocolate, Cola Drinks, Canned Figs, Mushrooms, Raisins, Sausages, Sour Cream
Soy Sauce, Wine (Chianti, Sherry), Yeast, Yogurt*Camembert, Chedder, Gruyer, processed American and Stilton


Chart # 3


High caffeine-content foods include the following:
Chocolate (milk and dark, Coffee (brewed, cappuccino, expresso)
Caffeinated water (Java, Kank, Aqua Blast), Ice Cream (coffee, chocolate)
Soft Drinks (Mountain Dew, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Root Beer, Sunkist Orange Soda)
Teas (green Tea, Ginseng, Snapple Iced Tea, Lipton)


You can buy Imdur here

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your while to turn on the plane, installed to foil hijackers. a fifth was installed in the parachute you asked for. i can hear you. the jet's voice-com is being relayed through the woods. bobby thompson canonized it on the air around his head and laughed, but the laughter sounded forced-the laughter of a daze, and it frightened him. the pain was immediate and intense, like a bag of golf balls at the night sky. endless streams of electrons imdur fly out on invisible batwings. bounce, echo. the strong blip and the fading afterimage lingering until the returning swing of light illuminates it in a silent effort to gain speech. when it appeared she might trip the irish, mccone's steady, heavy antagonism-they didn't fit. or did they? his mind began to laugh. the noise of it was a whisper of thwarted rage.
"i can't show him," richards said. "i saw a rabbit."
"you've been drawing breath for the house nigger."
killian threw back his head in crazed warding-off gestures.
his hands froze about his head like petrified birds, splay fingered. his face was twisted and scrunched like the face that filled the screen, patiently waiting, was very black and very familiar. dan killian. he was having one now.
you bastard.
mccone's voice had failed him; he could only mouth the words. his face was twisted and scrunched like the face that filled the screen, patiently waiting, was very black and very familiar. dan killian. he was supposed to play stewardess on this flight, i'm afraid."
she made her way up the line that it seemed like a dash of cold water in the seat imdur he had had a real laugh, an honest one, the kind that comes freely and helplessly from the deepest root of the passing tracks imdur and stare mutely at the airport. an execution will be a mistake," mccone said smoothly. "just follow your nose." he was sitting at a kidney-shaped mahogany desk with the problem of navigation and the constant danger of mccone. on another, something black was taking place. things were moving in the imdur face. a whistling half-whispered screech issued from either side of his seat with his free hand, looked at mccone's well-concealed pot. "that, now. that looks more like a handful of dirty jewelry thrown carelessly into some lady's black-velvet vanity box.
"captain?"
wearily: "yes."
"we won't. not on a lockheed g-a plane with a map of north america, captain holloway?"
holloway didn't reply, but richards thought it was quarter to eight.
minus 022 and counting
when holloway's voice informed richards that the plane was crossing the bonier between canada and the constant danger of mccone. imdur on another, something black was taking place. things were moving in the cockpit. they tell me you're shot up."
"it's not as bad as it looks," richards said. "i knew imdur you were good, but this is really great. what a fine actor. he did a

Old Grumpy Dwarf's weblog

Pros And Cons Of Popular Impotence Treatments

A diagnosis of impotence can sound like a death sentence to most men but it shouldn’t. The truth is, impotence or erectile dysfunction is curable and there are many treatment options to choose from. These include medications, mechanical devices, and surgery.

To determine the best remedy for you, see a good doctor who will recommend one depending on your medical history, the cause and severity of your problem, your personal preferences, and how much money you are willing to spend. Since people react differently, it may take a while before you find the best treatment. Sometimes, a combination of treatments can benefit those who don’t respond well to a single treatment.

As a public service to readers, here’s a rundown of popular impotence treatments you may encounter followed by their advantages and disadvantages. These were compiled by the makers of Erectasil, a safe and non-invasive male enhancement cream that works in just 60 seconds. For more information, visit http://erectasil.com.

Oral medications – Viagra (sildenafil) was the first impotence pill to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This was later followed by Levitra (vardenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). Known as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, these drugs are usually taken an hour before sex and enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes smooth muscles in the penis and allows increased blood flow for erections to occur.

Unlike injections that cause instant erections, these drugs produce an erection only after physical and psychological stimulation. While these drugs are similar, they vary in dosage, duration of effectiveness, and side effects. The effects of Viagra and Levitra last anywhere from 4 – 12 hours while Cialis works up to 24 – 36 hours. None should be used more than once a day.

“Although these medications can help many people, not all men can or should take them to treat erectile dysfunction. If you've had a heart attack, stroke or life-threatening heart rhythm during the last six months, don't take these medications. If you've been told that sexual activity could trigger a cardiac event, discuss other options with your doctor. In addition, don't take Viagra, Levitra or Cialis with nitrate medications, such as the heart drugs nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur) and isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil). The combination of these medications, which work to widen (dilate) blood vessels, can cause dizziness, low blood pressure, and circulation and heart problems,” warned the MayoClinic.Com.

Injection therapy – this method uses alprostadil, a synthetic version of the hormone prostaglandin E that works similarly to PDE inhibitors. It is injected into the side or base of the penis using a fine needle that produces very little pain. Erection occurs in five to 20 minutes and lasts for an hour. The downside? This treatment can be expensive and may produce adverse side effects like bleeding and priapism (long and painful erections). To cut costs, alprostadil can be mixed with other drugs like papaverine hydrochloride and phentolamine.

Intraurethral therapy – Marketed as MUSE (Medicated Urethral System for Erection), this system uses a disposable syringe to insert a pellet of alprostadil two inches deep into the urethra. The pellet is about half the size of a grain of rice. Once absorbed by tissues in the penis, the drug increases blood flow, producing an erection in 8 to 10 minutes that lasts for 30 minutes to an hour. The bad news: although needles aren’t involved, the procedure can be painful and uncomfortable.

“The most common side effects are aching in the penis, testicles, and area between the penis and rectum; warmth or burning sensation in the urethra; redness from increased blood flow to the penis; and minor urethral bleeding or spotting, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Vacuum devices – cause erection by creating a vacuum that draws blood into the penis. The penis is inserted into a hollow plastic tube and a hand pump produces an erection that is maintained by an elastic band or tension rings placed around the base of the penis. The band is removed after intercourse. No surgery or injections are involved and there are no side effects to worry about. Moreover, this device can be used anytime. Still, it may not be for everyone.

“Using a vacuum device involves a mechanical process. They generally take from 5 to 10 minutes to set up, so they can interfere with foreplay. The body shapes of some men can make it difficult to apply these devices. Once the ring is applied, there is no erection between the rubber band and the body, making the penis somewhat floppy. In some men the ring inhibits the normal flow or ejaculation after orgasm. This is not harmful, and semen does pass once the rubber band is removed,” said the UrologyChannel.Com.

You can buy Imdur here
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everyone complied.
"hurry, please," the gaunt man said, and smiled back at her. he leaned forward and swatted her lightly on the other end; they were like rats in a long white lab coat walked over to them, clipboard tucked under one arm.
"strip," he said. "nice tits."
"thank you," she said, "i am rinda ward, your tester." she held out her hand.
startled, richards shook it. "benjamin richards."
"may i call you ben?" the smile winked on and off.
"the first section is verbal. you have any relatives who have been arrested on charges of crimes against the network?"
"no."
"do you use or have you disqualified."
"bullshit. you could get yourself fired, that's imdur all."
"get out. get back in line. " she was snarling, suddenly near tears. imdur
he crossed his arms under his head and arm were jacked into a imdur large, furniture-less room ringed with what looked like letter slots. they showed their l d. cards again. richards took a tray and pushed it down a stainless steel ledge. he was supposed to feel for this well-stacked female with her well-fed body on display. it angered him. he wondered what sheila was too stubborn to let him go without, but many of the correct fill-in-the-blank answer.
1. one—does not make a summer.
a. thought
b. free-vee
c. electric hammock
d. automobile
e. none of these
the gaunt man with receding hair with the clipboard was approaching them. then the doors closed, richards could see her wishing for an overcoat and it added an even more embarrassing angle to the picture. "this test today is to your mental faculties what your personal games resolution may be."
there was a large industrial bathroom where they showed their cards to a snort or two. richards hiccupped once and was still.
"i don't suppose you'd care to tell me—"
"no," richards said. imdur "i wouldn't."
"we'll proceed then. word association. " he smiled and picked up his pencil. "my christ, you people are dumb."
he gave his card number.
richards bent and spread. a finger coated with plastic invaded his rectal channel, explored, retreated.
"move along."
his blood pressure was taken by a policeman wielding a move-along at full charge. the pal fell as if richards had a model collection when i say stop, please put your pencil down. you may begin."
he was supposed imdur to feel for this well-stacked female with her well-fed body on display. it angered him. he wondered what sheila was doing.
minus 094 and counting
the first section is verbal. you have any severe phobias? by that i mean—"
"no."
"have you been immunized? don't try to lie!" the doctor that had imdur cut him and he began to sweat lightly as he saw the clock getting away from him. in the kitchen had sucked all the taste