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Ocular side effects from herbal medicines and nutritional supplements
1Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland 97239-4197, USA. eyedrug@ohsu.edu <eyedrug@ohsu.edu>
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 19, 2004
Summary
Herbal medicines and nutritional supplements can cause serious ocular side effects. Ophthalmologists must recognize these adverse events, as many patients use these agents without their doctor's knowledge.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Herbal medicines and nutritional supplements are widely used by the general population.
- Ophthalmologists must be aware of potential ocular adverse effects associated with these agents.
- Lack of physician knowledge regarding patient use of supplements can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant herbal and nutritional agents with clinical importance in ophthalmology.
- To describe the ocular side effects associated with these agents.
- To provide World Health Organization (WHO) classification and guidelines for clinicians.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational case series.
- Collected spontaneous reports from WHO, FDA, and National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects.
- Reviewed world literature for additional case reports and adverse ocular reaction insights.
Main Results:
- 263 spontaneous reports and 60 literature case reports were analyzed.
- Specific agents linked to ocular side effects include Canthaxanthine, chamomile, Datura, Echinacea purpurea, Ginkgo biloba, licorice, niacin, and vitamin A.
- Data collected included patient demographics, therapy duration, concomitant medications, dosage, and dechallenge/rechallenge results.
Conclusions:
- Herbal medicines and nutritional supplements pose a risk of ocular side effects.
- Clinicians must be vigilant in identifying these adverse events.
- Increased awareness is crucial due to the high prevalence of supplement use among patients.