Supplements Flashcards
What is fish oil used for?
Hypertriglyceridemia
What are some side effects of fish oil?
GI upset, heartburn, indigestion, fishy taste
When do you need to use caution with fish oil?
anticoagulants/platelets, active bleed, PUD
What is niacin used for?
dyslipidemia (increases HDL and decreases TG)
What is a common side effect of niacin?
flushing (noted improvement after 2 weeks of continuous use)
How can you prevent flushing in patients taking niacin?
slowly increase dose, pretreat with aspirin, take with meals, use ER formulation, take at bedtime
What is ginger used for?
nausea and vomiting
Can you use ginger for CINV or motion sickness?
no
When do you usually notice ADRs from ginger?
with doses >3 g/day
What is a risk from ginger?
increased bleeding risk
What is St. John’s wort used for?
treatment of mild/moderate depression (NOT major), extensive use with some efficacy
What are some common side effects from St. John’s wort?
vivid dreams, headache, dizziness, GI upset, dry mouth, photodermatitis
What drugs does St. John’s wort interact with?
CYP inducers, PGP inducers, digoxin, HIV meds, warfarin
What is cranberry used for?
thought to interfere with bacteria’s ability to adhere to the urinary tract wall, used to prevent UTIs
What patients should use caution when taking cranberry?
aspirin allergy (has small amount of salicylic acid)
What can cranberry cause?
kidney stones
What is saw palmetto used for?
BPH, doesn’t decrease prostate size or PSA
What is a common side effect of saw palmetto?
GI upset
What is echinacea used for?
Some evidence it can decrease URTI by 1 day, must be started at the onset of symptoms and taken for 7 days
What are common side effects of echinacea?
GI upset, rash, allergic reaction
What in echinacea can cause an allergic reaction?
ragweed, marigold, daisies
What is melatonin used for?
insomnia, shift disorder, jet lag
What is an important counseling point for patients taking melatonin?
take ~2 hours before bedtime
