Potential drug-herb interaction with antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs.
This is a cross-sectional survey evaluating the use of herbal medicines in medical wards patients that may interfere with the effect of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. Among the 250 patients participated, 42.4% (n=106) were taking herbs with 76 patients (71.7%) using herbs for the past 12 months. Overall, almost 31% (n=23, N=76) of patients were taking one or more of the specified herbal medicines [ginseng (Panax ginseng), garlic (Allium sativum), ginkgo (Gingko biloba) thought to interact with antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The study showed that 21% (n=16, N=76) of patients co-ingested specified herbs with antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, of which half of them were at risk of potential drug-herb interactions. A large proportion of respondents involved in potential drug-herb interaction were elderly people (62.5%, n=5). However, more than 90% of herbal users did not disclose the use of herbal medicine to their health professionals. It is thus prudent for all care givers to be aware of the possibility of drug-herb interaction and inquire about herbal use from patients.
Saw
Jun Tze
JT
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Science Malaysia, Minden, 11800 Penang, Malaysia. jtsaw@ucsi.edu.my
Bahari
Mohd Baidi
MB
Ang
Hooi Hoon
HH
Lim
Yu Hoe
YH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005737:Garlic / Q000009:adverse effects; D020441:Ginkgo biloba / Q000009:adverse effects; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D041743:Herb-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005894:Panax / Q000009:adverse effects; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000009:adverse effects; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000925:Anticoagulants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors