Are emergency department patients at risk for herb-drug interactions?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of herbal and/or dietary supplement use and identify patients at risk for herb-drug interactions.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 944 patients were surveyed to determine the prevalence and types of supplements used. Patients with heart disease, diabetes, psychiatric disorders, and/or hypertension were assessed for potential interactions.


RESULTS
One hundred thirty-five (14.3%) patients reported regular use. Of these, 79.3% were taking supplements concurrently with prescription medications, and 80.0% were administered medication(s) in the emergency department. Cardiac: 19.8% (n = 33) reported regular use, with four potential interactions. Hypertension: 20.3% (n = 54) reported regular use, with two potential interactions. Diabetes: 15.9% (n = 20) reported regular use, with no known interactions. Psychiatric: 15.9% (n = 10) reported regular use, with one potential interaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Six patients were identified at risk for seven known herb-drug interactions. The prevalence of undisclosed herbal supplement use and lack of research on these supplements suggest that more patients may be at risk.
Rogers
E A
EA
Department of Emergency Medicine, The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
Gough
J E
JE
Brewer
K L
KL
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires