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Khat: A Substance of Growing Abuse with Adverse Drug Interaction Risks
1Department of Oral Biology/Pharmacology, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University Augusta, GA 30912-1128, USA.
Journal of the National Medical Association
|August 22, 2018
Summary
Khat chewing can significantly alter how the body processes medications, potentially reducing antibiotic effectiveness and increasing stimulant drug effects. Healthcare providers need awareness of these adverse khat-drug interactions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Drug Interactions
- Herbal Medicine
Background:
- Khat (Catha edulis) is a stimulant shrub with increasing global availability.
- Concerns exist regarding potential adverse interactions between khat and conventional pharmaceuticals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and document known and suspected adverse interactions between khat and commonly used drugs.
- To highlight the need for further research into the mechanisms and clinical significance of these interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on khat-drug interactions.
- Analysis of reported effects on drug bioavailability, efficacy, and toxicity.
Main Results:
- Khat reduces the bioavailability of oral antibiotics (ampicillin, amoxicillin, cephradine, tetracyclineHCl) and chloroquine.
- Khat enhances cardiovascular and CNS stimulant effects of MAOIs and amphetamine-like drugs.
- Khat counteracts antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, local anesthetics, and aspirin's cardioprotective effects.
- Khat may augment drug effects/toxicity via CYP2D6 inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Khat chewing poses significant risks for adverse drug interactions.
- Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and clinical implications.
- Healthcare providers must be informed to manage patients who use khat.
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