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Natural health product interactions with medication
1Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA. joseph.boullata@temple.edu
Summary
Dietary supplements can interact with medications through pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms. Recognizing and managing these supplement-drug interactions is crucial, especially for high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Dietary supplements are increasingly used by the general population and patients.
- Supplement-drug interactions pose a risk to at least 15 million US adults.
- These interactions can occur via pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the influence of dietary supplements on medication disposition and effects.
- To provide examples of supplement-drug interactions.
- To highlight patient populations at greatest risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on supplement-drug interactions.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms.
- Identification of documented versus potential interactions.
Main Results:
- Supplement-drug interactions can alter medication absorption, metabolism, and effects.
- Patients with chronic diseases, polypharmacy, genetic variations, or impaired organ function are at higher risk.
- Evidence quality is a limitation, with many interactions being theoretical.
Conclusions:
- Supplement-drug interactions are significant and require recognition, reporting, and management.
- Distinguishing between documented and potential interactions is essential.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and manage these interactions.