special subjects
Astragalus
What drug interactions occur with astragalus?
Because astragalus can make the immune system more active, it might reduce the effects of drugs (such astacrolimusandcyclosporine) that suppress immune system activity. Astragalus and its components have similar effects to the hormoneestrogen,so it could decrease effectiveness of cancer treatments designed to suppressestrogen. Astragalus seems to prevent blood from clotting, so it could increase the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulants. Astragalus might lower blood pressure too much in people taking drugs to lower their blood pressure. Astragalus might increase the impact of diuretics (drugs to increase urine). Astragalus might make it hard for the body to get rid oflithium, so dangerous levels oflithiumcould build up in people who take both astragalus andlithium. 