Herbalism Herb-Drug Interactions 2

Question 1

Ginkgo biloba should be used cautiously with which class of medications?

Accepted Answer

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs

Answer

Ginkgo inhibits platelet-activating factor and has blood-thinning properties that can enhance the effects of anticoagulants, increasing bleeding risk.

Question 2

Which herb is known to potentially increase digoxin toxicity by altering potassium balance?

Accepted Answer

Licorice root

Answer

Licorice can cause hypokalemia (low potassium) through mineralocorticoid-like effects, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity since low potassium sensitizes the heart to digoxin.

Question 3

A patient on metformin for type 2 diabetes asks about taking berberine. The primary concern is:

Accepted Answer

Additive blood glucose-lowering effect causing hypoglycemia

Answer

Berberine activates AMPK and lowers blood glucose similarly to metformin; combining them may cause excessive glucose lowering and hypoglycemia.

Question 4

Valerian root combined with pharmaceutical sleep aids or sedatives raises concern mainly because of:

Accepted Answer

Additive sedation leading to excessive CNS depression

Answer

Valerian's sedative constituents (valerenic acid, GABA-ergic effects) add to those of prescription sedatives, potentially causing excessive sedation or respiratory depression.

Question 5

Echinacea may theoretically reduce the effectiveness of which drug category based on its immune-stimulating properties?

Accepted Answer

Immunosuppressants

Answer

Echinacea's immune-stimulating effects could potentially antagonize drugs meant to suppress immune function, such as those used after organ transplant.

Herbalism Practice Test

Herbalism Practice Test

Herbalism Herb-Drug Interactions 2