special subjects
Garlic
What drug interactions occur with garlic?
Small amounts ofgarlicthat may be eaten as part of the diet are unlikely to cause drug interactions. However, larger amounts as may be taken as supplements may interact with drugs that prevent blood clots (such aswarfarin), increasing risk of bleeding. Thus,garlicshould not be eaten or taken as a supplement 2 weeks before surgery or before a dental procedure. ) making them less effective, and may interact with Medication Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus causing excessive decreases in blood sugar levels. Garliccan also add to the effects of blood pressure–lowering drugs and thus lower blood pressure too much.Garliccan also interact withtacrolimus(a drug to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ), resulting in increased levels oftacrolimusand liver damage. Animal studies have shown thatgarlicdecreasesisoniazidlevels. 