Herbal agents

Question 1

Ginger

Answer 1

If it starts with a G, it increases the risk of bleeding.

Uses:
* Nausea
* Dyspepsia
* Constipation
* Colic

Side effects:
* Heart burn Bloating
* Flatus
* Belching

Hazards/precautions/interactions:
* Increases risk of bleeding
* Should not be taken with ASA or warfarin

Question 2

Ginseng

Answer 2

If it starts with a G, it increases the risk of bleeding.

Uses:
* As an adaptogen, used to increase overall physical and mental well being
* Lower cholesterol
* Reduced fatigue
* Enhance libido

Side effects:
* Insomnia
* Nausea
* Diarrhea
* Headaches
* Nervousness
* Nosebleeds

Hazards/precautions/interactions:
* Increases risk of bleeding
* Should not be taken with ASA or warfarin
* Blood presure changes (either high or low)
* Mania in depressed pts taking MAOIs
* May inhibit the effects of opioids

Question 3

St. John’s Wort

Answer 3

Uses:
* Depression
* Anxiety
* Sleep disorder
* Improve BPH symptoms

Side effects:
* Increase sensitivity to sunlight
* Anxiety
* Dry mouth
* Dizziness
* GI symptoms
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Sexual dysfunction

Hazards/precautions/interactions:
* Increases risk of clotting
* Should not be taken with ASA or warfarin
* Many drug interactions (SSRIs–may cause serotonin syndrome and decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives, digoxin, and HIV meds)

Question 4

Echinacea

Answer 4

Uses:
* Reduce symptoms of common cold

Side Effects:
* Allergic reactions
* Nausea
* Abdominal pain
* Dysuria
* Myalgia

Nazards/precautions/interactions:
* Anaphylaxis
* Hepatotoxicity
* Nephrotoxicity
* Potentially could cause sedation during anesthesia

Question 5

Gingko Biloba

Answer 5

If it starts with a G, it increases the risk of bleeding.

Uses:
* Memory and concentration enhancer
* Improving symptoms of alzheimers disease, intermittent claudication and glaucoma

Side effects:
* Nausea
* Vomitting
* Diarrhea
* Headaches
* Dizziness
* Palpitations

Hazards/precautions/interactions:
* Increases risk of bleeding
* Should not be taken with ASA or warfarin
* May increase blood pressure

Question 6

Black cohosh

Answer 6

Uses:
* Improving premenstrual and menopausal discomfort

Side effects:
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Dizziness
* Mastalgia
* Weight gain

Hazards/precautions/interactions
* When taking large amounts may cause seizures, visual disturbances, bradycardia.
* May increase risk of bleeding (vaginal)
* Mimics estrogen effects, should not be taken by women taking hormone replacement

Question 7

Evening primrose

Answer 7

Uses:
* Improving premenstrual and menopausal discomfort
* To relieve diabetic neuropathic pain

Side effects:
* Nausea
* Soft stools
* Headache
* Allergy

Hazards/precautions/interactions:
* May increase the risk of epilepsy in pts takin antipsychotics
* May increase the incidence of seizures in patients with seizure disorders requiring anesthesia for surgery

Question 8

Kava Kava

Answer 8

Uses:
* Improve relaxation without disrupting mental clarity

Side effects:
* Rash
* Eye irritation

Hazards/precautions/interactions:
* Higher doses and long term use can lead to HTN, liver damage, visual impairments, and dry skin
* Alcohol increases toxic effects
* May worsen parkinson’s symptoms
* May impair reaction time when driving

Question 9

Garlic

Answer 9

If it starts with a G, it increases the risk of bleeding.

Uses:
* Improve digestion and respiratory complaints
* Increase energy levels

Side effects:
* Bad breath
* Nausea
* Indigestion

Hazards/precautions/interactions:
* Increases risk of bleeding
* Should not be taken with ASA or oral anticoagulants