special subjects
Ginseng
What drug interactions occur with ginseng?
Ginsengcan interact with drugs that prevent blood clots,aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids,digoxin,estrogentherapy, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, used to treat depression), and drugs that decrease blood sugar levels (antihyperglycemic drugs, used to treat diabetes). Ginsengmay also increase serum concentrations of certain drugs. For instance,ginsengcan increase levels ofimatinib(used to treat leukemia) andraltegravir(used to treat HIV), causing liver toxicity. Ifginsengis combined with certain drugs that affect heart rhythm, such asamiodaroneorthioridazine, arrhythmias may occur. 