Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
May Be Beneficial:Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication.
Food
May Be Beneficial:Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better.
Low-salt diet
Depletion or interference
None known
Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability
None known
Adverse interaction
None known
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interaction with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Taking carvedilol with food slows the speed, but not the overall extent of absorption of the
drug. Though taking carvedilol with food does not reduce the effectiveness of the drug, it
might reduce the incidence of a common side effect known as orthostatic
hypotension.1 Therefore, people should take carvedilol with a meal.
Salt restriction
In one controlled clinical trial, lowering dietary salt intake increased the fall in blood
pressure obtained with carvedilol.2 Therefore, people taking carvedilol to treat
high blood pressure should consider eating a diet
low in salt to improve the outcome of drug therapy.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale,
NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2989–92.
2. Ruilope LM, Lahera V. Influence of salt intake on the antihypertensive
effect of carvedilol. J Hypertens Suppl 1993;11:S17–9.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience,
or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur
in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over
the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist
for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in
prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.
