special subjects
Goldenseal
What drug interactions occur with goldenseal?
Goldenseal may increase the effectiveness of drugs that prevent blood clots (such aswarfarin), increasing bleeding. Goldenseal affects how the liver processes some drugs, which may result in other important drug interactions. Thus, goldenseal may increase levels of antihypertensive (blood pressure–lowering) drugs and thus result in blood pressure that is too low. Goldenseal may also increase levels ofcyclosporine, a drug used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. The berberine in goldenseal may increase the hypoglycemic effects of antihyperglycemic drugs. 